X-Axis Skipping
Hello! I build my Prusa i3 mk2 from the kit a few weeks ago, and I've been intermittently having an issue with my x axis. Occasionally my x axis makes a grinding sound and skips while printing, causing layers to shift and prints to fail. This also has frequently caused the bed leveling to fail. When attempting to level the bed, the grinding sound always seems to occur at the same part of the x axis, on the right side of the axis. I've also noticed that this section of the x axis has noticeably more resistance when pushing the print head back and forth with the printer off.
This issue appears to be exacerbated by using silent mode, and also occurred once when I increased the speed from 100% to 150%. This may be coincidence, but the first time this became a problem was shortly after tightening the x belt bearing on the right side of the axis. I've since loosened it again, to no avail.
I've tried re-tensioning the belt and tightening the grub screw, and neither of these solutions fixed my issue. Please let me know if I've missed any crucial information. I'm really hoping someone can help me out here.
Re: X-Axis Skipping
Hi!
I think your X-end idler wheel is not spinning freely..... This causes the belt to grip on the idler and the stepper motor to stall.
Try loosening the m3 nut and screw a little until that idler spins freely.... Look in the assembly manual x-assembly step 7 for more info.
Also, I am not a representative of Prusa; just a fellow 3d printer enthusiast.
Hope that helps!
Adriaan
Re: X-Axis Skipping
Hi Adriaan,
You were totally right! Thank you. For others experiencing this issue, here was my solution: I took my x axis off the rods and notice that the x idler was indeed not spinning. I tried loosening the screw but it was still having trouble turning freely. I noticed that even with the screw removed, it seemed wedged into the 3d printed part. I removed the idler and used a small file to smooth the inside of the 3d printed part, removing a small amount of plastic. After doing this, the idler was able to fall freely into position without pushing it. I applied a small amount of multi-purpose ptfe silicone lubricant (super-lube brand) to either side of the idler with a rag to reduce friction against the plastic walls, and finally reassembled the x idler. I found that I needed to readjust the tension on the x axis belt after this. I also applied a small amount of the same lubricant to the steel rods on the x and y axis for good measure. Its running like a charm now!