Left axis has started moving.....

[rewolff 0]

When the head moves in the Y direction the intention is that the assembly moves on the brass "bearing" that slide over the left and right axes. These axes turn to provide X movement, and are therefore put in a bearing on the front and back side of the machine.

Now, instead of the brass bearing sliding over the axes, the whole axes moves with the head until it hits the laser-cut cap that is put over the bearing.

Question 1: Has anybody else seen this?

Question 2: Should we lubricate the XY axes?

(After assembly with just a few of those caps to go, we thought: "they're not really necessary, so lets leave them off. Let's print! If this had started happening then, the machine would've come apart! But in the meanwhile we got bored and put them on anyway. :-) )

[joergen 2]

Question 1: Has anybody else seen this?

if the system isn't lubricated well, you will hear a faint tock-tock when the rods knock against the caps.

 

Question 2: Should we lubricate the XY axes?

absolutely yes, regularly. I use light machine oil, teflon spray works for others. don't use WD40, it's not a lubricant, and don't use grease. re-oil every time the rods feel dry. you should be able to move the gantry with your little finger.

[alaris2 1]

even if it's dripping in lube you may still have this problem as I've noticed it occuring at higher print speeds. only the left axis is affected it appears as you've also noticed.

at 150mm/s it's very obvious and I suspect the best solution is to redesign the end caps to have a point which pokes inward, pressing against the rod to remove play.

someone also suggested packing washers or a ball bearing, both of which would be fine if there's room.

[rewolff 0]

Ok Joergen, if you can describe the sound, I'm not the only one to have had this effect. :-)

I'm taking the "sewingmachine oil" home now... :-)