Y-Axis Shift when not on High Power
Context - machine runs fine when on high power, 0 issues. Belt has been tightened, rods and bearings well lubricated. Printing in PLA at 20-25% infill.
Any print at auto power results in a shift on the y-axis (and only y) at random intervals.
Trying to eliminate possible issues here, what should I look at next? (Obviously I can run it in high power constantly but would prefer not to have to).
RE: Y-Axis Shift when not on High Power
Hate to say it, but this is almost certainly a mechanical resistance issue. I know you went through it already, but being able to print only in high power, but not stealth means the Y-axis has resistance greater than the available torque in stealth - something which should not occur if your axis is mechanically correct.
1. Look for anything that is obstructing your Y-axis motion. Cables under print bed, heater cable assembly hitting something during rearward motion, etc. If nothing is found, go to step 2.
2. DISCONNECT the Y-belt. Yes, completely remove it. You probably hesitate about doing this, but belt-free gives your maximal sensitivity looking for points of friction. A flick of a finger should send the y-carriage all the way from one end stop to the other. If it doesn't move that freely, your bearings and rods are suspect. Fix things until the y-carriage moves without resistance.
3. Check the idler for free rotation.
4. Connect your belt and set tension to about 6 lbs. At that tension, pushing down the middle of bottom belt should reach an increase in palpable tension at 2-3 mm deflection. If it is tighter than that, you're probably increasing motor or idler friction
You will find the mechanical problem.
RE: Y-Axis Shift when not on High Power
@guy-k2
Thanks, will work through that. Machines about 2 years old so could be some wear I can't see.
RE: Y-Axis Shift when not on High Power
@guy-k2
Completely dismantled and rebuilt. Increased z-height on retraction / hop to 0.8mm in case it was snagging on the model.
Benchy ran perfectly after, but now printing a larger print I'm getting a slight shift again. Going to replace the bearings and idler next to see if that helps, then the rods if still an issue.
RE: Y-Axis Shift when not on High Power
printing a larger print I'm getting a slight shift
Any chance the heat bed cable is hitting an enclosure wall?
RE: Y-Axis Shift when not on High Power
@guy-k2
I’ve checked the movement on the cables from the bed and there’s nothing to snag on - switched the fabric cable wrap to the old plastic wrap as well just in case.
RE: Y-Axis Shift when not on High Power
Bearings replaced and still an issue on auto-power, going to try rods next