Is this the dreaded 'click' I've read about?

[dalev]

I got this Axiom Pro 8 earlier this year and was hoping it was after a change in the ball rod connectors was made by the manufacturer.

This .mp3 file of the clicking was recorded today after it appeared to be getting louder than I have heard in the past.  The louder clicks occur when travelling in the Y- direction and is less noticeable in the Y+ direction.  Does anyone know if this is the click that precedes having to replace a part?  Do I need to order one to have one on hand?  What part would it be?

Thanks for any info anyone can supply on this issue.

Dale Vanderlaan

Axiom_Pro8_Click.mp3 (294.69 KB)

[chuck26287]

There is a post on here somewhere from Tech Support (Chad) that says this could be a coupler that has cracked (if the earlier spring-cut type, not the red bushing type), or they have also found that a "flat spot" on one of the bearings could cause it. As long as there was no degradation of accuracy, they didn't really address it is what I understood them to be saying. I don't really agree with that, as an abnormal noise means something is just that... abnormal, and that needs addressed in my opinion. Little problems never go away, they usually just grow into bigger more expensive problems.

Ironically enough, I was going to call Chad about this myself, as my AR8 Pro just started doing this last week in the Z-axis. In anticipation of a coupler failing (my unit is old enough that it came with the original spring cut coupler), I had ordered four of the couplers to replace them all and still have a spare some time ago and had them in the drawer. So, I changed it out, even though my coupler looked fine. It didn't fix it for me, so I want to get to the bottom of it and fix it right. Whether they affect accuracy right now or not, I would think a bearing that starts clicking is on the road to failure. Why wait for it to seize-up in an important run?

[aluomala]

Dec 23, 2017 22:56:36 GMT -5 chuck26287 said:

There is a post on here somewhere from Tech Support (Chad) that says this could be a coupler that has cracked (if the earlier spring-cut type, not the red bushing type), or they have also found that a "flat spot" on one of the bearings could cause it. As long as there was no degradation of accuracy, they didn't really address it is what I understood them to be saying. I don't really agree with that, as an abnormal noise means something is just that... abnormal, and that needs addressed in my opinion. Little problems never go away, they usually just grow into bigger more expensive problems.

Ironically enough, I was going to call Chad about this myself, as my AR8 Pro just started doing this last week in the Z-axis. In anticipation of a coupler failing (my unit is old enough that it came with the original spring cut coupler), I had ordered four of the couplers to replace them all and still have a spare some time ago and had them in the drawer. So, I changed it out, even though my coupler looked fine. It didn't fix it for me, so I want to get to the bottom of it and fix it right. Whether they affect accuracy right now or not, I would think a bearing that starts clicking is on the road to failure. Why wait for it to seize-up in an important run?

A guy I know who has the AR4Pro has had 2 couplers break on him (Axiom has provided replacements) and since I have about 3 weeks until my AR4Pro is delivered, I was thinking it would be prudent to have spares (in my mind this sounds analogous to having an extra fan belt handy....).

To that end, could you provide the part number/supplier that you ordered the part from? I was thinking of going to Axiom tech support to find out who they use for parts, but they might be going with the lowest bidder for parts (2 couplers in as many months doesn't sound too promising...). Unless it is a proprietary part (I hope not...), I would like to get the best quality one(s) I can afford since I don't want to lose days/weeks of productions waiting for one simple part.

Thanks,

Allan

[chuck26287]

Here is the link to what I ordered. I got this link from a post on this forum from Axiom identifying what we needed.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K73HGPW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Keep in mind this part's failure can be related to how hard someone drives their machine as well as part quality.  For instance, I still have the spring cut couplers on my machine (except for the one I just changed that didn't really need changed) and I have not had any problems.  However, I don't drive my machine real hard everyday.  Actually, I'd guess it might only take one bad feed & speed setting for a new material to toast a coupler.  If you surpass the torque they are supposed to handle and they break, it wasn't a bad/cheap part.

[aluomala]

Dec 24, 2017 16:39:27 GMT -5 chuck26287 said:

Here is the link to what I ordered. I got this link from a post on this forum from Axiom identifying what we needed.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K73HGPW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Keep in mind this part's failure can be related to how hard someone drives their machine as well as part quality.  For instance, I still have the spring cut couplers on my machine (except for the one I just changed that didn't really need changed) and I have not had any problems.  However, I don't drive my machine real hard everyday.  Actually, I'd guess it might only take one bad feed & speed setting for a new material to toast a coupler.  If you surpass the torque they are supposed to handle and they break, it wasn't a bad/cheap part.

Chuck, thanks for that link. TBH I never did do a search for "coupler" on these forums, as I was planning on contacting tech support in the next little while, but I had a "shower thought" about going that route (maybe keep getting bum couplers that way) so I figured it might be best to find an alternate source.

I am probably going to order 4 or 5 (I'm in Canada, so buying things online tends to be painful/expensive with shipping, duties, etc costing more than the item itself). Plus if I don't need to use them, I can throw them at neighhbourhood kids who bug me

Allan

[dalev]

Thanks guys. I will look into this after the Christmas hoo-ha has cooled down a little.
Meanwhile, wishing all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dale

[zaxis4]

Just a heads up on ordering from Amazon. I thought I would order some couplers just in case one failed (none have yet). They are much cheaper than Axiom but it may take 2 months to get them because they are from China. If you need one right away get it from Axiom.    

[gerry]

What sizes do I need for the XY and the Z?

[aluomala]

Dec 25, 2017 17:35:20 GMT -5 zaxis4 said:

Just a heads up on ordering from Amazon. I thought I would order some couplers just in case one failed (none have yet). They are much cheaper than Axiom but it may take 2 months to get them because they are from China. If you need one right away get it from Axiom.    

I ordered via AmazonPrime (Amazon.ca site) and my estimated delivery date is between Jan 17 - Feb 6 (so about 6 weeks at the outside date). I can live with that since I don't have my machine yet (mid-Jan I'm hoping). But yeah, if you are in trouble today, 6 weeks is an awful long time to wait.

On a somewhat related note, how would one go about ordering one from Axiom? Send in a request through tech support? The issue I can foresee is for anyone outside of the US/Mexico, as Axiom doesn't currently ship (directly) outside of US/Mexico. I think if that effects their customer support (i.e if a part breaks and I have to jump through hoops to get a part to me in a hurry, I am not going to be a happy camper....).

Allan

[pieman]

All three axes are the same size. 6.35mm to 8mm.

[redwood]

FYI, I ordered a couple of spare couplers off the Amazon US site and I don't think it took longer then 3 weeks to get them from China. I did just check my order though and the seller I purchased from is not selling them at this time.