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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Posts
    28

    Z axis sliding down

    Hello,
    I am upgrading my cnc milling machine with better linear rails and a ball screw instead of the lead screw I was using. Now axes runs much smoother and nicely, but when I fit the spindle, the Z axis tends to slide down. I haven’t fixed the stepper motor yet, but I don’t think that will improve much the situation when it’s off.
    Total weight of the axis is less than 10kg but anyway enough to create this problem.
    I have seen some machines have installed gas springs to avoid this problem, but I struggle to find a gas spring with less than 100N force and 300mm stroke.
    Is there anybody that have some other suggestions?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Posts
    6248

    Re: Z axis sliding down

    Hi Morf -
    1) you can install a brake on the stepper
    2) you can install long tension spring(s)
    3) you can use a gas spring - the hardware store has springs that range for cupboards
    4) you can use a counterweight
    5) a bungee to the roof helps
    6) helium ballons
    7) build your own gas spring using a remote air tank

    I've done a couple of these, but prefer to use a brake on the motor these days much simpler... Peter

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    4068

    Re: Z axis sliding down

    Quote Originally Posted by morfeus80 View Post
    Hello,
    I am upgrading my cnc milling machine with better linear rails and a ball screw instead of the lead screw I was using. Now axes runs much smoother and nicely, but when I fit the spindle, the Z axis tends to slide down. I haven’t fixed the stepper motor yet, but I don’t think that will improve much the situation when it’s off.
    Total weight of the axis is less than 10kg but anyway enough to create this problem.
    I have seen some machines have installed gas springs to avoid this problem, but I struggle to find a gas spring with less than 100N force and 300mm stroke.
    Is there anybody that have some other suggestions?
    you can use back SUV window shocks work good or change the motor with a brake
    XZero cnc

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Posts
    6248

    Re: Z axis sliding down

    Hi Morfeus - Also with the gas spring if there is a strut regasser nearby they can gas a spring to your force range but a brake is the go... Peter

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    15362

    Re: Z axis sliding down

    Quote Originally Posted by morfeus80 View Post
    Hello,
    I am upgrading my cnc milling machine with better linear rails and a ball screw instead of the lead screw I was using. Now axes runs much smoother and nicely, but when I fit the spindle, the Z axis tends to slide down. I haven’t fixed the stepper motor yet, but I don’t think that will improve much the situation when it’s off.
    Total weight of the axis is less than 10kg but anyway enough to create this problem.
    I have seen some machines have installed gas springs to avoid this problem, but I struggle to find a gas spring with less than 100N force and 300mm stroke.
    Is there anybody that have some other suggestions?
    You can also just mount a piece of plastic against the Ballscrew, this will work like a friction brake, can be spring loaded, needs very little load to stop the screw from turning, a piece of cutting board will work, or other quality plastic can be used
    Mactec54

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    33
    Quote Originally Posted by morfeus80 View Post
    Hello,
    I am upgrading my cnc milling machine with better linear rails and a ball screw instead of the lead screw I was using. Now axes runs much smoother and nicely, but when I fit the spindle, the Z axis tends to slide down. I haven’t fixed the stepper motor yet, but I don’t think that will improve much the situation when it’s off.
    Total weight of the axis is less than 10kg but anyway enough to create this problem.



    I have seen some machines have installed gas springs to avoid this problem, but I struggle to find a gas spring with less than 100N force and 300mm stroke.
    Is there anybody that have some other suggestions?
    Mount the motor first and if it still sliding down, then use brake or springs.

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