X Slop

[Mac Carnes]

I have a Chinese laser. Recently I loaded a file into the machine from RDWorks. The machine uses a Ruida controller. When I try to used the track command on the machine, it goes too far to the left.

The message that comes up on the panel indicates that it has X Slop. What does this mean and how can the settings be done in RDWorks to prevent this from happening? I think it is software related. I may have accidently done a setting and was not aware of what I did.

[Pete Cyr]

has X Slop = you are too close to the edge of the travel for the laser head.

When scanning the head has to travel some distance past the point it engraves to slow down and change direction. If there is insufficient space between the last place it engraces and the end of the desing travel for the head you get that error.

Move away from the edges, left or right, or slow down the scan speed

[Mac Carnes]

We have a Chinese laser engraver. My daughter uses the track command on the Ruida controller interface to be able to know the file she is going to engrave. But when she uses the tracking button the laser head moves too far to the left instead of just the area where the project is located.

Would the machine settings have something to do with the head moving too far left when the track command is given on the laser engraver? The file to be engraved is already sent to the controller.

What do you think is happening?

Are we allowed to give a phone number so I can communicate with you directly?

I would appreciate if we would communicate on the phone.

[Mac Carnes]

My Chinese laser engraver has a 3DM683 for the X axis amplifier and the Y axis amplifier. Could a defective amplifier cause the machine to not track/frame correctly and move out of bounds when the machine is ready to engrave?

I keep getting the Slop errors and can't see, to fix it. Would the RDWorks software cause the machine to not be able to track correctly before it engraves?

[Pete Cyr]

My Chinese laser engraver has a 3DM683 for the X axis amplifier and the Y axis amplifier. Could a defective amplifier cause the machine to not track/frame correctly and move out of bounds when the machine is ready to engrave?
-I can not say with absolute certainty -but I doubt it. If the machine initializes and you can position the head using the key pad I would not consider the amps to be the issue


I keep getting the Slop errors and can't see, to fix it. Would the RDWorks software cause the machine to not be able to track correctly before it engraves?

- RDWORKS does not control the laser. RDWORKS creates a coded file the laser interrupts to perform the cut/engraving. If RDWORKS is creating a bad file it could be the cause but I would be surprised if that were the case - you would see see some anomaly in the simulated preview if that were the case assuming you use that function to evaluate you paths.

Do all files sent to the laser give the same "Slop" error?
What is the dimension of the file you are having a problem with (x & Y as measured in inches)?
Have you tried a file 3"x3" positioned in the center of you bed?
Are you able to engrave after you get the "Slope" error?

Did you execute the instructions I previously provided:
There are 4 setting in RDworks that defines how the software determine where the laser head aligns after initialization – all have their use. (see 4 position attachment)
I use (and recommend you use) the “current” position setting in the RDWORKS design software. (see current position attachment)

Take note of where in YOUR design you have the green block shown in my attachments - It will be in one of the corners of your project or as shown in mine, the center.

When you load your material into the laser to be cut or engraved
-after you have initialized, position you material in the laser leaving at least an inch or so all around the material
--align the laser head to the SAME relative position on your material as is the green block is aligned in your project in RDWORKS
-Press “Origin” on the laser control touchpad
-Import you design
-Select Frame on your laser control touchpad (or perhaps on you the button is called “trace”

[Mac Carnes]

I'm wondering if I have an X amplifier or a Y amplifier is not working on my Chinese machine. My amplifiers are the 3DM683 models.

Also, could there be a loose wire or a stranded wire that goes up to the head that is frayed slightly. Could a wire that goes to the Y axis motor be frayed slightly and cause a strange signal to make the machine act weird? I'm at a lose to what is happening.

If it is RDWorks software what settings need to be put into the machine to correct this? If anyone knows step by step procedure, let me know. I am a dummy about RDWorks. I realize that the machine and the software interact. That is my point of confusion and not knowing which is the problem, the machine or the software or both. I appreciate any answer that would help solve the problem.

I know that Pete has given me steps and my daughter and I will try them. He is a great help. I wish I knew what he knows about these Chinese lasers.

[Gene Uselman]

If the X and Y stepper drivers are the same, a simple way to eliminate that component is to switch them. The wiring is always a possibility whether the machine is new or well used. Most of these machines are wired [and built] by uninterested hand workers, that is one of the reason much of the rest of the world was driven to develop robots- reliably improves. I watch and enjoy 'How it is Made' and I cannot imagine humans doing some of these jobs all day and not making mistakes.

[Mac Carnes]

Pete,

Below is your statement regarding the X and Y slop:

Did you execute the instructions I previously provided:
There are 4 setting in RDworks that defines how the software determine where the laser head aligns after initialization – all have their use. (see 4 position attachment)
I use (and recommend you use) the “current” position setting in the RDWORKS design software. (see current position attachment)

Take note of where in YOUR design you have the green block shown in my attachments - It will be in one of the corners of your project or as shown in mine, the center.

When you load your material into the laser to be cut or engraved
-after you have initialized, position you material in the laser leaving at least an inch or so all around the material
--align the laser head to the SAME relative position on your material as is the green block is aligned in your project in RDWORKS
-Press “Origin” on the laser control touchpad
-Import you design
-Select Frame on your laser control touchpad (or perhaps on you the button is called “trace

What is the 4 position attachment?
What is "(see current position attachment)"?
When you position the material in the engraver is it best,if it is not large, to position it near the center of the bed?
Where are your attachments in the instructions?

I switched the x and y amplifiers today and it still came back with the slop errors, so I concluded that had nothing to do with the problem.
Do you have pictures to attach that will show me a better idea of your explanation?
I

[Jeffrey Aley]

It looks like Pete's screenshots did not get properly attached to his email.

While we wait for Pete to have the time to re-send them, I'll offer a couple of comments:

First, it is VERY likely that Pete's advice is correct. Your problem is very common, and what Pete is telling you is the most common solution. In short, it's all about the way you set up the job. There's probably nothing wrong with your machine.

Second, I think it would be very helpful for you to tell us the technical details of how you set up your job:
1. How big (in inches or mm) is the image you're trying to engrave / scan?
2. What speed are you trying to use (as measured in mm / second or inches / second)?
3. Where on the laser bed do you want the image to be engraved / scanned? Is it at the far left or far right? Or is it in the center? Please be as precise as possible with your answer (actual X and Y coordinates would be ideal).

Thanks,

-Jeff

[Pete Cyr]

Pete,

Below is your statement regarding the X and Y slop:

Did you execute the instructions I previously provided via email (the email had the attachments - but I have attached here as well now):
There are 4 setting in RDworks that defines how the software determine where the laser head aligns after initialization – all have their use. (see 4 position attachment)

I use (and recommend you use) the “current” position setting in the RDWORKS design software. (see current position attachment)

Take note of where in YOUR design you have the green block shown in my attachments - It will be in one of the corners of your project or as shown in mine, the center.


When you load your material into the laser to be cut or engraved
-after you have initialized, position you material in the laser leaving at least an inch or so all around the material
--align the laser head to the SAME relative position on your material as is the green block is aligned in your project in RDWORKS
-Press “Origin” on the laser control touchpad
-Import you design
-Select Frame on your laser control touchpad (or perhaps on you the button is called “trace

What is the 4 position attachment?
What is "(see current position attachment)"?
When you position the material in the engraver is it best,if it is not large, to position it near the center of the bed?
Where are your attachments in the instructions?

I switched the x and y amplifiers today and it still came back with the slop errors, so I concluded that had nothing to do with the problem.
Do you have pictures to attach that will show me a better idea of your explanation?
I

current position.png

4 positions.png