Endpoints don't connect

[Corporation Inc.]

Hey all,

Just finished installing the AWC608 upgrade for the K40. When I tried to make cuts, however,I noticed that the endpoints did not connect--something more prominent when cutting circles. I tried searching the forum, but nothing seemed to quite match my problem.

So far I've tried adjusting the acceleration and speed, changing the edge settings, and changing the step length. None of that seems to have worked yet. Next step would be to check any mechanical issues causing this, as opposed to the software. Is there anything I'm missing?

[brian257]

Check to make sure that your belts are not loose. It looks like your issue might be backlash. My K40 has the ends align perfectly.

It also might be possible that you have some type of mechanical binding in your system causing you to skip some steps, but really looks more like backlash. With your laser powered up try moving the stage slightly with your hand and see if there is any noticible play.

[Corporation Inc.]

Tried tightening the belts some, though the play was only on the order of magnitude of .1 mm. Didn't seem to help.

So far I've also tried playing with the step size, the current to the motors, and the resolution of the motors since Thursday.

I attached a picture of some more tests. The particularly grotesque cut was done at a speed of 1mm/s; slightly less deep ones are 5 mm/s, then 15 mm/s then 45 mm/s.

[Tech_Marco]

Check your focus lens see if it got lose. If not, either your motor driver or motor may be in trouble
How did you power the motor, voltage and current? Micro-step?

Marco

[Corporation Inc.]

The laser head itself is pretty secure. Is it possible for the lens to jiggle inside the housing?

As for the settings:

X Motor:

• *Voltage: 5V (I think? How do I check)
  *Current: .42A
  *Micro-Step: 16

Y Motor:

• Voltage: 5V (again, not sure)
  Current: .84A
  Micro-Step: 16

[Tech_Marco]

That's what I mean, the lens inside the laser head may got lose.

Most stepping motor is 2.6V but it is more or less not really care as it is driven by a motor driver. Most motor drivers ia workimg on DC 24V~36V


Marco

[Corporation Inc.]

Thanks for the quick response, I'll look into the loose lens. Is there anything I could do to keep it more secure?

[Corporation Inc.]

Breakthrough! Thanks Marco.

Securing the lens (through finding the actual lens-holding compartment in the laserhead) fixed the issue.

Additionally I rewired the motors and upgraded to a PWM-compatible power supply which fixed peripheral issues of wire breakage and laser-power fluctuations, respectively. I'll post images soon!

[Tech_Marco]

Great!

Marco