Linear arrays of holes drilling partially off center

Shapeoko 5 pro. Referencing this diagram:

With the screw shaft not moving the nut/flange can click/clunk/move 1-2mm to either side, just eyeballing with carpenter square:


Video action

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Is this normal? Seems not normal.

Not normal. Try tightening the four screws in the middle.

Definitely not normal. Also check the Y axis. Push forward/back on the whole gantry.

The carrier plate to ball screw screws are tight and loc tite applied, They were tight and there is no movement between plate and mounting points behind. It’s slop in the ball screw assembly. You can see the flange/nut moving back and forth with the screw holding still

The y is tight, and the accuracy issues are definitely x axis specific: horizontal spacing of holes is compromised, vertical alignment of holes is compromised. Is there adjustable pre-load in these? If so I’d say it’s gone. I’ve had no shock of any kind to the machine through assembly til now, wondering if g forces of shipping caused a failure or for preload to go out of tension etc.

Not sure of adjustments. My HDM was ‘snug as a bug’ on arrival, and still is. I did have to loc-tite the end bearings on the ball screws, but those are alignment only, finger tight. And a few screws that worked their way loose.

Does the ball-screw move with the X carriage? Check the thrust bearing. If not, look for adjustments on the X ball retainer assembly.

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@sunday

I agree with the others that the movement seen in your video is not right and it’s about the exact amount of “slop” movement you see in your patterned tool paths. Depending on direction of the axis travel/change of direction the random pattern changes makes sense. I would contact support and have them provide you wit the exact directions to snug up the Ball screw/nut assembly and you should be cutting straight again. I have the 5 Pro and have not had to adjust these assemblies, yet… This is backlash that’s out of spec and should be easily resolvable.

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We have been working through it as I’ve sent them all the same info and the c2d files early on, last reply was asking if there’s binding along the gantry, but it moves smoothly after the initial backlash clunk. Waiting to hear what to do. This forum is already proving such a good resource. Big thanks to admins and contributors. It takes a team!

Golden! Got it here:
Support Show EP 11

The ball flange mounting screws were completely loose, I have applied loctite red on reassembly but probably not much because it’s a reach to get back there. Gorilla hands. Slop gone. Back to zip zip zip, I’ll follow up.

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Admin, if you read this please move post to machine category not software.

Loctite and retorquing of the ball screw flange round head screws (accessible on the behind the left side of the z carrier plate follow the screw shaft, one screw above, one below) is the other cure besides the four z plate to ball screw screws to coming loose.

Cutting pretty right now.

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@sunday

Now that looks much better!

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