1 Topic by octopus (edited by octopus 2013-05-05 05:54:09)

  • octopus
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Topic: Problem with Y axis grinding. How do I fix it?

The Y axis on my Solidoodle 3 has started grinding and missing out on alignment when it does so.

X axis and Z axis are perfectly fine. The Y axis also seems to move forward (towards the front of the printer from Home) perfectly well. But when I am moving it back towards Home, in small increments -- 1 or 10mm with manual control -- it will often grind and eventually when it reaches back to the 200mm position (Home) it will be several cms away from the endstop switch.  I can reproduce this very faithfully.  When I send it back in 100mm increments, it grinds less but it still grinds.  The grinding seems to be when it starts a new motion, and seems to happen most often around the middle of the bed.

How do I solve the problem? I have made sure the rods that it slides along are well greased. I have checked for obstructions or resistance of movement and there doesn't seem to be anything.  I have also made sure that the set screw on the gear for the Y axis motor is tight.  What else can I try?

Its odd that it only grinds when moving back towards home and never when moving forward.

2 Reply by pcpoirier

  • pcpoirier
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  • From: Wichita Ks
  • Registered: 2012-10-25
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Re: Problem with Y axis grinding. How do I fix it?

Shut off the power and move it by hand holding on to the print head.  See if it feels stiff or ruff pushing  and try to spot what doing it.

3 Reply by op7ical

  • op7ical
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  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2013-01-21
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Re: Problem with Y axis grinding. How do I fix it?

Others have described similar y-axis issues in the past.  It may be that the y-axis belt tension for the left and right sides is unequal.  Try feeling the tension in the two belts and see if they are similar.

4 Reply by octopus

  • octopus
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Re: Problem with Y axis grinding. How do I fix it?

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I've solved it.

Its a little hard to tell if tension is right by feel. They did feel about the same. But I tightened the one on the right anyway (the grinding seemed to be coming from the right). All of a sudden it was a lot worse. So I loosened it and all seems fine now.

5 Reply by Briggs

  • Briggs
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  • Registered: 2013-03-20
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Re: Problem with Y axis grinding. How do I fix it?

I would also recommend making sure your y axis idler pulleys are lubricated.