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Frequently Asked Questions

Control Units

What is a CNC control unit?

A CNC control unit is the portion of a computer that directs the automatic operation of the computer, interprets computer instructions and initiates proper signals to the other computer circuits to execute instructions.

Can you save money from FANUC control repair?

Yes! On average, FANUC control repair is $1,416.84 cheaper than FANUC control exchange.

What are common FANUC control board problems?

Common FANUC control board problems include: Memory loss, Input/output functionality, Data corruption or power supply.

What is the cost of FANUC control repair?

The average cost of FANUC control repair is $2,704.37 with the maximum repair cost being $4,738.00 and the minimum repair cost being $158.00. Search our parts database to get an up-to-date repair pricing quote for your part.

What is the cost of FANUC control exchange?

The average cost of FANUC control exchange is $4,121.21 with the maximum exchange cost being $6,819.00 and the minimum exchange cost being $246.00. Search our parts database to get an up-to-date exchange pricing quote for your part.

Do refurbished FANUC controls have a warranty?

All our FANUC control parts and repairs include a one-year warranty.

Machine Tool Parts

What are FANUC CNC machine tool parts?

FANUC CNC machine tool parts include: Servo drives, Spindle drives, Power supplies, Control boards.

Where can I get FANUC machine tool parts troubleshooting?

For over-the-phone FANUC machine tool parts troubleshooting, call Tri Star CNC Services, LLC at 815-578-9145.

What is the average cost of FANUC machine tool part exchange?

The average cost of FANUC machine tool part exchange is $1,501.16 with the maximum exchange cost being $4,009.00 and the minimum exchange cost being $255.69. Search our parts database to get an up-to-date exchange pricing quote for your part.

Power Supply

Where can I get FANUC power supply troubleshooting?

For over-the-phone FANUC power supply troubleshooting, call Tri Star CNC Services, LLC at 815-578-9145.

Why is FANUC power supply displaying an alarm code?

If your FANUC power supply is displaying an alarm code, it is malfunctioning. There can be a number of things wrong and you will probably need to send your power supply in to be repaired. See our power supply alarm code guide for a more detailed description of your code.

Should I replace or repair my FANUC power supply?

Repairing your FANUC power supply is less expensive than exchanging and is recommended for most issues. If your FANUC power supply is at the end of its service life and beyond repair, it should be replaced.

What is the cost of FANUC power supply repair?

The average cost of FANUC power supply repair is $1,982.21 with the maximum repair cost being $6,371.00 and the minimum repair cost being $197.00. Search our parts database to get an up-to-date repair pricing quote for your part.

What is the average cost of FANUC power supply exchange?

The average cost of FANUC power supply exchange is $2,388.33 with the maximum exchange cost being $7,964.00 and the minimum exchange cost being $286.00. Search our parts database to get an up-to-date repair pricing quote for your part.

Do refurbished FANUC power supplies have a warranty?

All our FANUC power supply parts and repairs include a one-year warranty.

Servo Amplifier

What is a FANUC servo amplifier?

A FANUC servo amplifier is a CNC machine part. It takes the command signal from a control panel and amplifies the low-power signal up to a level that powers the movement of a servo motor.

How do you test a FANUC servo drive?

Set the meter to ohms and test T1 to T2, T2 to T3 and T1 to T3. The range should be between 0.3 and 2.0 ohms with the average being 0.8 ohms. If you get a zero, there is a short between the two phases. If you get an exceptionally high or infinite reading, there is an opening between the two phases. For free over-the-phone FANUC servo drive troubleshooting, call Tri Star CNC Services, LLC at 815-578-9145.

What are signs that your servo amplifier is broken?

Signs that your servo amplifier is broken include: Erratic rotation and vibration, Failure of detection circuits, Blown fuses, Occurrence of OVC and HC alarms.

What is the cost of FANUC servo amplifier repair?

The average cost of FANUC servo amplifier repair is $1,788.82 with the maximum repair cost being $9,725.00 and the minimum repair cost being $679.00. Search our parts database to get an up-to-date repair pricing quote for your part.

What is the cost of FANUC servo amplifier exchange?

The average FANUC servo amplifier exchange cost is $2,161.77 with the maximum exchange cost being $10,265.00 and the minimum exchange cost being $879.00. Search our parts database to get an up-to-date exchange pricing quote for your part.

Do Tri Star CNC servo amplifiers have a warranty?

All our FANUC parts and repairs include a one-year warranty.

Spindle Amplifier

What is a FANUC spindle amplifier?

A FANUC spindle amplifier is a CNC control part. It controls the high-speed, compact AC motors used in machine tool spindle drive applications.

How can I tell if my spindle amplifier needs repair?

Signs that your spindle amplifier needs to be repaired include: Erratic operation, No rotation, Feedback failure, Abnormal DC link alarms.

What is the cost of FANUC spindle amplifier repair?

The average cost of FANUC spindle amplifier repair is $3,827.02 with the maximum repair cost being $12,936.00 and the minimum repair cost being $1,074.00. Search our parts database to get an up-to-date pricing quote on your part.

What is the cost of FANUC spindle amplifier exchange?

