Unit: 48 x 48 Pro
Software: Mach 4 running G code generated by Vcarve Pro
System: Windows XP, on Dell unit with 16 mb RAM
No recent changes to hardware or software
Problem: Best described as random glitches in Y and Z travel, either when traversing manually or in a run. When traversing, gantry momentarily sounds like it hit something and the continues on. Again, very random. (Initially thought that a belt might have jumped a tooth, but belts are tight.) Most recent event was Z-travel. While in the middle of a program, z axis extended down almost an inch on the last pass, when it should have only extended down about an 1/8" of an inch . (Bit did not move in the spindle. Also, no belt to jump on the Z-axis) Fortunately heard the spindle loading up and hit the kill switch. When I retracted the z axis up, the final top stopping position was off by the same amount. Re-homed all three axes and it homed as expected. But, the randomness of this has got me wondering where to focus so that real damage does not occur.
I always home the machine before a job.
I turn the CNC on first, then fire up Mach 4.
Nothing else has changed. Same gcode I have been running for months.
I checked belts and have not found anything noticeably loose.
Grease bearings routinely.
I have not been able to duplicate the random problem, but it has now ruined some work in progress.
Ideas are appreciated in where to focus my efforts. I am unclear as to whether the problem is mechanical, electrical, or software-related. I am leaning towards the source of the problem being either electrical or software as it appears that the symptom is a mechanical hiccup. That being said, not sure where to focus my efforts.
Stan