I have recently had a problem come up where, on the x-axis objects are spaced further apart than they should be by fractions of a millimeter but it adds up leading to 5cm objects engrave as 5.4cm objects. I have checked belts, wheels, and for a loose frame, but they all seem fine and I’ve checked all the lightburn settings I can find and checked forums but I can’t find anyone else who has had the same problem. My current theory is a bad x-axis motor but I can’t be sure. Does anyone have any ideas?
If you are very sure that it is not a mechanical problem, you could try calibrating your axes. Machine Settings - LightBurn Documentation
However, if your machine has worked fine before, then the probability of a mechanical problem is high.
ps. electric motor is mostly ok or broken, very rarely “half ok/bad”
After testing more I do believe it’s mechanical and it helped to loosen the x-axis belt but I can’t loosen it further without it slipping and although it’s better I still have the same problem.
I have been trying to take weight off of the cable chain I added and although it improved slightly more it doesn’t appear to be the full problem at the moment but I will do more testing soon.
At this point I have most of the inaccuracies down to fractions of a millimeter but on return passes it can be off leading to blurry images.
Did you check all the set (grub) screws?
Yes I made sure that they are all secure.
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Did things change in the meantime?
The fact that it helped to loosen the belt indicates that your motor has lost steps and may still struggle.
If you move the axis in LightBurn and block the head with your hand (without pinching your fingers), do you feel an adequate resistance?
As Bernd said, stepper motors are very rarely “half bad” but it may be worth checking the stepper driver’s current (VREF).
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After trying your suggestion I believe I felt adequate resistance.
I’ve spent the last few days testing every variable I can think of, I even took off the cable chain I added a couple of months ago to see if it was adding some resistance but after checking all I can I believe the problem is the motherboard which I can’t buy a replacement for so I’m about to file a warranty claim.
Reading your initial post again, I realized you said “objects are spaced further apart than they should”.
This means lost steps in the motor can’t be the problem.
It may still be worth checking the link Bernd posted earlier. Engrave a rectangle of a known size, say 200x200mm and measure the outcome.
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