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Mech Backlash adj and Powersupply backlash compensation optimization

Posted: Fri May 14, 2021
by Jeffrey Aley
This is adapted from a post by Jeffrey Aley and is a very good explanation of this subject- thank you. Gene


The circles show classic mechanical backlash. The backlash calibration is shown here:
Screenshot 2021-05-14 080441.jpg
I forget if you also need to turn on the "backlash reapy optim", which is a typo for "backlash repay optim", where "repay" is Chinglish for "compensation", so this translates to "backlash compensation optimization". It is shown here:
Backlash.jpg
AFTER you adjust the mechanical backlash, THEN you'll need to (re-) adjust the power supply timing. We mistakenly consider this a "scan backlash adjustment". It's really an adjustment for the delay in the power supply (it does not turn on instantly).

This file is recommended for calibrating the backlash - it draws several rows of circles, and the start point of each circle is different, allowing you to see both X and Y backlash issues. I believe ATK Laser is no longer around (but am happy to be corrected).
BACKLASH TESTFILE ATKLASER.rld

Re: cutting circles with new linear bearing

Posted: Fri May 14, 2021
by Toby Hope
Jeffrey Aley wrote: Fri May 14, 2021
Toby Hope wrote: Fri May 14, 2021

that might be just the wise angle phone lens, ive calibrated the xy and they’re spot in. i wouldn’t be too concerned about an oblong circle if it was smooth, it’s the tiny kink which follows down stream of the direction if cut . as if it’s got some slack when changing direction.

i have done the scan backlash compensation and sadly it doesn’t seem to have any effect on the cut process. but i have my scan dialled in which is great!

here’s a pic of a couple of targets with infill hopefully making it a bit clearer to see the discrepancy.14B69323-D696-4DA0-9443-1D2F3BF484A6.jpeg
The circles show classic mechanical backlash. The backlash calibration is shown here:
Screenshot 2021-05-14 080441.jpg

I forget if you also need to turn on the "backlash reapy optim", which is a typo for "backlash repay optim", where "repay" is Chinglish for "compensation", so this translates to "backlash compensation optimization". It is shown here:

Backlash.jpg

AFTER you adjust the mechanical backlash, THEN you'll need to (re-) adjust the power supply timing. We mistakenly consider this a "scan backlash adjustment". It's really an adjustment for the delay in the power supply (it does not turn on instantly).

This file is recommended for calibrating the backlash - it draws several rows of circles, and the start point of each circle is different, allowing you to see both X and Y backlash issues. I believe ATK Laser is no longer around (but am happy to be corrected).
BACKLASH TESTFILE ATKLASER.rld
excellent! thank you this gives me some hope, will look into it

Re: cutting circles with new linear bearing

Posted: Fri May 14, 2021
by Toby Hope
Jeffrey Aley wrote: Fri May 14, 2021
Toby Hope wrote: Fri May 14, 2021

that might be just the wise angle phone lens, ive calibrated the xy and they’re spot in. i wouldn’t be too concerned about an oblong circle if it was smooth, it’s the tiny kink which follows down stream of the direction if cut . as if it’s got some slack when changing direction.

i have done the scan backlash compensation and sadly it doesn’t seem to have any effect on the cut process. but i have my scan dialled in which is great!

here’s a pic of a couple of targets with infill hopefully making it a bit clearer to see the discrepancy.14B69323-D696-4DA0-9443-1D2F3BF484A6.jpeg
The circles show classic mechanical backlash. The backlash calibration is shown here:
Screenshot 2021-05-14 080441.jpg

I forget if you also need to turn on the "backlash reapy optim", which is a typo for "backlash repay optim", where "repay" is Chinglish for "compensation", so this translates to "backlash compensation optimization". It is shown here:

Backlash.jpg

AFTER you adjust the mechanical backlash, THEN you'll need to (re-) adjust the power supply timing. We mistakenly consider this a "scan backlash adjustment". It's really an adjustment for the delay in the power supply (it does not turn on instantly).

This file is recommended for calibrating the backlash - it draws several rows of circles, and the start point of each circle is different, allowing you to see both X and Y backlash issues. I believe ATK Laser is no longer around (but am happy to be corrected).
BACKLASH TESTFILE ATKLASER.rld
I THINK THAT WAS IT!!!!! thanks so much Jeffrey, I could kiss you! but obviously not as not covid safe, but I was proper struggling to find the answer! this makes sense as tighter bearing putting more load on so increasing backlash.

All I did was change the x backlash to 0.15 after creeping up on it, the target on the right has the 0.15 adjustment.. the only thing I'm stuck on now is if I need to adjust the power timing? as no idea how to do that, and if this has it sorted do I need to adjust the power timing?
Screenshot 2021-05-14 at 17.06.50.png
Thanks again!!

Re: cutting circles with new linear bearing

Posted: Fri May 14, 2021
by Rodney Edington
It great to here you got it figured out. I knew it had had to be a backlash issue, but I've not used the software enough to know my way around it to help you.

Re: cutting circles with new linear bearing

Posted: Fri May 14, 2021
by Toby Hope
Rodney Edington wrote: Fri May 14, 2021 It great to here you got it figured out. I knew it had had to be a backlash issue, but I've not used the software enough to know my way around it to help you.
thanks, yeh the software is a bit of a stumbling block but getting there slowly . i’ll have to re read some of the manual i think !