Z Motor - Skipping Steps or....

[3dPrintingMD]

Printer started to have a significant problem with the Z Axis. It seems that its stepping up too much between layers, resulting in poor adhesion, and not to mention, the models are getting stretched out a bit.

Rails and Screws are properly lubed. One model that I frequently printed came out about 2x the size in height.

I've pulled the latest firmware off the Wiki and flashed it last night, and did not see any change in the issue.

Rev. E machine.

[zemlin]

Have you increased the Z-Axis speed that could cause missed steps? Maybe an extra zero or something.

[Jules]

Printer started to have a significant problem with the Z Axis. It seems that its stepping up too much between layers, resulting in poor adhesion, and not to mention, the models are getting stretched out a bit.

Rails and Screws are properly lubed. One model that I frequently printed came out about 2x the size in height.

I've pulled the latest firmware off the Wiki and flashed it last night, and did not see any change in the issue.

Rev. E machine.

That might be one to contact MakerGear about.

[3dPrintingMD]

There has been no changes to the machine speeds. I've give back and pulled old gcode that's known to print fine.

The printer will be good for a number of layers and then go very bad.

[Jules]

There has been no changes to the machine speeds. I've give back and pulled old gcode that's known to print fine.

The printer will be good for a number of layers and then go very bad.

Did you get another machine? Yours wasn't a Rev. E initially, was it? (i'm confused.)

Make sure you got the right firmware for the machine, but i really do think you need to open a support ticket with MakerGear. Tell them it's a Rev.E, and describe the problem exactly. I've never read about the problem of the Z-motor dropping the table too far with each step - sounds like a gear might be slipping or something. (Broken tooth?) Wrong number of steps for that motor? (Is it all black or is it silver with a black stripe?)

They went through a lot of changes in a short period of time, and they'll know what questions to ask to get it narrowed down specifically. They might even have a record of what shipped with your machine - i would just be guessing.

[3dPrintingMD]

Thanks Jules.

This was a machine that was upgraded to a Rev E as part of the Beta testing process. It has the all black motor. I'm pretty confident the firmware is correct.

Going to open up a ticket tonight once I get home and can get the serial # off it.

[Jules]

Thanks Jules.

This was a machine that was upgraded to a Rev E as part of the Beta testing process. It has the all black motor. I'm pretty confident the firmware is correct.

Going to open up a ticket tonight once I get home and can get the serial # off it.

Ahhhh....okay not losing it after all. Thanks!

[3dPrintingMD]

Things appear back to normal, the cause appears to be....over lubrication of the Z axis rods.

I used 3 in 1 oil on them, I'm guessing too much. Honestly, I am in shock to a degree that this would cause an issue, but the model that I have been trying to print (one that in the past I know printed perfectly) now is again printing perfectly after I wiped down all the rails, rods, lead-screws with rubbing alcohol to clean them off.

I will continue to test the situation out, but this appears to have been the issue.

[Jules]

Good to know, really. (Didn't know that could happen.)

[3dPrintingMD]

I am going to keep printed, but honestly I can't express how shocked I am about it.

I would never have though too much would cause such a drastic issue.

I'll update the thread as I keep printing, hopefully with success.