'Z' Axis Backlash ?
Hi all
I've just had a difficult conversation with a very helpful person selling Thomson precision rolled ballscrew rod.
My difficulty was due to his presumption that the role of a 'Z' axis is purely to remove the cutting head from the workpiece and therefore backlash should not be a factor.
My gut feel is that he is wrong and I was trying to articulate that re-positioning after movement when cutting for example thick, hard material would reveal any backlash potential and so I asserted that backlash would be a factor.
I could not justify my argument with authority and so the conversation was left hanging.
Could anyone explain where he might have been coming from and whether I am right/wrong, he is right/wrong and ultimately..... irrespective of that, do I ensure there is no/minimal backlash in the Z axis?
Also, I can either purchase ballscrew with pre-loaded nut or 2 nuts spring loaded.
They can supply pre-loaded nuts with precision ballscrew but they have said the accuracy is agricultural grade and there would be variance in the thread.
I am happy to drive over and talk with their engineers but I need some background knowledge of what I require.
Fyi, my router is positioned on X and Y using GT5 belt with 5 to 1 reduction driven by stepper and Z will be ballscrew / acme driven by 1 : 1 pulley from stepper. The cutting envelope is 3 foot by 4 foot by 6inches. I plan to cut wood, plastic, aluminium.
Thanks
Andy
Drat, imperfection has finally stopped working!!