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Mach4 General Discussion / Help with X Axis Error offset
« on: June 12, 2020, 04:59:24 PM »
Dear All,
First, forgive me if this is not the correct place to post this question. I simply could not find another one. After struggling for a while I decided to ask you guys for help. Here is the deal:
I´ve built my DYI CNC from scratch using aluminum profiles and parts that were machined somewhere else. Everything fit perfectly (or with minor adjustments).
I am using Mach4 software and HSMExpress to generate the G-code from the SolidWorks model. I am using a Trapezoidal Screw and stepper motors to move the axis around.
After the first attempt to create a part, I realized that my bed was not flat ( I am using MDF and it came warped). So, I decided to face the surface of the MDF to creat a flat surface with regards to my spindle.
The problem I am facing is that every line it started has some offset from the previous line. Let me try to explain:
Trying to find out where the problem is, I created a marking line and jogged the X axis back and forth from 50mm to 270mm. At the end, the carriage was exactly where it started.
Additionally, I cut a square to see if the mill would end at exactly the same spot as it started and it did.
I´ve also switched X and Y motors to see if the error would change axis but it persisted on the X Axis. After doing this, I could see that the offset between the lines was smaller but was there and still increasing. I tried to play around with the backlash compensation but it didn´t change anything.
Have any of you guys ever faced anything like that?
Please forgive my english.
Regards,
marcus
First, forgive me if this is not the correct place to post this question. I simply could not find another one. After struggling for a while I decided to ask you guys for help. Here is the deal:
I´ve built my DYI CNC from scratch using aluminum profiles and parts that were machined somewhere else. Everything fit perfectly (or with minor adjustments).
I am using Mach4 software and HSMExpress to generate the G-code from the SolidWorks model. I am using a Trapezoidal Screw and stepper motors to move the axis around.
After the first attempt to create a part, I realized that my bed was not flat ( I am using MDF and it came warped). So, I decided to face the surface of the MDF to creat a flat surface with regards to my spindle.
The problem I am facing is that every line it started has some offset from the previous line. Let me try to explain:
- It starts the first line on X287mm and cuts all the way to X-0.4mm;
- When in X-0.4mm, it retracts Z to 5mm and goes all the way to X287mm to start cutting again;
- When it gets back to X-0.4 I can see that it´s not the exact same spot as before. It was slightly to the right;
- The cycle reapeats and every beggining of a new line we can see it is shifted to the right from the previous one. Also, it´s going further than X287mm;
- I stop the operation and sit in contemplation;
Trying to find out where the problem is, I created a marking line and jogged the X axis back and forth from 50mm to 270mm. At the end, the carriage was exactly where it started.
Additionally, I cut a square to see if the mill would end at exactly the same spot as it started and it did.
I´ve also switched X and Y motors to see if the error would change axis but it persisted on the X Axis. After doing this, I could see that the offset between the lines was smaller but was there and still increasing. I tried to play around with the backlash compensation but it didn´t change anything.
Have any of you guys ever faced anything like that?
Please forgive my english.
Regards,
marcus