The average FANUC spindle amplifier exchange cost is $4,757.98 with the maximum exchange cost being $17,558.00 and the minimum exchange cost being $1,338.00. Search our parts database to get an up-to-date pricing quote on your part.

Do refurbished FANUC spindle amplifiers have a warranty?

All our FANUC spindle amplifier parts and repairs include a one-year warranty.

General / Educational

What does a CNC machine do?

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine uses computer-programmed instructions to automatically control cutting tools, motors and other machine components so it can drill, mill, turn, grind or otherwise shape a workpiece with precision. Rather than an operator manually guiding the tool, the CNC control reads a program (typically G-code) and directs each axis of motion, speed and tooling change automatically.

What is a servo drive and how does it work?

A servo drive is the component that sits between a CNC control board and a servo motor. It takes the low-power command signal from the control and amplifies it to a power level strong enough to drive the motor. A feedback sensor on the motor continuously reports its position and speed back to the drive, which adjusts voltage and frequency in real time to keep the motor moving exactly as the program commands.

What does FANUC mean?

FANUC stands for Fuji Automatic Numerical Control. The company was founded in 1972 as a spinoff of Fujitsu Ltd. by Dr. Seiuemon Inaba and has grown into one of the world's largest makers of CNC systems, industrial robots and factory automation equipment.

What programming language do FANUC robots use?

FANUC robots are programmed two main ways: directly on the robot's teach pendant using TP (Teach Pendant) programs for step-by-step motion and logic, or with KAREL, a Pascal-based high-level language used for more advanced, custom applications.

What does this FANUC alarm mean?

FANUC alarm codes point to a specific fault in your CNC's servo, spindle, power supply or system electronics, and the exact meaning depends on the alarm number and which unit displayed it. Tri Star publishes detailed alarm code guides for servo, spindle, power supply, SVPM, overtravel, overheat and system alarms - or you can call 815-578-9145 for free over-the-phone help identifying your code and next steps.

Does Tri Star only service FANUC brand equipment, or other CNC brands too?

Tri Star specializes exclusively in FANUC and GE FANUC CNC controls, servo drives, spindle drives, power supplies and machine tool parts. Focusing on one brand lets our technicians build deep, specific expertise rather than spreading support thin across many manufacturers.

Which FANUC control models does Tri Star repair?

We service a wide range of FANUC control systems, including FANUC 6, 10/11/12, 0 (Models A, B, C and i), 21 and 21i, 16i/18i, 16/18 (Models A, B and C), and 16i/18i/21i Model B.

Does Tri Star proactively replace worn parts, or only the part that failed?

When we repair or exchange a unit, our technicians also replace other components with known high failure rates at no extra charge, so the part you get back is less likely to fail again soon after it's returned to you.

Is phone troubleshooting free even if I don't send in a part?

Yes. Tri Star offers free over-the-phone troubleshooting for FANUC servo, spindle, power supply and control issues, whether or not you end up sending your part in for repair. Call 815-578-9145.

Process & Ordering

What is the process for sending in a FANUC part for repair?

Call Tri Star at 815-578-9145 or contact us online for free troubleshooting. Once your issue is diagnosed, fill out an RMA form (first-time customers also complete a new customer form and credit application), then ship your part to our McHenry, IL facility. We inspect, repair, clean and ship your part back, typically within 3 to 5 business days.

What is the difference between FANUC repair and FANUC exchange?

Repair means our technicians restore your original unit and return that same part to you. Exchange means you receive a refurbished, load-tested replacement unit from our in-stock inventory right away, typically within 36 to 48 hours, which can minimize your downtime. Exchange pricing is generally higher than repair pricing.

How long does FANUC repair or exchange take?

Exchange units are typically available within 36 to 48 hours of us receiving your part. Repairs typically take 3 to 5 business days after your part arrives at our McHenry, IL facility, though timing can vary by part and issue.

Do I need to fill out any forms before sending in my part?

Yes. Every repair or exchange requires an RMA form. First-time customers also need to complete a new customer form and credit application before we can process the order.

How do I find the FANUC part number on my unit?

The part number is printed on a label on your FANUC unit, usually in a format like A06B-xxxx-xxxx or A16B-xxxx-xxxx. If the label is missing, damaged or hard to read, call us at 815-578-9145 and our technicians can help you identify the part over the phone.

What's the difference between the repair warranty and the exchange warranty?

Exchange parts and full refurbished repairs carry a one-year 'bumper to bumper' warranty covering the complete assembly. Standard circuit-level repairs carry a one-year limited warranty covering only the parts and labor for the specific circuit repaired. Component-level part sales are warrantied only against defects found upon receipt.

Field Service & Coverage

Does Tri Star offer on-site (field) service, or do I have to ship in my part?

Both. You can ship your part to our McHenry, IL facility for repair or exchange, or, if you'd rather have a technician come to you, Tri Star works with a nationwide network of independent CNC field service partners who can visit your shop.

What areas does Tri Star provide service to?

Tri Star ships repaired and exchanged parts nationwide and has field service partners covering states across the U.S. If you're unsure whether your location is covered, contact us to check availability in your region.

Can Tri Star help if my CNC equipment was damaged by flooding?

Yes. Tri Star has experience helping customers recover CNC equipment that has been submerged in flood water. Contact us to discuss next steps for your machine.

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