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Robert LaLonde
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I've got a 5HP Leland 3 phase motor on my Hurco KMB1 running off a 3.7Kw Mitsubish VFD. It was in the mill when I got it several years ago. It was still setup for 3phase before I gutted out the machine and rebuilt it. I also have the original manual for the mill where it only claims to be 4HP. I have it setup with single phase 230 for the VFD and DC power supply (I built the power supply) and 120V for every thing else, like the computer, relays, secondary power supplies, breakout board, etc.
Anyway, my mill has run just fine for several years on that VFD. I try to keep loads under 1HP (which is a huge amount of material removal), but I have pushed it up there a few times. I've stalled the motor and caused the VFD to go into trouble a few times, but I just reset it and I am good to go again... well after I fix whatever code caused me to overload the VFD anyway. With a decent quality properly sized VFD there is no reason you can't run a 5HP lathe.
I would note that a 5HP (3.7Kw) VFD is NOT the right size to run a 5HP load on single phase unless its a VFD specifically designed for that load on single phase. All the 1/3 input VFDs I have seen need to be derated from 30-35% when run on single phase.
I also have 3 other smaller high speed mills running VFDs, and have a couple spare high speed spindles and VFDs that I sometimes use as companion spindles.
Anyway, my mill has run just fine for several years on that VFD. I try to keep loads under 1HP (which is a huge amount of material removal), but I have pushed it up there a few times. I've stalled the motor and caused the VFD to go into trouble a few times, but I just reset it and I am good to go again... well after I fix whatever code caused me to overload the VFD anyway. With a decent quality properly sized VFD there is no reason you can't run a 5HP lathe.
I would note that a 5HP (3.7Kw) VFD is NOT the right size to run a 5HP load on single phase unless its a VFD specifically designed for that load on single phase. All the 1/3 input VFDs I have seen need to be derated from 30-35% when run on single phase.
I also have 3 other smaller high speed mills running VFDs, and have a couple spare high speed spindles and VFDs that I sometimes use as companion spindles.