3 yrs Finally cut a part! but have issues! <chain drive>

All things related to the Centroid CNC Plasma systems, Hardware and Software.

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ShawnM
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Re: 3 yrs Finally cut a part! but have issues! <chain drive>

Post by ShawnM »

Someone else posted this link but here's a VERY capable PC for very little money. If you have a bigger budget there are even better options.

https://www.pcliquidations.com/dell-opt ... ant=155236


VR PLASMA
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Re: 3 yrs Finally cut a part! but have issues! <chain drive>

Post by VR PLASMA »

I will try to get the video loaded of the z axis keeps saying unsupported file. Also I will take close up pics of the axis and screw. How do you measure the screw?
I hear what you’re saying on the hoses it needs addressed and the mechanism is not very light. Inside two shafts with a screw in the middle that guide the z axis

Thanks for the PC recommendation I can afford that soon


ShawnM
Community Expert
Posts: 2977
Joined: Fri May 24, 2019 8:34 am
Acorn CNC Controller: Yes
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CNC12: Yes
CNC11: No
CPU10 or CPU7: No
Location: Clearwater, FL

Re: 3 yrs Finally cut a part! but have issues! <chain drive>

Post by ShawnM »

VR PLASMA wrote: Tue Apr 01, 2025 1:02 pm I will try to get the video loaded of the z axis keeps saying unsupported file. Also I will take close up pics of the axis and screw. How do you measure the screw?
I hear what you’re saying on the hoses it needs addressed and the mechanism is not very light. Inside two shafts with a screw in the middle that guide the z axis

Thanks for the PC recommendation I can afford that soon
You are uploading it to your Google album yes? Not the forum.

Without THC it's not an issue but if you have a THC you want to make sure you have a snappy Z axis so it can rapidly adjust the voltage and give you good quality cuts. A heavy Z axis with a wimpy motor wont be quick.

You can just measure the distance between two of the threads on the screw but this is for a single start screw. For multi-start screws you can measure the distance it travels in one revolution. Most all my machines have had metric screws and I've not ever seen a 10.5 setting before but that's not to say it isn't correct. If you tell it to move an inch and it moves an inch then it's good. You may just need a larger motor to move all that weight better.

The Z axis isn't causing you com errors though. That's the PC and noise.


Joey
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Re: 3 yrs Finally cut a part! but have issues! <chain drive>

Post by Joey »

If the Z axis Configuration settings are changed the THC torch calibration should be ran again.


The THC calibration adjusts the Z PID settings based on the Z axis config settings.


VR PLASMA
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Mar 30, 2023 1:58 pm
Acorn CNC Controller: Yes
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CNC Control System Serial Number: none
DC3IOB: No
CNC12: Yes
CNC11: No
CPU10 or CPU7: No

Re: 3 yrs Finally cut a part! but have issues! <chain drive>

Post by VR PLASMA »

Thanks for all the help I just purchased a new CNC pc that has a I5 6500T which had a single core benchmark of 1700 I should have that tomorrow.

I searched the communication error and looked at the tech bulletin 270 I believe. I realized that the pc is a major issue but also realized I have the z axis pulling power from the 24volt acorn power supply which is bad.
So I ordered a 48volt power supply for the z axis

I ran the grizzly job without plasma on and it had zero issues with communication errors

Joey was the reply for me ? I don’t have THC yet

I will repot back when I do the upgrades

My google album is not letting me add new photos but I have room will try and add new photos and videos

Thanks again

I will report back when I add


Joey
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Re: 3 yrs Finally cut a part! but have issues! <chain drive>

Post by Joey »

That was for you but I see that was irrelevant.

I bet the Separate power supply for the Z axis solves the issue.


ShawnM
Community Expert
Posts: 2977
Joined: Fri May 24, 2019 8:34 am
Acorn CNC Controller: Yes
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CNC Control System Serial Number: 7804734C6498-0401191832
DC3IOB: No
CNC12: Yes
CNC11: No
CPU10 or CPU7: No
Location: Clearwater, FL

Re: 3 yrs Finally cut a part! but have issues! <chain drive>

Post by ShawnM »

VR PLASMA wrote: Thu Apr 03, 2025 3:29 pm I searched the communication error and looked at the tech bulletin 270 I believe. I realized that the pc is a major issue but also realized I have the z axis pulling power from the 24volt acorn power supply which is bad.
So I ordered a 48volt power supply for the z axis
Running a 48 volt drive with 24 volts leaves half the speed and torque on the table. Always run your stepper drives with as much power as the drive can handle. With 48 volts you'll have much more speed and torque on the Z axis.

The new PC will be a HUGE improvement. Be sure to load the latest version and hand enter all the parameters. Also be sure to run Centroids PC tuner to configure the PC for CNC use. This should solve the com errors.....unless you have a grounding issue somewhere.


VR PLASMA
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Mar 30, 2023 1:58 pm
Acorn CNC Controller: Yes
Allin1DC CNC Controller: No
Oak CNC controller: No
CNC Control System Serial Number: none
DC3IOB: No
CNC12: Yes
CNC11: No
CPU10 or CPU7: No

Re: 3 yrs Finally cut a part! but have issues! <chain drive>

Post by VR PLASMA »

Hopefully Amazon shows up tomorrow! I do appreciate the help with this . I did a little research on the drives and voltage input increases speed like you said. I think I hooked up the drive to the CNC power just to get it to move.

Next is to figure out how to get my x and y axis ratios closer to the sweet spot.

Was thinking going from 5:1 on y axis to 8:1 if I can find
And from 36:1 to maybe 20:1 gear reduction. chain sprockets have me confused

Is there a way to calculate this instead of guessing?

Pics of z axis inside
Attachments
IMG_3158.jpeg
IMG_3157.jpeg


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