MK3 axis issues
Hello,
I had an issue with a print that made me thing of some hardware issue with my MK3. I tried to print simple washers(extruded circles of 1cm) which resulted in a big mess.
After that, I had the impression that the mk3 had issues with x & Y axis, struggling while moving the axis manually(through the menu not by hand).
I then tried to re-oil all the axis and started again the calibration process.
During the first calibration process, the nozzle caught slightly at the first point (1/4) and completely caught the sheet of paper on the second one. I stopped the process to avoid damaging the machine.
When moving the axis to better look at the PINDA probe, the head stopped midway on the z axis showing zero(z=0) on the LCD screen. I taught this was related to the PINDA anyway but after having done some additional checks and re-calibrated the Z axis, I had the same issue with the X axis(x=0).
As the PINDA probe shouldn't influence the x axis, I suspect having an issue with the controller itself.
Any suggestion?
Thx in advance!
regards
Bruno
Re: MK3 axis issues
Nozzle hitting the bed is "often" caused by X-Axis level. Power off, no steel sheet, move the Y-Axis to the midpoint. The move the extruder to the left, lower the extruder by turning both lead screws until the nozzle almost touches the bed. With a sheet of paper down for protection, slowly push the extruder across the X-Axis to the right. As you go, you adjust the RIGHT lead screw so that the nozzle doesn't catch the paper.
The end product is the nozzle skims the surface of the bed side to side at the same height. This levels the X-Axis. The is a manual calibration. The machine can't do it.
After the X-Axis is level, then power back on and run through the rest of the calibrations.
ps: If you ever accidentally turn one of the lead screws while moving the printer, cleaning, etc. You have to go through this process.
Re: MK3 axis issues
Nozzle hitting the bed is "often" caused by X-Axis level. Power off, no steel sheet, move the Y-Axis to the midpoint. The move the extruder to the left, lower the extruder by turning both lead screws until the nozzle almost touches the bed. With a sheet of paper down for protection, slowly push the extruder across the X-Axis to the right. As you go, you adjust the RIGHT lead screw so that the nozzle doesn't catch the paper.
The end product is the nozzle skims the surface of the bed side to side at the same height. This levels the X-Axis. The is a manual calibration. The machine can't do it.
After the X-Axis is level, then power back on and run through the rest of the calibrations.
ps: If you ever accidentally turn one of the lead screws while moving the printer, cleaning, etc. You have to go through this process.
This is supposed to be done once, before adjusting pinda placement, to ensure proper height above bed. After this, all you need to do is move z axis up until the x carriage hits both top ends and boom, aligned.
Unless your printer is improperly assembled, you shouldn't have to manually adjust the lead screws again.
Re: MK3 axis issues
The two lead screws move at exactly the same rate. The two motors share a common driver. If you bump or otherwise move one side, you have to start from scratch. The software moving X to the top does nothing except tell the software where the X-Axis upper limit is, and does nothing for alignment.
Re: MK3 axis issues
Hi Tim,
if the X axis is out of alignment, when you run the Z axis to the top, one side of the X axis will reach the top of the X axis and stall, losing steps, and the other side should continue going up until it too, stalls against the Z axis top bracket.
this should re balance the X axis bringing it back into alignment.
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
Re: MK3 axis issues
Joan, that makes sense ... but on the surface seems like a really stupid way of doing things after making a kit builder carefully align the X-Axis. The motors are turning slow enough ... I'd hope the current limits would prevent the opposite motor running past a stall.
I'll need to watch my printer carefully after I replace my Y-Axis bearings - they are amazingly sloppy after only two thousand 😮 hours of printing.
Re: MK3 axis issues
Hi All,
First of all, thank you for your replies.
I tried manually calibrating the X-axis as suggested but I'm facing exactly the same issue when launching the calibration wizard...the nozzle slightly catches the sheet of paper at the first point and goes definitely too far at the second point which forces me to stop the calibration process.
what would you test as a next step?
Thx in advance
Regards
Bruno
Re: MK3 axis issues
Bruno. The pinda probe sets the height of the nozzle above the build plate.
It looks like You have been having endless errors with the current setup.
I suggest that you do a factory reset to clear all previous settings. Then use the LCD control to drive the Z axis all of the way up to the top of the frame. Make sure the Motors Buzz when the X axis end pieces touch the z end pieces. (This levels the X axis. Try lowering the pinda probe, say , half a turn. This should give you greater clearance when you start your configuration.
Now Re try your configuration. Regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
Re: MK3 axis issues
Hello,
I proceeded as suggested and I was able to pass the calibration phase. Unfortunately, while trying to print, I had the same issue as with the print I mentioned in my first post :
The printer struggles to move the head. The movement is not fluid and results in poor quality prints(unusable).
I was trying to print a simple washer.
See the video I posted here :
Any suggestion?
Thx!!
Regards,
Bruno
Re: MK3 axis issues
Try a sample part, like the frog or benchy, just to make sure the printer is working as expected. If a sample still has issues, then you know there is some electro-mechanical issue like belts being too tight, or similar friction issues, motor power limiting, etc. If the sample prints well, then look at the slice.
Re: MK3 axis issues
Hi Tim, Joan and Zaz,
Thank you very much for your support and guidance on the 2 issues I had with my MK3.
As mentioned earlier, I was able to re calibrate the Z-axis by lowering the pinda probe.
This solved my Z-axis calibration problem but didn't change the quality of the print.
Based on Tim's advice, I started investigating at the software level. While doing so, I concluded that my Octoprint server was the problem(Despite of having worked like a charm for months). Once replaced(new soft & hard to avoid further issues) it printed without any problem.
I wish you a wonderful end-of-year celebration !
regards,
Bruno