Hi Guys, I been experiencing some problems lately with "deformed" cutting paths and have replaced one of the encoders, as I thought it might have got dirty or something. Now I have made a trial run by cutting 9 holes on a matrix of 3 x 3 and diameter of 15 mm but am not happy with the results. Following measurements, an ovality it resulting, measuring at one position I get 14.78mm and 15.21mm in perpendicular position. Could it be that I need to lower the motor speed in the "motor tuning ans setup" dialog or maybe recalibrating the ball screws?
Has anyone ever came across such a situation, any advise?
Thanks
Marting

Hi Guys, I been experiencing some problems lately with "deformed" cutting paths and have replaced one of the encoders

It's more likely to be your calibration than speed, what happens if you drill a square pattern of holes?
With the mention of encoders along with no other machine information you've lost me.
If you've posted full machine details somewhere else a link or pasted text would save folk from going hunting for it in order to read up in an effort to help,
Regards,
Nick

Hi Magicniner,
I've further run some test cuts to verify the source of problem by elimination. It seems that the encoder wasn't defective after all and it results that I've got a teeny weeny problem of squareness between the X and Y axis. After having cut a rectangle (570mm x 450mm) and measured the diagonals, I found a difference of approx 0.3mm. At first I wasn't quite sure but after having simulated the same situation on CAD it shows that this little difference could indeed produce the results I've experienced . I'll be trying to rectify this next Monday and will post the results. Thanks for the support.
Marting

Hi there again, I have re-calibrated the squareness / perpendicularity between the X and Y axis and are now spot on. Following that I executed many tests and with different approaches but still with same results. I am now suspecting that it may be a Mach3 software issue, as I had it upgraded from version R3.038 to R3.043.066 about 5 months ago and that other than that nothing else has changed. I am also attached are photos showing what is happening maybe some here may have an idea why these deformation indicated by arrows are occuring.
Thanks
Marting

That looks exactly like the problem I had which turned out to be backlash, have you checked X for backlash with a DTI?

That looks exactly like the problem I had which turned out to be backlash, have you checked X for backlash with a DTI?

I have to agree. If it isn't backlash and/or flex I would be 

Good morning Guys, further to my anquiries it results you were both right, it was backlash. I have restted the ball nut and all is up and running again.
Thanks Guys Marting

  Glad you got it sorted.