Hey everyone,
I'm running a CNC router (Pacer 4010). I have been noticing lately that my tool height has been increasing and decreasing in height as I'm running a program. I thought my waste board was uneven but when I go to tool tip my bit, I'll be getting a lower or higher measurement than when I first measured it in the start of running my sheet. I'm not sure what would cause this. I thought maybe my bit is slipping a little bit inside the collet but I checked that and it was nice and tight. Could the cone be slipping down a little bit in the spindle? Has anyone heard of this and would happen to know the possible cause?
Thank you
Tool height fluctuation during operation
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- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 1592
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Re: Tool height fluctuation during operation
You mean the toolholder in an ATC? If it moved down, you'd know it immediately.
Are you sure the workpiece isn't moving?
Are you sure the workpiece isn't moving?
Gerry - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com
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- Vectric Wizard
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Re: Tool height fluctuation during operation
Check the coupler between the Z axis stepper and the Z drive shaft. If it is just a little loose then it may be the cause of your Z height woes.
- martin54
- Vectric Archimage
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Re: Tool height fluctuation during operation
While you are checking couplings you are as well checking the spindle is secure in the mount & the spindle mount isn't moving at all, how old is the machine ? have you checked for backlash or binding of the axis ?
Re: Tool height fluctuation during operation
An old collet could be and probably is the culprit. If that's not it, the stepper motor for the Z axis could also be the problem. If you are not losing height when using different sizes of mills (different collets), the stepper motor would be the next thing I would check. If that is, a quick solution could be adding springs to help hold the weight of the spindle. If that don't work, replacing with a higher torque stepper motor would be suggested.