gerber coburn kappa edger problems

**psoptical** · 10-31-2013, 02:54 PM

We have a gerber coburn / kappa edger that is only 2 years old and has only edged apx 2,000.00 jobs..
We are experiencing axis problems that gerber coburn say that the only way to fix the problem is to replace ALL of the berrings involving the lens shafts and clamping ares...
Is there any one else out there with simular issues..
I think if its a berring problem, on a fairley new with not many cuts on it, it would be a engeniring or manufacturing issue.....

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Gene

**MakeOptics** · 10-31-2013, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by psoptical

We have a gerber coburn / kappa edger that is only 2 years old and has only edged apx 2,000.00 jobs..
We are experiencing axis problems that gerber coburn say that the only way to fix the problem is to replace ALL of the berrings involving the lens shafts and clamping ares...
Is there any one else out there with simular issues..
I think if its a berring problem, on a fairley new with not many cuts on it, it would be a engeniring or manufacturing issue.....

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Gene

Gerber doesn't carry the Kappa anymore it's available through Essilor. Is it new old stock, refurbished, used, or one of the newer model kappas. That's going to make a difference. If it's NOS, refurbished, or old I could give you an idea of where to get parts cheap.

**Jarhead Daddy** · 10-31-2013, 03:24 PM

Are your hydrophobic ARC lenses slipping in the clamp?

**psoptical** · 10-31-2013, 05:17 PM

Yes it is essilor. The kappa was purchased new 2 years ago from gerber / coburn at vision expo vegas.
There isn't a pattern of what lenses or material turn.
It is very random. Ar or no ar.. poly, cr, thick or thin, right or left, most times its not both lenses that turn..
It happens only on every 8 to 10 cuts.

**LENNY** · 10-31-2013, 07:14 PM

We had similar problem on the older kappa edger it was reproducer!!!!
Usually it was one lens about 30-40 degrees. No patern.

**LENNY** · 10-31-2013, 07:15 PM

You can get an advise from Essilor also. I found them to be cheaper on parts then Gerber

**daveyboy** · 11-01-2013, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by psoptical

We have a gerber coburn / kappa edger that is only 2 years old and has only edged apx 2,000.00 jobs..
We are experiencing axis problems that gerber coburn say that the only way to fix the problem is to replace ALL of the berrings involving the lens shafts and clamping ares...
Is there any one else out there with simular issues..
I think if its a berring problem, on a fairley new with not many cuts on it, it would be a engeniring or manufacturing issue.....

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Gene

I have experience with Kappas and I doubt its a bearing problem on such a new edger. Did Gerber call out and take a look at it. I think it could be the reproducer or a break in the wiring loom going to the rotation motor. Does it ever cut bad shapes (cuts off the edge of the lens)?

I can talk you through a check on the bearings if you want to pm me.

**Pogu** · 11-02-2013, 12:31 PM

The thrust bearing in the lens clamp 'needs' replacing every year or so. However it going bad tends to be evident over time. Poly cycle times get longer and longer, eventually it will just run on the finish wheel for ever. Your problem sounds electrical, I have never experienced it so I can't speak to the cause. But, your symptoms are not in line with bearing issues I've had in the past.

**LENNY** · 11-02-2013, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by LENNY

We had similar problem on the older kappa edger it was reproducer!!!!
Usually it was one lens about 30-40 degrees. No patern.

And it could be a bad wire!

**Thumbs** · 11-21-2013, 08:33 AM

If the lens is off axis but the block did not slip check the wiring harness connection at the lens drive motor. If the harness is being held to the motor with a Velcro strap and a wire tie around it, cut the wire tie off and loosen the strap. I have found that when the lens carriage is going up and down in the cycle the wire harness is too tight, the connector pulls out of the socket. It would only happen on certain lenses based on the shape and how low the carriage had to travel to get to desired shape. In time, you may need to replace logic cable (wire harness).

i agree with Lenny to deal with Essilor Instruments USA in the future. You can set up an account with them by registering on their website at www.essilorinstrumentsusa.com.

**himmeroo** · 11-22-2013, 01:29 PM

I had that problem several years ago. The reproducer plate set screw came loose and would drag behind the actual shape throwing it off axis. I tightened the screw and it was fine after that.