Always check the machine per:
https://my.carbide3d.com/faq/machine-operating-checklist/
the basic points of adjustment for a machine are:
- (for belt drive machines) Pulley set screws — verify that these are in-place and secure — be sure to check all axes/pulleys (including Z on machines w/ belt-drive Z-axis, for an HDZ, check both coupler screws).
- (for the SO3/4, X- and Y-axes, and the belt-drive Z-axis on Launch and summer 2016 SO3s) V wheels / eccentric nuts (per assembly instructions)
- (for the Pro, Pro 5, HDM, and Z-Plus and HDZ Z-axis) Lubrication of the linear rails: CNC Machine Maintenance c.f., Making rail bearing lube easier - #9 by LiamN
- (for belt drive machines) Belt tension (see the relevant step in your instruction manual, Note that the X-axis motor is held in place on standoffs and if those bolts are loose this can cause belt tension issues. Also, belt tension for the Y-axis stepper motors needs to be even/equivalent on each side — a significant difference can cause skipping on one side eventually resulting in lost steps on both. Measuring belt tension, squaring and calibration
Naturally, this assumes that all the wiring is in good condition and all connectors secure per the Machine Operating Checklist. Verify that all wiring is in good condition and all connectors are secure, and that all wiring leading into connectors are properly in place and are secured so that the wiring leading into and away from connectors will not shift.
A good video overview on setup:
Tramming the Z-Plus: https://youtu.be/rGOGlNurglE
Ensure that all screws are in place and secure, esp. on the linear rails on a Pro.
The big thing to remember is that while the machines are conceptually complex in terms of the number of parts multiplied by the axes and their interactions, the basics of motion are quite simple:
- the CAM software creates a G-code to move the machine
- a file containing that G-code command is sent to the machine over the USB cable and interpreted by Grbl
- the controller then has the stepper driver chips send signals over the wiring to the motor(s) causing them to turn
- the motor shaft then causes either a pulley to rotate, or the lead/ballscrew to turn
- the pulley or screw then interacts with a belt or nut causing motion
- the motion is guided along an axis by linear rails, which either have a V wheel (positioned by eccentric nuts) or linear blocks w/ bearings
Check each aspect of the machine — on a belt-drive machine it’s almost always belt tension, or eccentric nuts/V-wheels, or pulley set screws…