Need Help! Z Axis is "dropping" slowly while running code - Gecko related?


Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Z Axis is "dropping" slowly while running code - Gecko related?

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    4
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Question Z Axis is "dropping" slowly while running code - Gecko related?

    Having an issue that I can not figure out. My Gecko G540 is really the only thing I haven't tested at this point, but I don't know what I would need to test so hoping you can tell me 1) if my problem could be Gecko related and 2) how to test/fix it.

    My build is fairly new. I've done basic test cuts and they come out fine. Over the past couple weeks, I've been increasing the difficulty in cuts. This is when I've begun having issues with my z axis. I've calibrated my machine numerous times. The problems I'm experiencing occur after a few hundred lines of code are run that require the Z axis to move up and down quite a bit.

    I've verified numerous times, that my Gcode and designs are fine. Based on what I see in Aspire, my designs are fine.

    1st Problem

    I did a basic cut of a city skyline that was about 2500 lines of code. This cut had a significant amount of up and down movement on the Z axis which was different than all prior test cuts. The first half of the code, everything when fine, but when the machine started the second deeper round of cuts, it went crazy and plunged into the wood.

    I did a couple days of testing and found that the Z axis wasn't keeping up with the up and down movements. So as more and more code was executed, the 0.00 spot of the Z axis was actually dropping over time. In one test, I ran code with out wood and the router off. I set the Z axis at 1.5" above the bed surface. After running the skyline code, my Z axis thought the 0.00 location was 1" above the machine surface.

    As a test, I decided to slow the Z axis movement down. I went from 75 in/mm to 50. I ran the same test again, and this time the Z axis finished at 1.5" above the machine surface. I thought my problem was resolved.

    Picture of results:
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z6H...ew?usp=sharing


    2nd Problem

    Yesterday, I increased the difficulty of my cuts and tried a topographic cutout. Clearing tool path was about 5k lines and went as planned. Second tool path was a ball nose cut with about 150k lines. Everything started great. However, about halfway thru the code, I noticed that it had begun to cut thru the bottom of the wood.

    I stopped the cut and ran the machine back to home. I found that the Z axis home location was about .25" lower than what I had originally set it at.

    In this picture, the lower left corner, was home.

    Picture of results:
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oci...ew?usp=sharing



    Any ideas on what the issue could be? Is there something on the G540 that I may have missed? Is this a possible electrical issue where the Z isn't getting enough power? I'm at a loss at the moment. I really appreciate your help!



    Some of the build details:


    Similar Threads:


  2. #2
    Member ger21's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Shelby Township
    Posts
    35538
    Downloads
    1
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Z Axis is "dropping" slowly while running code - Gecko related?

    Try reducing your acceleration settings by 25%. What is the Z accel currently set at?

    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html[/URL]

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html[/URL]

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    [URL]http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html[/URL]

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


  3. #3
    Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    4
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Z Axis is "dropping" slowly while running code - Gecko related?

    My acceleration is set to 30.



  4. #4
    Member ger21's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Shelby Township
    Posts
    35538
    Downloads
    1
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Z Axis is "dropping" slowly while running code - Gecko related?

    Set it to 20, and see if it helps.

    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html[/URL]

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html[/URL]

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    [URL]http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html[/URL]

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


About CNCzone.com

    We are the largest and most active discussion forum for manufacturing industry. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

Follow us on


Our Brands

Z Axis is "dropping" slowly while running code - Gecko related?

Z Axis is "dropping" slowly while running code - Gecko related?