[JeepingGuy]

Hi Guys,

I have built a 2 axis foam cutting machine that utilizes an abrasive wire to cut through foam, rockwool and other insulation materials.

I have used Mach3, and the machine has operated well for a couple of months. However, the y axis is mounted on a moving x - axis gantry, and although I have added large counter weights, to balance out the heavy y axis, I had problems with the motors not being able to cope with the load.

I have added a 19:1 reduction gearbox to the y axis, and this works very well, the motor now is able to cope with the load.

I am however loosing some accuracy with this, it seems like we are loosing about 5mm over a 1500mm travel on the y axis.

I have tried to add some backlash adjustment in, with not too much luck.

Has anybody had any issues with Mach 3 and gearboxes before ?

Any suggestions ?

[keebler303]

You should not "loose" travel. Have you measured the backlash? If the backlash is less than 5mm, its not possible to loose 5 mm. Is it possible that the gearbox os actually 19.05 ratio or something like that? Can you easily open it up to count the teeth?

Matt

[Claude Boudreau]

You should not "loose" travel. Have you measured the backlash? If the backlash is less than 5mm, its not possible to loose 5 mm. Is it possible that the gearbox os actually 19.05 ratio or something like that? Can you easily open it up to count the teeth?

Matt

some calibration video on youtube might help.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkO5tc-jSxw]Improved Mach 3 Axis Calibration - YouTube[/ame]