1 Topic by stein.inge (edited by stein.inge 2013-10-30 06:56:10)

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Topic: Threaded rod is misaligned - what to do???

Hi all

So far, I have only managed to print two parts on the printer - that both failed. The system smashed the acrylics parts and I finally have received a new set from the vendor.

When looking at the two printed parts, it is very noticeable that the layers are offset creating an uneven surface in the Z-direction. Please see the jpg-picture attached where you can see each individual layer and how it is offset. The surface is not smooth as seen of prints on pictures on internet.
When putting power on the motor we noticed a very large sideways movement in threaded rod. That clearly explain the offset in layers. Please see the attached video.

Do anyone know how to fix the large sideways movement in the long screw so my prints can be as smooth from one layer to the next as shown on the figures on your web site. I am about to give up the whole 3D printing….

Best regards Stein

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2 Reply by IanJohnson

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Re: Threaded rod is misaligned - what to do???

Send the pictures and video to support and tell them you need a new Z motor and rod.  The hole in your rod for the motor shaft was drilled off center, and is defective.  There are some things you can do with firmware, and the mount for the nut on the bed to minimize the banding, but those are bandaids. 

If you pulled the rod off the motor I would guess that it looks a little like this one -
http://www.soliforum.com/topic/2662/onl … illing-15/

3 Reply by stein.inge (edited by stein.inge 2013-11-01 07:13:56)

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Re: Threaded rod is misaligned - what to do???

Thanks Ian for your feedback.
For me this seems as a factory fault. Should it be covered by the company or do I have to take the burden myself and get a new motor + rod for my own cost?

Best regards Stein

4 Reply by justsomeguy

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Re: Threaded rod is misaligned - what to do???

If you do have to fix it yourself, you won't need a new motor.  The rod can be removed and you can get inexpensive couplings to connect a new one.

5 Reply by IanJohnson

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Re: Threaded rod is misaligned - what to do???

They may give you some trouble, but Solidoodle should replace that.  Or you can put it back in and print one of the Z axis mods for a 5mm rod, 3mm rod, or the threadless ball screw.  Even properly assembled the stock Solidoodle Z axis can use some improvement.

6 Reply by IronMan

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Re: Threaded rod is misaligned - what to do???

If you can print decently enough; this might help for now...never had to make the mod myself, but it's sized for the 5/16 rod and holds it by the O.D. the other end is a 5mm bore for the stepper.

Cross-holes should be good to tap an M3 thread for set screws to hold it in place.  Solid infill should let it handle the torque.

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SD2 - Stock - Enclosure - Heated Bed - Glass Plate - Auto Fire Extinguisher
Ord Bot Hadron - RAMPS 1.4 - Bulldog XL - E3D v6 - 10" x 10" PCB Heated Build w/SSR - Glass Plate
Thanks for All of Your Help!

7 Reply by justsomeguy

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Re: Threaded rod is misaligned - what to do???

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:21071/#files

Parametric coupler SCAD file

8 Reply by stein.inge

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Re: Threaded rod is misaligned - what to do???

justsomeguy wrote:

If you do have to fix it yourself, you won't need a new motor.  The rod can be removed and you can get inexpensive couplings to connect a new one.

Hi JustSomeGuy

Can I just pull the rod off the engine without the engine being damaged? Is it glued or fixed some other way?


Best regards Stein

9 Reply by justsomeguy (edited by justsomeguy 2013-11-02 17:25:55)

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Re: Threaded rod is misaligned - what to do???

Removal Instructions:

http://www.soliforum.com/topic/2661/rem … ics-guide/