1 Topic by petra2201

  • petra2201
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Topic: Solidoodle 2 Y-shift slipping issue

I have a solidoodle 2 and it was working great for several years. I replaced the extruder with a printed one and have replaced the stepper chips for the x-axis when it failed. It developed a Y shift that is random in direction (sometimes it's forwards sometimes it's backwards) about 10 layers up. It's not a filament bind and I've run through the belt calibration videos a couple of times and haven't had much success. I have a monoprice 3 mini printer that I have working but I'd like to get the solidoodle 2 back up and running. What's the current best practice for fixing Y shifting? I've searched the threads and found that people are using a replacement y carriage or fishing line to replace the belts but I haven't seen a cohesive how to on the the fishing thread. Are there any how to's on this?

2 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Solidoodle 2 Y-shift slipping issue

First off you need to address the y shift issue.  What is causing the added mechanical resistance to the system?  A shift is nothing more than skipped steps and can be caused by any of the following.
1. Mechanical resistance exceeding the torque of the motor.
Ensure things move smoothly when powered off by hand.  Fix any binding issues if not.
2. Not enough power getting to the motor.
Adjust VREF on that driver.
3. Overheated driver.
Put a fan on the main board.
4. Over extrusion causing additional mechanical resistance as the nozzle drags through the previous layer.  This problem will compound with each additional layer.
5. Warping of your print causing lifting.  This will snag the nozzle and force a skip.
Enclose the printer and add more bed heat.
Switching to fishing line will not fix any of the above problems.  What it will do is virtually eliminate backlash.  Which will allow for much higher speeds along with higher quality. 

If once you fix the shifting and are still serious about fish line, I'd be happy to walk you through it.

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SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
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3 Reply by petra2201

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Re: Solidoodle 2 Y-shift slipping issue

I'm thinking it's mechanical. I've noticed the y axis rod slips a little to the left when it grinds and shifts. I've leveled the bed and it happens at random heights. I wonder if I printed a spacer to go between the pulley and the frame if that would hold it in place better.

4 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Solidoodle 2 Y-shift slipping issue

If you are referring to the Y drive rod across the back.  It should float a little back and forth so I wouldn't recommend a spacer at this stage. Have you oiled those brass bushings that hold that rod?

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

5 Reply by AZERATE

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Re: Solidoodle 2 Y-shift slipping issue

Wardjr has many valid points. And I would also recommend to lubricate the Y drive rod bushings.
However. I have found that my most excessively used SD2 developed a Y shift about a year ago. When I started a full diagnosis, I found two things:
1) my left belt stretched over time. I immediately replaced it with fishing line.
2) my front Y pulleys squeaked and added some lithium grease
3) (rare) you said around the 10th layer it shifts. Is this consistent no matter the part you print or the layer height? This could also be a Z wobble masking as a X/Y issue if it is fairly consistent in height.

I have experienced all three and all is well now. The fishing line can be frustrating with a machine as small as an SD2, so lubricate and inspect your belts before taking time for the upgrade.

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Multiple SD2s- Bulldog XL, E3D v5/v6/Lite6, Volcano, Hobb Goblin, Titan, .9 motor, Lawsy carriages, direct Y drive, fishing line...the list goes on
Filawinder and Filastruder #1870.....worth every penny!

6 Reply by petra2201

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Re: Solidoodle 2 Y-shift slipping issue

I lubed the front bearings and adjusted the belts again and it's actually printing again. First thing I'm printing is an anti-backlash for Z because I do think there is a bit of wobble in the Z-offset. Thanks for your help guys.