Cutting unwanted double image

Does anyone have an idea why the image is cutting a double image?
File and image are attached. Aluminum substrate. Cut one sample without any issues, added a border to the file and now the machining is creating a double image. Arrows show the antler starting to cut, there should be a gap of 2 inches on the right. Cut is shifting to the right.

DAD!!!border1.c2d.zip (3.9 MB)
!

IMG_5711|375x500

Preview shows no issues.

Thank you for any help.

If the cut doesn’t match the 3D preview then it’s usually some sort of mechanical problem:

  • mechanical interference causing lost steps
  • mechanical issue with the machine causing lost steps

Best check is to move the machine to middle of motion for each axis, then power up, grab the tip of the spindle and try shifting it — any movement should be investigated and addressed.

I would agree with Will that it’s probably due to lost steps - quite possibly from running an 1/8" endmill through the aluminum. While it may not be trying to push the endmill too hard, the vibrations can reveal issues with intermittent motor connectors - excessive vibration or bending of the wires can cause the connectors to be less than reliable.

Be sure your wiring harness connectors are secured. If you jog your spindle around while gently flexing/straining motor connections(looks like it would be your X-axis) & the movement of the spindle stutters/stops/grinds, then that’s a sign that the connector is not providing a solid connection to the motor. Some people have found that zip-tieing the two sides of the connector together helps to keep the connection secure. But otherwise securing the connectors & wires to brackets is definitely adviseable.

Are the feeds and speeds and tooling you are using suited to aluminum?

Normally V carving is for wood.

Also, double check that you don’t actually have overlapping vectors. I did a 3D carve recently and it looked close but not quite like I expected. I noticed that I had the geometry doubled up.