Intro:
Machine has a footprint of roughly 23x24" cutting area roughly 15"x13" and is square in every dimension etc…
I hate asking for help, and I have tried to research this thing to death, but I am about out of tricks in the bag to figure out why my machine plunges too deep. I know this is an issue that has been brought up many times on the forums, and I have tried to go down every rabbit hole that I could find to get answers. I would be extremely appreciative if anyone could give me some advice.
The issue:
Inconsistently the machine will cut too deep. I can print the same G-code 4 times and 1 or 2 might be perfect, and the others randomly cut too deep or plunge straight into my table with me lunging for the emergency stop.
What things I have tried to do to fix it:
First I tried to look at it as a mechanical issue. I took the z axis back apart, and discovered my pineapple coupling was loose. I tightened it up and reassembled and it seems to be firmly in place still after that adjustment. I haven’t seen any other mechanical issues seem to come up since then.
I did a lot of reading to try to solve this, because I was still having the problem.
Read through: https://www.v1engineering.com/forum/topic/z-axis-plunging-into-material-randomly/
and
https://www.v1engineering.com/forum/topic/estlcam-z-movement-problem/
and a few others. I ended up slowing feed rates, that didn’t help.
Changed to Fusion 360 which was a bit of an effort but now I am starting to get comfortable with that.
Changed feed rates in Fusion, and double checked post settings.
re-flashed my Marlin firmware based on the software link to Marlin on this site.
I am still having this problem though.
My feed rates in Fusion are currently 900 mm/min
I have Rapid Retract turned off
I also switched it to always use High Feed (to cut out any fast moves)
So, the only solution I know of that I haven’t tried is that I have seen a few people talking about upping power to the steppers, but I haven’t seen where that option is. Would this be my best next avenue, or has anyone else found a solution I haven’t tried?
Thank you in advance for any help!
Attached picture shows result of bit diving too deep into material on the same file at different times.