Calibration

[flytyree]

While I am currently using v3.36 my calibration issues have been with me for some time. My Y axis is 46 inches and X axis is 30 inches. Using the calibration Wizard my X and Y axis are as close to the actual as I can visually judge yet I cannot get the part I am trying to cut. I am trying to make toys but, the end result are not acceptable. I have enclosed the nc files to two parts I have been trying to make for several months. I clearly am doing something wrong and I do not have anyone I can have a face-to-face conversation with to resolve my issue(s).

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Is there any other MASSO owner near El Paso, TX that I could get in touch with?

Thank you.

 

[masso-support]

thanks for sharing the files, looks very cool and would love to see the end product.

We can call you and have a quick talk to see what could be the reason as it could be anything from mechanical to software, then we can plan on the right way to approach this. Can you please drop an email to support@masso.com.au and with your phone number please. As we are based in Sydney, Australia, can you please advice on a time slot that you can talk and then we can book in a time.



Please also share your machine photos in this forum topic so that we also have some idea about the machine.

 

[flytyree]

Attached are some pictures of my system, albeit rather cluttered.

Also attached is a finished project that was made in my shop using "normal" shop tools.

C

 

[masso-support]

looks great, thank you.

One of the things we picked in the photos is that on your Z axis you are using a flexible (spring type) coupling, this will cause issues when the axis is on load as it will wind and unwind a bit, its better to use a different type.

 

[flytyree]

Thank you for your comment. Can you suggest a coupling that would be better?

 

[masso-support]

there are a few types, it depends on loading etc. you can use something like these below:

 

[flytyree]

Source?

 

[flytyree]

Do you have a recommendation/suggestion for a Z axis upgrade. I am becoming more convinced it is the play in my Z axis that is the root of my calibration issues.

 

[masso-support]

lets first confirm what the problems are. So when you said that you cant get the size to be right in what axis were you having size issues and how much difference?

Also Ben from 3dtek who makes CNC machines here in Australia was looking at your photos and said that the belts also look thin and does those belts have steel wires inside to stop stretching ?

please see this video and you might get some ideas on axis and sizes of belts etc

 

[flytyree]

If you look at my two pdf files dimensions are shown for what was called for and what was produced.

 

[masso-support]

thanks, one side dimensions are quite good but the other side (vertical in your PDF) are not good, maybe that is the axis you need to concentrate frist.

As the sizes that you measured after cutting are under, it could be some calibration setting also. Do both the X and Y axis have same motor, drive (drive settings), timing belt pulley etc?

 

[flytyree]

First, thank you for the attention you have give my issue. Tomorrow I will have my system cutting again and will see if the corrections I have made will make a difference.

You asked about the X and Y calibration. Both use same belt (3T), same cog wheel, same NEMA 23 motors.

The Y calibration is 0.59055 based on a minimum of three consecutive 46 inch travels and include return to zero without adjustments.

The X calibration is 0.59099 with a 30 inch travel and three consecutive travels and return to zero.

C

 

[testyourdesign]

Flytree, have you tried to compare the actual travel to a known standard yet? Once my machine is dialed in to about about the same as you have I use a very precise 2-4-6 block (+/-0.0002 inch) and a dial indicator to determine how much is needed to adjust the controllers travel parameters until they match the standard. If my travel is supposed to be 6 inches and my reading is 5.950 then use this ratio as the factor to make the fine adjustment (5.950/6 = 0.991666). The measurements must all be evaluated with the machine traveling in one direction so that backlash does not affect the measurements. I can get within +/- .001 inches over 6" travel without to much trouble using this method on a cheap Chinese bench mill cnc conversion.

You can also try verifying the travel using the methods described by Peter Passuello aka CNCnutz in his YouTube episodes 212 and 213. Although he is making the adjustments on a different type of controller the takeaway here is how he is comparing the movements to a standard and checking for squareness. You can pick up one of those digital calipers and a dial indicator at Harbor Freight for a reasonable price if you don't have one already.

Hope this helps, Steve

 

[masso-support]

thank you @testyourdesign for the great input

@flytyree as both of your axis have the exact same mechanical and motor setup, you can also start of by using the same calibration values from the good axis to the other one.

 

[flytyree]

I GREATLY appreciate the input and help. This afternoon I finally finished remove and reinstalling every wheel on this system. Calibration will begin tomorrow. (When you are retired sometime there are other chores to do.) I will share my calibration.

Clifford

 

[flytyree]

Greetings. It has been awhile. I have removed every wheel on my system and insured proper preload on the bearing and the proper (to me) preload against the rail. This took much longer than I had anticipated. In the mean time I found on YouTube the following video:

. I had some extra belt and it seemed like a good idea. This installation took much longer than anticipated. I then re-calibrated the X and Y. The X axis over a distance of 19 inches and the Y axis over 40 inches. Then, using this new calibration, sent the carriage 30 inches in the X axis, 40 inches in the Y axis and return to (0, 0). I was VERY pleased that the return to 0.

I redrew my project with Inventor 2019 to ensure that something in this file was not giving me problems. The post processing was via Autodesk HSM 8.02.23

I then tried to cut two pieces of my toy, see attachment. The first piece the long (6.25 ) axis was along the Y axis and then repeated the exact same file rotating the X and Y axis only. The attachment shows the results.

I am extremely disappointed and not sure what/how to resolve my issues.

 

[testyourdesign]

Hi @flytree sorry to hear your still having trouble. I know that timing belts do have limitations. Using two belts like the video sows is an interesting concept. I also saw a video where they fastened the lower belt to the rail using a thin VHB tape. I suggest running it again at 10 inches per minute to see if reducing the forces helps improve the accuracy.

 

[flytyree]

Thank you for your input. Tomorrow after church I will try that. I do appreciate your input.

Clifford

 

[masso-support]

@flytyree can you please also try to swap the X and Y axis drives as this will also help check that it's not a drive replated issue. If it's the drive then then issue will move to the other axis.

 

[flytyree]

Not sure what you mean by swap axis. See attached photos.

The attached dimensions were the result of operation at 10 inches/min.

Thank you for your attention.

Clifford