Skip to main content

#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.

 

Possible causes

  1. The system fails (Re-update the firmware, reset to factory, or reflash SD card.)
  2. The auto-focus probe (3D touch) is malfunctioning.
  3. The mainboard/MB/motherboard is malfunctioning.
  4. The vertical(Z-axis) limit switch is malfunctioning. 
  5. The honeycomb platform level is not horizontal.
  6. The Auto-focus button board is malfunctioning (Less likely)
  7. The Z-axis step motor is malfunctioning. (Less likely)

 

Step A1

Reset the machine to the factory and see if the problem can be solved.
Refer to the link, 5-30 Reset to Factory.

 

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 A2

 

Step A2

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 A3

 

Step A3

Unplug the cable of the Z-axis limit switch and check the icons directly.
(Normally, if the cable is unplugged, the icon should both stay closed.)


 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

 

Step A3.1

Unplug the flat 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.
    Remove the side cover by unscrewing these T8 screws and unplug the two USB extensions.
    (Refer to the diagram if your PCB board is not the same as the photo.)
    8___.jpg
    __USB_Extentsions.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.)

 

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

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, both are closed >> Record a video >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The flat ribbon cable for Z-axis limit switch is faulty and needs to be replaced
      2. The AF button board 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 A4

Replug the cable of the Z-axis limit switch.
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?

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, both are closed >> Problem solved
    • Possible cause: the physical connection was bad
  • No, one or both are not closed >> Step A5

 

Step A5

Use a multimeter to check if the Z-axis top and bottom limit switches are working fine.
(Skip this step and contact customer support directly if a multimeter is not available)
5-30 HEXA - X, Y, Z-axis Limit Switch Test with Multimeter

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, both switches work fine >> Record a video >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The mainboard is faulty and needs to be replaced.
      2. The AF button board is faulty and needs to be replaced
      3. The flat ribbon cable for Z-axis limit switch is faulty and needs to be replaced
  • No, one of them doesn't work >> Record a video >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The Z-axis limit switch set is faulty and needs to be replaced

 

Step B1

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

Good Example - Triggered
Bad Example - Not Triggered

 

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 B2
  • No, the platform won't move at all >> Step B2

 

Step B2

Try lubricating the 4 lead screws and see if the platform can be moved.
Please refer to the article. 4-3 Lubricating

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the platform can now be moved >> Step B3
  • No, the platform won't move at all >> Step B2.1

 

Step B2.1

Use a multimeter to measure the voltage on the mainboard. The voltage should be around 28V.
(If a multimeter is not available, please skip this step and go to Step B3.)

  • Turn off the machine.
    Remove the side cover by unscrewing these T8 screws and unplug the two USB extensions.
    (Refer to the diagram if your PCB board is not the same as the photo.)

 

  • Switch the multimeter to the DC measurement mode.

 

  • Find the measuring points.
    The V+ probe will contact the small bronze hole close to the bottom-left green
    The V- probe will contact the bottom-right hex screw in black.  

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • The voltage is around 28V >> Step B3

 

Step B3

Unplug and replug the following cables. After that, try lowering and raising the platform.

  • The flat ribbon cable on the mainboard.
    (Refer to the diagram if your PCB board is not the same as the photo.)

 

  • The Z-axis motor cable on the AF button board.
     

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • The platform can now be lowered and raised >> Step B1
  • No, it can only be moved in a single direction >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The AF button board is faulty and needs to be replaced
      2. The flat ribbon cable for the Z-axis limit switch is faulty and needs to be replaced 
      3. The mainboard is faulty and needs to be replaced (Less likely)
      4. The Z-axis motor is faulty (Less likely)
  • No, the platform won't move at all >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The AF button board is faulty and needs to be replaced
      2. The flat ribbon cable for the Z-axis limit switch is faulty and needs to be replaced 
      3. The mainboard is faulty and needs to be replaced 
      4. The Z-axis motor is faulty

 

Step C1

Check if the probe is stuck by turning off and turning on the machine.
Restart the machine, and the auto-focus probe should automatically pop out twice.

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the probe pops out >> Step C2
  • No, the probe doesn't pop out at all>> Step C1.1
  • The probe is already out before turning on >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The auto-focus module is faulty and needs to be replaced.

 

Step C1.1

Check if the Camera LED light is on when the machine is on.

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • No, the LED is OFF >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      • The HX Camera LED and Flame Sensor Board is faulty
      • The 6-pin cable of the Flame Sensor Board is faulty (Less likely)
      • The plotter board is faulty (Less likely)

 

Step C1.2

Replug the following cables. After that, check if the probe pops up when turning on the machine.

  • 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.)
    Water_pump_cover.jpg

 

  • The 6-pin cable on the Camera LED board on the laser head.
    (The shield of the laser head has to be removed with a T8 screwdriver.)

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • No, the LED is OFF >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      • The HX Camera LED and Flame Sensor Board is faulty
      • The 6-pin cable of the Flame Sensor Board is faulty (Less likely)
      • The plotter board is faulty (Less likely)

 

Step C1.3

Use a cotton swap with alcohol to clean the tip of the auto-focus module.
After cleaning, try to turn off and turn on the machine to see if the probe pops out.

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the probe pops out >> Step C2
  • No, the probe doesn't pop out at all>> Step C1.4

 

 

Step C1.4

Replug the following cables. After that, check if the probe pops up when turning on the machine.

  • 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.)
    Water_pump_cover.jpg

 

  • The 6-pin cable on the Camera LED board on the laser head.
    (The shield of the laser head has to be removed with a T8 screwdriver.)

 

  • The 5-pin cable on the Camera LED board and the auto-focus module.

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the probe pops out >> Step C2
  • No, the probe doesn't pop out at all>> Step C1.5

 

 

Step C1.5

Reflash the SD card and see if the probe pops up when turning on the machine.
Referring to the article, 5-24 HEXA - Reflashing SD Card.

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • Yes, the probe pops out >> Step C2
  • No, the probe doesn't pop out at all >> Contact Customer Service
    • Possible cause:
      1. The auto-focus module is faulty
      2. The 5-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)
      5. The plotter board is faulty (Less likely)
      6. The mainboard is faulty (Less likely)

 

Step C2

Place a material in the working area and double-press the "AF" button to see if the autofocus is working and if the probe's shape is normal.



Check the Shape - Good Example
Check the Shape - Bad Example

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • The shape and function are normal >> Problem solved
  • The probe looks twisted >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The auto-focus module is faulty and needs to be replaced.
  • The auto-focus still has a problem >> Step C3

 

Step C3

Replug the following cables. After that, check if the problem persists.

  • 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.)
    Water_pump_cover.jpg

 

  • The 6-pin cable on the Camera LED board on the laser head.
    (The shield of the laser head has to be removed with a T8 screwdriver.)

 

  • The 5-pin cable on the Camera LED board and the auto-focus module.

 

Determine the test result and the next action to take.

  • The function works >> Problem solved
  • The auto-focus still has a problem >> Contact Customer Support
    • Possible cause:
      1. The auto-focus module is faulty
      2. The 5-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)
      5. The plotter board is faulty (Less likely)
      6. The mainboard is faulty (Less likely)

 

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

Related articles

Comments

0 comments

Please sign in to leave a comment.