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#910 Z-axis Issue/Auto-focus Issue/Honeycomb Platform Issue/Workbed Problem/Bad Focus Distance

FLUX Support Team
  • Updated

Description:

The cause of the Z-axis issue could be complex. Different symptoms relate to it, such as the Auto-focus function failing, the platform won't move at all, the platform can't be homed or reached the top, etc. Please refer to the following steps to troubleshoot the Z-axis issue.

If your machine's problem is an incorrect focus distance, please refer to the article on adjusting the focus distance.

Possible causes

  1. The system fails (Re-update the firmware, reset to factory, or reflash RK board.)
  2. The material is not flat enough.
  3. The auto-focus probe is malfunctioning.
  4. The auto-focus control board is malfunctioning.
  5. The mainboard/MB/motherboard is malfunctioning.
  6. The vertical(Z-axis) "Top" limit switch is malfunctioning.
  7. The honeycomb platform level is not horizontal.
  8. The Z-axis step motor is malfunctioning. (Less likely)

Step A1

Please perform an auto-focus test without the laser nozzle reaching the surface.
Place materials on the honeycomb and move the laser head to the material where only the focus probe can reach it when focusing.

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

Step A1.1

  • Ensure your probe is lowered to the lowest point so the probe is longer than the nozzle.
  • Ensure that the nozzle is tightened securely, as tightening will move the nozzle up and avoid interfering with the focus probe when focusing.
  • As the nozzle tip and the probe are very close in length, ensure your material is flat enough that the nozzle tip is not reached first.
     
  • After checking the points above, please perform another autofocus again.

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • The auto-focus now works >> Problem Solved

Step A1.2

Please refer to the video below and see if you are in a similar situation in which the nozzle tip reaches the material's surface before the probe does.

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, my issue is similar as in the video >> Record a video >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The threaded joint of the nozzle and the 3rd mirror seat is damaged, so the nozzle can't go to the top.
      2. The honeycomb is not flat enough.
      3. The platform is not leveled horizontally; it needs to be adjusted.
  • No, my issue is not similar >> Step C1

Step A2

Update or re-update the firmware to the latest version and see if the problem can be solved.
Please use the link to see the instructions.
4-7 Firmware Update

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the problem is solved >> Problem solved
    • Possible cause: the machine system failed
  • No, the problem persists >> Step A3

Step A3

Remove the honeycomb and the bracket.
Go to "Maintain" on the panel and press both the Z-axis limit switches to see the icon change.
Do the top and bottom Z-axis limit icons behave normally on the panel?

___2022-07-25___9.31.55.png

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • No, one or both don't work >> Step A4

Step A4

Unplug the cable for the Z-axis limit switches on the main board and check the icon on the panel. Are the icons both closed?

  • Turn off the machine. Open the side cover to see the machine inside.
    mceclip3.png
    mceclip4.jpg

 

  • Unplug the flat cable for the Z-axis limit switches.
    (Refer to the diagram if your PCB board is not the same as the photo.)
    mceclip3.png

 

  • Turn on the machine and check the icons. Are the icons both closed?
    mceclip4.png

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, both are closed >> Record a video >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The limit switch(s) is faulty and needs to be replaced
  • No, one or both stay open >> Record a video >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The mainboard is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step B1

Reinstall the honeycomb.
Check if both top and bottom Z-axis limit switches can be triggered by the platform.
Lower and then raise the bed to the top to see if the Z-axis limit switches can be triggered.

Good Example - Triggered
Bad Example - Not Triggered
(HEXA is used to demonstrate)

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, both switches can be triggered >> Step C1
  • No, the machine gives a grinding sound when it reaches the limit >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The platform is not leveled horizontally; it needs to be adjusted.
  • No, it can only be moved in a single direction >> Step C1
  • No, the platform won't move at all >> Step B2

Step B2

Manually raise or lower the bed and see if it can move in both directions up and down freely.

 

  • Yes, the platform can be manually moved up and down. >> Step B3
  • No, the platform seems stuck. >> Step B2.1

Step B2.1

Try lubricating the 4 lead screws and see if the platform can be moved manually and by using the panel.
Please refer to the article.

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the platform can now be moved manually and by using panel >> Step B1
  • The platform can be moved manually, but not by using the panel >> Step B3
  • The platform cannot be moved manually >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The auto-focus platform is rusted or damaged.

Step B3

Unplug and replug the Z-axis motor cable. After that, try lowering and raising the platform using the panel.
(Refer to the diagram if your PCB board is not the same as the photo.)

