Precision Issue

[Josh Bern]

I opened the laser assembly but I don't understand how I can tighten the lens itself. I can only tighten the tube on itself. Does that make sense? Thanks.

[Josh Bern]

Alright, I think I tightened it but the lines are not changed. Still wavy.

What could it be? This is really bothering me. Thank you!

[Gene Uselman]

I would post the pictures on the forum rather than a link- many people will not click to see your pix. The test of the reverse interval looks good and straight- how big are the other lines that are wobbly? You should really start your own thread BTW- I was confused and thought you were the original poster, who said his problem was solved.

[Josh Bern]

My bad. Does that work better? I haven't posted pictures before so this is all new to me.
I'm not sure what you mean by size but as you can see, the scan lines should be straight but they are curvy instead. I was trying to test for the reverse interval but I came across this bigger issue while doing that. What do you think?
Thank you Gene!

[Pete Cyr]

To post a picture or any other file select "Post Reply"
Then Select attachment

post pic -1.png

Then select Add Files

post pic -2.png

Then navigate on your computer to the file or picture you want to upload

[Josh Bern]

Well I know how to post pictures now but I still have no clue as to what the problem is.
Why are my scan lines wavy? Is it a software or hardware issue?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Pete Cyr]

I am unable to access the photo you posted on - https://photos.app.goo.gl/tk3Ti2khnizFAK3p9 so I am unsure what you mean by "wavy"
If by wavy you have sine wave of constant amplitude, adjusting the reverse interval will not fix that.

Things to check

1. a Scan interval of .4 is very large unless you meant 0.04 - generally a scan interval of .1 is as large as is practical
2. Did you check the lens in the laser head snug in the mount?
3. Check the pulley cog set screws tight Xand Y axis
4. Check belt tension is similar on X and Y
5. with machine powered OFF - move the laser head slow in the x and y axis (one directionat a time) manually by hand -feeling for binding along the length of the axis

[Josh Bern]

Here is a picture of my test:

20190524_123300.jpg

This is what the lines should look like (straight):

sood.png

1. I set the scan interval to .4 on purpose to calibrate the reverse interval. That's not really important but the point is that those lines are supposed to be straight. I usually scan between .04 and .1 though.

2. I tightened the lens in the head but it did not make a difference.

3. Can you be more specific? How can I check this?

4. How do I check belt tension as well?

5. The x is relatively smooth but the y barely budges. I don't think the y is binding. The motor is probably locked for some reason even though the machine is off.

Thank you for all your help.

[Pete Cyr]

3. Check the pulley cog set screws tight X and Y axis

The belts are driven by the pulley cogs. The pulley cogs rotate with the associated shaft they are mount on because there are set screw threaded in the pulley cog that screw in to the center axis of the pulley and intersect the pulley shaft. The set screws are tightened to load the pulley shaft, which locks the pulley to the shaft. to check these tight you must insert a appropriately size allen wrench in the threaded hole of the pulley and engage the set screw with the allen wrench and check the screw tight.

4. How do I check belt tension as well?

This is a subjective test. Using your thumb apply pressure perpendicular to the face of each belt and push with a force equal to the aprox the weight of a baseball- there should be resistance and the belt should return to a rest position with out lots of fluttering (back and forth movement) when you remove you thumb.


5. The x is relatively smooth but the y barely budges.

This is a major problem -the motor does not lock with no pwr applied - Y should move with the same force as X - this is a issue to focus upon above and beyond anything listed above in this post.


a. When last did you grease your bearings
b. rotate the lines you have been experimenting with and cut in the y axis vice the x axis ( I assume you are cutting left to right - now cut top to bottom) and show us what that look like

[scott martin]

Hi did this problem get solved. I just bought another laser and I have this problem. Any help would be good. I did some cut lines .4mm apart and the lines were straight, but in scan mode they are wavy.