X axis shifts after a couple hours into the run

[digitaldoodle]

I have had multiple projects now that the X axis is shifting to the right after the job has been running for a couple hours.  I have a job that is due asap and I cannot complete it without fixing this.  Would appreciate any help.

[jrg]

I'd start by checking the coupler between the motor and ballscrew.

[Deleted]

Also clean and lubricate as it sounds like you're losing steps. Check your toolpaths to see if you're going too fast as well.

[Gary Campbell]

In addition to the good advice above I would add that when you are doing a long running file that you may not want to set your feedrates near the maximum. Heat reduces the output of the motors and drives. During a long running file if you were near the max velocity, heat degradation of power could cause loss of steps at the same feedrate that shorter files could successfully run.

[digitaldoodle]

thanks for your input. I have cleaned and lubricated. 2D jobs run with no issue at all (at least at this time...) I will change the job to slow the speed rate to see if that helps. As well as verify the coupler.

[supernat]

I had this happen last night. I happened to be watching the piece at the time and heard that sound I know not to be normal, the binding of an axis. Sure enough, I should have stopped it right there but didn't. It got off and ruined the piece. I was carving a letter S. At each end are triangles. As it ran through these small triangles, it began to speed up much too fast and binded. I had the rate set to 70 IPM. I think Vectric software has some issues as I've struggled with this with every major piece I work on. Vectric seems to drive it way past the 70 IPM in various conditions, this time seemed to be due to a small triangular pattern. Anyway, move your Z axis origin point up where it won't hit the wood, turn your spindle off, and run it. Listen for the bind, watch to see if it gets off track.

[grg]

Dec 20, 2018 11:15:02 GMT -5 supernat said:

I had this happen last night. I happened to be watching the piece at the time and heard that sound I know not to be normal, the binding of an axis. Sure enough, I should have stopped it right there but didn't. It got off and ruined the piece. I was carving a letter S. At each end are triangles. As it ran through these small triangles, it began to speed up much too fast and binded. I had the rate set to 70 IPM. I think Vectric software has some issues as I've struggled with this with every major piece I work on. Vectric seems to drive it way past the 70 IPM in various conditions, this time seemed to be due to a small triangular pattern. Anyway, move your Z axis origin point up where it won't hit the wood, turn your spindle off, and run it. Listen for the bind, watch to see if it gets off track.

It's possible to limit the maximum speed in the Axiom controller and it will over-ride whatever the G-code is asking it to do - just a thought for a test.