Z Axis gradually lowering

Machines (Elite Series)
1

I am having an ongoing issue carving a 3D pattern of diamond 1mm deep on a contoured surface of wood.

The issue is that my Z axis is gradually lowering whilst machining. Looking at my Machine Zero point, I am starting off with -45.980 but gradually lowering hence cutting deeper. As such If I stop and measure my 30mm mark by then it would cutting about 1.5mm deeper.

My material is placed along the ‘Y’ axis and the machine is running 0 degrees i.e. along the X axis.

I have eliminated the collect slipping and moulding not being flat and have isolated the issue to the Z axis lowering steps over time. I am using a TBN and it is running at a rate if 960mm/min with a plunge rate of half.

Because the pattern is so fine if I stop and correct the line left is very noticeable and as such I am loosing lots of time and money in material

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and electricity.

Any ideas why this is happening and hoe to resolve it?

Thanks in advance
W

2

I remember reading about someone else having this exact issue, and they tracked it down to a static electricity buildup that was being caused by the dust collection hose.

Pretty sure they solved it by running a ground to the hose.

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3

A build up is possible since the machine time is almost 22 hours. I’ll try grounding it. Thank you.

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4

Do you have a good electrical supply? Maybe use a UPS to regulate voltage? Dropping steps could be a bad stepper, Try swapping the steppers if they are same and see if you get a different result.

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