Problem with distorted output

[space.dandy (Chris)]

Total newbie here, both to Lightburn and laser engraving. I am testing my newly assembled Atomstack A5 Pro and I’m having issues with distortion in a simple text engraving. The distortion only seems to affect curves, with straight lines looking pretty crisp.

• I have tried manually running one pass at a time, checking in between, and the laser follows exactly the same path each time, so the printer precision seems fine.

• I have tried manually homing the laser to a different start position and the distortion pattern looks identical, so it doesn’t seem to be an issue with the running gear.

The photo shows the test engraving on a piece of plastic veneered chipboard, so flat and smooth.

Any advice?

[Rick (Cowardly Lion)]

@space.dandy

I have tried manually homing the laser to a different start position and the distortion pattern looks identical, so it doesn’t seem to be an issue with the running gear.

This looks mechanical to me. I would review the assembly to ensure things are snug and moving smoothly without binding, jumping or loosing steps. The motion should be smooth, transitioning from X axis moves to Y axis moves for making curves. This looks like it is jerking its way around these transitions, indicating the lack of smooth, fluid motion.

[space.dandy (Chris)]

Thanks, you are right, it is mechanical. The running gear is fine, but the manual z-axis mechanism has a lot of wobble at full extension (i.e. when using thin stock). I have tried instead lifting the workpiece to the laser and the result is perfect.