Losing Z zero while cutting 3D roughing path

[pdabk]

Hey Everyone!

I have an AR8 Pro, bought it about a year ago. I've mainly used for my business, cutting pockets, profiles, and engraving. I just recently started experimenting with 3D relief tool paths, and I've been running into a slight issue when roughing out the 3D design. When the tool path reaches an edge and the Z axis raises, it sounds like the steppers jam/slip, and I lose my Z zero resulting in the next cut being significantly deeper. I am running a 1/4'' 2 flute spiral upcut end mill at 150 IPM Feed Rate, 100 IPM Plunge, 1/4'' DOC, 40% stepover, 16,000 RPM, and zeroing off of the top of the piece. I ran into the same issue when I switched to a 3/8 endmill. When I slow the feed rates to 50% the machine cuts fine.

Has anyone run into this issue before? Am I operating the machine too aggressively for the steppers in the Z axis? Is there a limit for how fast you should set your plunge rate when doing 3D roughing? Any tips or help would be much appreciated

Thanks Guys
Josh

[gerry]

What software to generate gcode?

[Axiom Tool Group]

The fast speed in the controller effects the rapid speeds and how fast the machine will try to raise the bit to clear a job. If set to high, or the lubrication is poor...then the stepper motor may stall resulting in a loss of position.

Give us a call and we can go over those settings in the controller with you and make sure everything is good to go.

Lubrication should be done daily when the machine is being used with a topical application of a light machine oil such as a 3-in-1...to all the ball screws and guides.