  • Turn off the machine. Open the side cover to see the machine inside.
    mceclip3.png
    mceclip4.jpg
     
  • Unplug and replug the Z-axis motor cable.

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • The platform can now be lowered and raised by using the panel >> Step B1
  • No, it can only be moved in a single direction >> Step B4
  • No, the platform won't move at all >> Step B4

Step B4

Turn off the machine to swap the Y-axis and the Z-axis DriverIC(s) and test the platform using the panel.

mceclip8.png

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • The platform can now be lowered and raised by using the panel >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The Z-axis DriveriC is faulty
  • No, it can only be moved in a single direction >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The mainboard is faulty
      2. The Z-axis motor is faulty (Less likely)
  • No, the platform won't move at all >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The mainboard is faulty
      2. The Z-axis motor is faulty (Less likely)

Step C1

  • Use a cotton swab with alcohol to clean the tip of the auto-focus module.

     
  • Check if the platform can be moved up and down.

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the platform can be moved up and down >> Step C8
  • No, the platform can only be moved in a single direction >> Step C2

Step C2

Turn off the machine. Open the side cover to unplug and replug the gray ribbon cable.
Turn on the machine to test whether the platform can be raised and lowered.
(Test the function after the gray cable is unplugged and then replugged.)

mceclip3.png
mceclip4.jpg
mceclip1.png

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the platform can be moved up and down >> Step A1.1
  • No, the platform can only be moved in a single direction >> Step C2.1

Step C2.1

Unplug the gray ribbon cable, and then test whether the platform can be raised and lowered.
(Test the function while the gray cable is unplugged.)

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the platform can be moved up and down >> Step C8
  • No, the platform can only be moved in a single direction >> Step C3

Step C3

  • Replug the gray ribbon cable.
    mceclip1.png
  • Unplug the cable from the board on the laser head.


     
  • Check if the platform can be moved up and down.

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the platform can be moved up and down >> Step C4
  • No, the platform can only be moved in a single direction >> Step B2

Step C4

  • Reconnect the cable on the laser head.
     
  • Please refer to the guide for instructions on removing the auto-focus probe and the cover.
    Read only Step 1, Step 2, and Step 6 (2.5mm and 2.0mm allen key will be required to perform this step.) [Beambox II - Auto-Focus Probe & Cable Replacement]
     
  • Check if the autofocus board’s switch can be pressed smoothly, as in the video.
     

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the switch can be pressed smoothly as in the video >> Step C5
  • No, the switch can't be pushed at all, or it is stuck >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The auto-focus module is faulty.

Step C5

  • Please refer to the guide for instructions on reinstalling the cover and probe on the autofocus board, ensuring the probe can be pushed up. Read only Step 7, and Step 8.
    [Beambox II - Auto-Focus Probe & Cable Replacement]
    mceclip1.png
     
  • Hang the autofocus assembly in place and check if the platform can be moved up and down.

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the platform can be moved up and down >> Step C6
  • No, the platform can only be moved in a single direction >> Contact Customer Support
    Possible cause:
    1. The auto-focus probe and cover are damaged.
    2. The auto-focus board is damaged. (Less likely)

Step C6

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the platform can be moved up and down >> Step C8
  • No, the platform can only be moved in a single direction >> Step C7

Step C7

Replug the following cables.

  • The 6-pin cable on the plotter board. (The back cover has to be removed with a T8 screwdriver.)(Refer to the diagram if your PCB board is not the same as the photo.)



     
  • The 6-pin and 3-pin cables on the Camera LED board on the laser head.
    (If this is too hard to be unplugged, ensure the connection is not loose instead.)

     
  • The 3-pin cable at the back of the laser head on the auto-focus module.
    (If this is too hard to be unplugged, ensure the connection is not loose instead.)
     
  • After that, check if the platform can be moved up and down.

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the platform can be moved up and down >> Step C8
  • No, the platform can only be moved in a single direction >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The auto-focus module is faulty
      2. The 3-pin cable of the auto-focus module is faulty
      3. The HX Camera LED and Flame Sensor Board is faulty (Less likely)
      4. The 6-pin cable of the Flame Sensor Board is faulty (Less likely)

Step C8

Place your material on the bed and perform auto-focus.

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, auto-focus works >> Problem solved
  • No, auto-focus still doesn't work >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The auto-focus module is faulty
      2. The auto-focus probe is faulty
      3. The material is not flat enough

Contact Customer Support

  • Please follow the instructions in the link below to properly report an issue to your local reseller or FLUX support. [Contact Customer Service]

*The collected information, such as photos or videos that show the problem of your machine in this article, will be necessary to be shared with the reseller or FLUX Support.

#END

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