Sudden problem with missed steps
I've bought the MK2S kit about 2 years ago. The printer was lightly used, and I've had no obvious problems until now.
Today I've had a failed print because the X axis skipped some steps (about 5mm shift) about 1h into the print. I saw no obvious cause for the problem, so I've started a reprint. The reprint had skipped steps on the Y axis (about 3mm). A nearly identical print has completed successfully yesterday.
I've ran the steppers in "silent" mode, but so far it hadn't caused me any trouble.
How can I troubleshoot this?
RE: Sudden problem with missed steps
If the shifts are semi-random, check for friction ... X and Y should move easily without any sticky spots as you move them around. dry bearings are pretty common. A drop or two of machine oil both sides of each bearing, then work the axes back and forth to get the oil inside the grease seals.
RE: Sudden problem with missed steps
I've checked it now, and yes, there was one "friction point" on the X axis. I haven't found any problems on the Y, but maybe the printer has "forced through" it when I switched it to high-power drive current.
Still, I find it surprising that such problems would suddenly pop up on two axes at once.