New Machine, y-axis Clicking during travel

[fw2fw]

Howdy all!

We just picked up our 1st CNC machine and have been having a blast the last couple of weeks learning to use the system. We're using the Pro + series unit.

The system has had a dozen or so small projects (signs) run through, and yesterday we began hearing a clicking sound when the y-axis travels in either direction. There does not appear to be any hindrance of the ball screw.

The sound appears to be coming from the rear of the system where the ball screw mounts to the motor near the housing.

Before calling in for support I figured we would check with the group here and soak up your wisdom and experience.

Thanks for any advice or tips!

-Daniel Scurlock

[redwood]

Check the coupler that connects the ball screw to the stepper motor. If it is the older style, they were prone to crack. A clicking sound was a symptom of this. I would have thought that the couplers would all have been replaced by the newer style, if this a recent purchase.

[fw2fw]

Thanks for the info! I'll reach out to support. This is a new unit, just a few weeks old. Glad to hear it may be a simple fix.

-Daniel

[Axiom Tool Group]

With the newer machines (purchased in the last 1.5 years) the couplings used are a lovejoy style 3pc fixture that comprises two aluminum halves that sandwich a polyethylene bushing.

The old style were notorious for breaking due to deflection and change in direction.

The torque levels of these machines is not quite high enough to damage the newer lovejoy style parts.

That said, the noise that some customers, myself included, hear is most likely a flat area in one of the bearings in the thrust bearing assembly. Which in almost all cases does not cause any problems with machine operation.

But it is something that we consider if problems with accuracy on that axis develop.