Need Help!- Z-Axis Backlash Compensation on a Mill

[carlosdcerna]

Does anybody know if it is necessary to compensate for z-axis backlash?? I am wondering because gravity makes the whole spindle assembly pressed down. But what happens when the mill vertically enters material??
Can anybody help me??

[spaceballs_3000]

Originally Posted by carlosdcerna Does anybody know if it is necessary to compensate for z-axis backlash?? I am wondering because gravity makes the whole spindle assembly pressed down. But what happens when the mill vertically enters material?? Can anybody help me??

Depending on your IPM, and material your cutting, it will not mill as deep as it should, thus creates weird patterns (valleys and dips.)

[LeeWay]

You can use one of several different methods of taking the weight off the Z axis.
I personally use gas struts. Some use springs and others use a pulley and weight system.
I feel there is no need to counter the full weight of the Z axis as this would make the motor struggle on the down move, however if you have bad backlash, a heavier weight might just remove all of it out of the Z. This is as long as you aren't trying to cut too deep at a time.
Should help.