Hi, i just purchased the Atomstack x70 pro and the although the machine is amazingly powerful and cuts rapidly, getting the exact right tension is proving to be a nightmare.
Has anyone used this machine and could you provide any tips on how to set the tension exactly.
Most of my shapes cut well but on smaller shapes I’m noticing skipping and I’ve spent hours trying to fine tune, but it just won’t reach that perfect cut.
Any help will be appreciated.
One of your photos didn’t upload… you have to wait for it to complete or it may fail.
Can you tell if the machine just jumps over these unburnt areas or if the laser just doesn’t fire?
Thanks for the response. I’m sorry, I don’t quite understand what you mean.
It cuts through, but not all the way through at the back. Adjusting tension just changes the areas the skipping is on. I’ve lowered speed so it isn’t that, definitely to do with tension adjustment.
Nope, perforation mode is off.
Im noticing the corners are not cutting all the way through. Im just trying to figure this out, so forgive me if I sound stupid.
But lets say I have skipping on the highlighted side in the picture.
What should I adjust the tension on? The belt on that side?
Don’t know that I agree with the cause. Mainly because it doesn’t appear as such to me.
This occurs in both directions, more like you have an intermittent connection occurring. If it does this repetitively in the exact same spot even at different locations in your work area, it’s likely not an intermittent. It’s usually a good idea to remove/replace or give a good wiggle to the connectors to ensure you’re getting a good connection. This is especially true in areas that the wires are moving, which exacerbates the issue.
When you do the circle, both axes are in play if the output is in any directions other than purely X or Y… It’s evident in the circle that it’s unlikely it’s belt tension…
Unfortunately, it’s pretty much impossible to explain how to correctly tension the belts, it just takes hands on time for your brain to figure out what it feels like…
I think this looks more like the laser isn’t lasing when it should, back to a bad connection…
However, I have some suggestions for the belt issue… without power, feel the effort it takes to move the head/gantry. Loosen them enough so you can feel less drag. Do this until you can’t feel a change in drag. Then start the tightening procedure, feeling the drag across that axes… Once it starts to take more effort, you are likely near the best area and probably a bit tight.
This belts are just automotive timing belts and have little real stretch, partially because the have metal wire in them…
My first query was if the laser was moving around the corner or was jumping instead of a smooth movement. I doubt that it’s jumping these areas, which would only leave it’s not lasing in these areas. If it were jumping, it would loose steps and the objects would likely not line up.
It’s easy to fall into the I know it’s this because syndrome when it’s not what you think… When troubleshooting, try to keep a very open mind…
I know it’s easy to do because I do it all the time it’s a human thing 
Good luck
Firstly, thanks so much for that information, I am an amateur as far as these machines go.
I sincerely hope that it is a connection issue as I am done with adjusting the tension.
As for your first question, sorry, I never understood. Yes, the laser doesn’t jump, cuts smooth and the shapes are fine.
And yes, the skipping is occurring on both sides and especially on smaller shapes, also not in the exact same spot. Larger shapes do not appear to have as much issues. Ran some more tests today using the same narrow rectangles and the picture shows.
I will do as you suggested tomorrow and hopefully get some results.
Thanks so much for your time, really appreciate it.
I agree with JW. I had a similar issue many months ago when my laser was not firing all the time. It turns out that the connection on top of the laser module was not fully pushed down. I use the edges of a small slot screwdriver to make sure the connection was all the way seated. Once I did that, no more issues. Hopefully that’s the situation with you. I don’t believe it’s a tension issue. My methodology for checking is to raise one side of my laser 45° and see if the X gantry easily flows down to the end. Then I raise the other side to see if it slides down easily. Not too fast, but a smooth flow to the end. This lets me know the tension on my belts are correct.
So I tried what you suggested, unfortunately the issue is still there, but I do agree it is not a tension issue, maybe the wires are faulty and need replacing entirely.
Also, noticing this other problem.
On one side, the laser cuts through and then the beam seems to start angling outwards, the deeper it cuts. I will attach pictures as I am probably not making sense. I don’t know how clear it will be,
There could be an issue with the controller board. Something is amiss, the laser module is not firing properly. It’s not detention, and if it’s not the connections, it’s probably something with the control board or the actual laser module itself. This is something that should be addressed by customer support. Hopefully you get good customer support - did you buy it from atomstack.com or atomstack.net…or elsewhere?
There is really no way to program this… it has to be the laser itself.
That also means the controller has no way to do this… especially since it’s at the bottom of the cut.
Both sides have this anomaly which almost appears to be the normal expanding of the beam… I wouldn’t think it would occur over such a short distance. You can change the focus down and see if you find a better focus point.
If my dof (depth of focus)is less than than 1/2 the material cut width, I always focus to the center, sometimes I do it anyway.
I’d try changing the focus point and see if it’s better or worse.
Thinking about it a little more - I agree with JW it has to be the laser module - not the controller. possibly one of the diodes is defective or something is out of alignment [mirrors]. Try what he just recommend and if that does not remedy the issue - call support and/or file a warranty claim.
I purchased from atomstack.net as it wasn’t in stock at atomstack.com at the time.
Atomstack.com confirmed that the .net are legit and to go ahead and purchase from them.
Hopefully their customer service is good.
I have manually focused and used the autofocus, same issue. It is only occurring on one side also, which is confusing to me.
I must be using the wrong drug … doesn’t look square to me…
Lol, not perfect but better than the other side.
It is straight enough around the rest of it that the 3mm thin square can stand on its own. On the side with the weird cut, I can’t get it to stand at all.
But all around, it has a slight slope, yes.
