Help, what have I done to my 3040 ?

[s-p-rocket]

While setting up to engrave a picture earlier, I accidently left some text off the side of the screen. When the laser reached this point it tried to engrave outside it's working area untill I hit the stop button. In this situation the machine makes a horrible noise as the belt is forced to slip. I deleted the text and set up to start again.
All seemed fine for a moment, then the head jumped sideways about 20mm while still engraving, then the same again, splitting the image into 3. I have checked the belt, and although quite worn, it is tight and I can't make it slip at all in any position. If it were too tight to slip in the initial over-run, could the stepper or control board have been damaged ? I have subsequently run the machine off another computer, same problem, so that eliminates the pc. The laser does however still cut perfectly, the problem seemingly being confined to engraving or at least to engraving speeds ? Help please !!

[Spooky]

I'm thinking Belt?

Possibly toothed gear on the slider?

It could be the servo but if it wasn't allowed to bang repeatedly then its unlikely, its very unlikely you will damage the card but you can damage the servo.

Erratic errors are usually down to something comming lose or being over stressed into becomming lose.
Check all the bolts and cap screws for play and have a look at the guide ways to ensure the rollers are all ok as well.

If no luck then my number is in my sig I may be able to talk you through a few tests

best wishes

Dave

[s-p-rocket]

Evening Dave
I have enquired about a replacement belt and rollers, they are certainly well worn, but I have my doubts about this being the cause. I can't make the belt slip with my hands. I am hoping that these are available from HPC, to continue their run of first class service. If this does not solve the problem I will let you know. The laser has being cutting well today, and will engrave at lower speeds, but at 400 mmps the problem occurs. The noise when the head jumps sideways seems to be more of a bleep than the noise of a belt slipping, which is why I have my doubts that it is the belt.
Thanks again, Chris.

[Spooky]

No worries Chris

If you get stuck I'm only a phonecall away (and it's free)

best wishes

Dave