Y-Axis hangs, grinds and stops - I probably caused this

[Elizabeth Baldwin-gregson]

The QR tag on my laser leads back to Orion Motor Tech which is Omtech - but this machine was not sourced in the US.
The versioning that shows on the controller screen is: RDC V8.00.53 and HMI is 4.01.20. The RDWorks on my laptop is V8.01.54.20210513
I connect my laptop to the laser via USB, the communication works well.
There has been zero-project done using the laser, only "setup" type changes have been made.

>My laser issue is most likely user-caused, and started 2 days ago.

>Startup - When I power on the laser the head returns to home position (TL) without no issue where the limit switches are concerned. Travel along the X-axis is very smooth. Travel along the Y-axis has some slight grating/"shaking" about midpoint for 2 or 3 inches.

>Moving the laser from home using the controller arrow keys - the X-axis travel is as it should be, but the Y-axis travel hangs/halts about 2/3s of the way down the gantry. At that point, the arrow keys on the controller are not responsive.

>"Recovery" - If I power off the machine the laser will travel to home position without issues (excepting the grating/"shaking" about midpoint for 2 or 3 inches)

>If the machine is not powered on I can move the head on both the X and Y axis without any issue at all.

>I have reloaded the factory settings (I'm assuming that when I do that from the controller on the machine that the settings are indeed reverting to what came from the factory and not to some setting that I have "messed up".

(One thing I have noticed is that the X-axis travel is very fast when I power the machine on - perhaps a bit too fast, but I don't think that's part of the Y-axis problem.)

Thanks for reading thru this - if you have any ideas please let me know I very much appreciate your time.
I'm happy to add a video if that will help.

[Pete Cyr]

I have reloaded the factory settings (I'm assuming that when I do that from the controller on the machine that the settings are indeed reverting to what came from the factory and not to some setting that I have "messed up".

HUMBUG - you have assumed incorrectly

The setting you restore are generic setting unique to the controller but not necessarily applicable to the machine the controller is installed in.

those setting are typically revised to be specific to the machine the controller is installed in - this may or may not be a big problem

BUT First you say there "grating/"shaking" about midpoint for 2 or 3 inches"........when you move the y axis by hand ..does it move smoothly through the mid point

[Elizabeth Baldwin-gregson]

Hello!! I've managed to get two very short videos put together, as well as one that is considerably longer and much larger. I've attached the smaller files and created two public links to my Google Photo Album, the first link is for the large video and the second is for the album in general.
These videos are not presenting my original problem correctly, however, I think that the state of the status lights and the apparent power build-up when the machine is powered down may be related to this whole mess. Also, not shown in the short videos is the hang point for the Y Axis movement and the head banging at the ends of the X & Y axis movements (due to the errors in setting the parameter limits).

Again thank you for your time and patience, much appreciated!!

Problem detail - 10-minute video
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NpJ3pgmpoozdq969A
Google Album - Laser
https://photos.app.goo.gl/WD8eK3v6cmhx6rEv8

[Pete Cyr]

Hello!!

1. Good video

2. The screen flicker you see on the control pad when you move x or y with power off is from the motor acting as a generator and creating some voltage as you move them – not a problem but not something I have seen frequently – nothing to be alarmed about.

3. The noise I here when you pwr on the machine and the x/y axis moves… sounds like interference with the belt or the motor on piece of sheet metal. I suspect something is shifting when being driven by the motors and creating an interference with some piece of sheet metal. That why you don't hear it when it positioning the x/y axis by hand. Belt tension looks good from what I could see - they should be a snug and deflect when pressed - not as tight a a guitar string.

4. Position the gantry and laser head as you did in the video opposite the home sensor and pwr on the system. You may have to do this a couple times or get some more eyes …but you are looking for a rotating part rubbing sheetmetal….it could be the belt it could be the cog on the motor that drives the belt – you may need an inspection mirror to see in the tight space

5. Bounce back – you can adjust the speed at which the head move when positioned by the key pad in the vendor settings – I would set it set it 20-25. It is moving a bit too fast to for you to stop it before it hits the mechanical stop and is bouncing off the stop (not the preferred way to position the laser ☹) Bouncing off the stops is not un like parking your car too close to a wall and when you brake to stop you bounce against the wall (not the preferred way to park ☹)

6. I am not calling you a car bad driver but your laser driving needs work– just making an analogy that many are familiar with by having watched other poor drivers.

7. I am unsure about the blinking light – but it appears to be working correctly – I will look in to the blinking light.

8. Your auxiliary plugs on the laser for water and a blower – do not use them – for anything.

The are notorious for blowing a fuse in the machine because of a poor design. Instead get a power strip.
https://www.amazon.com/ROOTOMA-Protecto ... th=1&psc=1
I like this one because to can cycle on or off independent loads plugged in - visit the store listed and there are a number of switched variation to suit your fancy.

9. Grease the white lithium is ok but but it tend to dry over time an create drag if not exercised regularly.
Mobilux EP 1 and EP 2 is better grease for this application- there is no need to run out and get this immediately - but I recommend cleaning a greasing every 3 month (more frequently with heavy use )
Walmart and most auto stores carry it so does Grainger - one tube will probably last several years


Mobil EP 1 Mfr. Model # 98211R
Grainger 2RV29
http://www.grainger.com/product/MOBIL-I ... s_pp=false
Lithium-Thickened Grease
These multipurpose lubricants offer good heat and moisture resistance.These products are compliant under all state VOC rules in effect on October1, 2010.
Mobilux EP 1 and EP 2—This brown multipurpose grease offers rust and corrosion resistance for use in moist or wet conditions. Each
Size NLGI No. Pkg. Qty. Partial Pkg. Full Pkg.
Mobilux EP 1 (-4° to 266° F)
Cartridge for Grease Gun (14 oz.) 1 10 1416K41 $3.63 $3.26
Product Detail
Mobil Lithium-Thickened Grease, Mobilux EP 1, Cartridge for Grease Gun (14-oz)


Grease Gun Snap-In Coupler Extensions
Snap into the coupler of your grease gun to access hard-to-reach lubrication points.
Straight


B
(B) Needlepoint Coupler—For use with flush-style grease fittings and bare lubrication points. 3" long.5 1/4" long. Max. pressure is 4,000 psi. Each
B Needlepoint Coupler 2906K92 $13.22
Product Detail
Grease Gun Snap-in Coupler Extension, Straight Needlepoint Coupler, 5-1/4" Long

Lincoln Lubrication 5803 Grease Needle Nozzle
Lincoln Lubrication

[Elizabeth Baldwin-gregson]

I just ran across this by happenstance. This is exactly what my machine is doing -- and the action that caused the problem is the same as mine.
The laser owner tried to restore the cutter to factory defaults. When he did a restart, the head seems to be out of sync with the display and is now vibrating a lot when moving thru the y axis. Also, the X-axis seems to be hitting the edges a lot. The second post in the thread has a video that shows exactly the same problem I have with my Y and X axises, right down to the location where the "horrible noise" starts occurring.

https://www.cnczone.com/forums/general- ... laser.html

[Pete Cyr]

Well - very interesting - you may be on to something - try getting a copy f a similar machine vendor settings from the rescue file link below.

viewforum.php?f=100