So, I bought a chinese desktop engraver machine (yes I know, I am cheap)
I bought for offline serial numbering for a part we run. Bought Mach3, got my serial macro to work great.
The problem is, I ran like 50 parts with extensive engraving on it and all of a sudden the "X" axis is not repeating. It some times moves .020" to .125" when I reference back to Zero. Basically cannot rerun the part on the machine if I need to drop the engraving depth.
I thought maybe the coupler on the stepper motor was slipping so I took it off, ground a flat on the screw and put a set of set screws in the coupler to clamp on the flats of the shaft. Ran it again, and with one run, it's off by .020"
So I guess I am asking for troubleshooting suggestions....
Could it be backlash?
Could it be the controller? (Is there a plug and play replacement board one would recommend for these units?)
Could it be the screw? (Is there something someone would recommend for a better screw system on this unit?)
Could it be the stepper motor? (is there better replacements here also?)
Any direction and insight would be great for those that have been playing around with these things.
I have an upgraded spindle coming (24K rpm), and would really be nice to nail down this lack of repeatability of this thing.
Thank you,
Mike in MN