Full Version: Wavy engraving??

From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1]
 29 Jan 2007
To: ALL

Greetings,
It wouldn't be Monday if even the simplest, mundane jobs went smoothly...
I am using LaserMax to make name badges. Some of them turn out fine. Others are all wavy. I checked to make sure the lens was in nice and tight. The other issue I am having is that the vector is off center of the badge. It vectors right through the center of the badge.
Does my laser need to be realigned?
Thanks
Becky

EDITED: 2 Feb 2007 by KIAIJANE

From: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#2]
 29 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1] 29 Jan 2007

I had a similar problem with my Epilog 24TT, and it turned out to be the X-axis motor.

My machine was under warranty, so I had the part the next day (took about 2 hours to install).

From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#3]
 29 Jan 2007
To: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#2] 29 Jan 2007

This may be a dumb question but did you have to install it yourself?
If that's the case, I may be royally hosed on this one :P ....
Thanks

From: John (ICTJOHN) [#4]
 29 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#3] 29 Jan 2007

Becky,

It could also be a bad bearing or incorrect belt tension, if you have not changed any adjustments, then it is probably the motor or bearings. And yes, these are consumer installed items - sorry. :-&

Time to call the factory tech...............................
I'm sure with their help you will do fine. :D

From: JHayes55 [#5]
 29 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1] 29 Jan 2007

Becky - did this start suddenly or has this issue been getting worse over a period of time? I strongly suggest you contact tech support and email the pic of your name badge to them. I could be several small simple issues or it might be part as Cody has suggested. Tech support can walk you through some things to narrow down the issue.

EDITED: 29 Jan 2007 by DGL

From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#6]
 29 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1] 29 Jan 2007

That is definitely the x axis losing where it is. Motor, encoder, belts, bearings and all of those things can cause it.

You may be able to get the job done with a lower speed and power setting. Just slowing down will usually do the job for a little while giving you time to get it fixed and still producing product.

From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#7]
 29 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1] 29 Jan 2007

Which model Epilog do you have? If it's one of the newer models that has a linear encoder strip, you might try cleaning that first, and using air to blow out the gap in the part that rides along the encoder strip. The encoder strip is a thin plastic strip that is under the X axis cover. It needs to be cleaned regularly.

If you have an older Epilog that doesn't have this strip, then that's not the problem. ;-)

From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#8]
 29 Jan 2007
To: ALL

Oh lord I am in total panic mode. I don't have anything "due" neccessarily. But your talking to the girl who barely knows where the oil goes in the car let alone what an x-axis cover is and what belts you all are talking about.
The problem is not happening on the whole table..on some areas past 12"..but then other areas past 12" are ok..

Technological advanced, I am..Creatively inclined, I am that too.
Mechanically oriented...I totally am not.
I am calling tech support as "we speak"...
Wish me luck.....
Anyone have any ideas that don't involve me actually having to fix anything? LOL :O)
Thanks for the help everyone...I will let you know how I make out...

From: Carl (CSEWELL) [#9]
 29 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#8] 29 Jan 2007

quote:
Oh lord


That's a good start!

quote:
I am in total panic mode


That won't help at all. It may be as simple as a little cleaning.

quote:
Anyone have any ideas that don't involve me actually having to fix anything?


Yes, let technical support fix it for you. You just do as you are told and everything should be fine.

Most importantly: RELAX!

From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#10]
 29 Jan 2007
To: Carl (CSEWELL) [#9] 29 Jan 2007

Carl-
Thanks for the words of wisdom...perhaps "panic mode" was too strong.
After all, there isn't a whole lot in this world that is worth panicking or getting upset about. And right now, I am neither so that's a good thing.
Thanks
Becky

From: Joe (SMITTY61) [#11]
 29 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1] 29 Jan 2007

Wavy line is a result of bad bearings, belt tension or worn belt. I get that from time to time with my Universal. My laser engravers run all day every day and I have to replace them twice a year.

From: Joe (SMITTY61) [#12]
 29 Jan 2007
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#8] 29 Jan 2007

If it is happening in certain spots and not in others, it is probably a worn belt. Call your tech and maybe get a belt and bearing kit. It's easy to do. Don't think too much into it.

From: Diller (PHYLLIS) [#13]
 29 Jan 2007
To: ALL

Dear Becky,

Do you have an Epilog? Call Tech Support right away! They will ship it out immediately. The other folks are right about the x-axis motor, encoder strip,...that was my problem! Don't worry about what they send you, it is step by step and you can do it! I know exactly where you are coming from about installing anything...it sounds scary, but try cleaning everything first. If you would like to PM me I can explain further, I don't want to go on and on if you already have the answer.

Sincerely,

Phyllis

From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#14]
 29 Jan 2007
To: ALL

And the winner is...
those of you who guessed the encoder strip.
Tech support (as well as many experienced members of this forum) advised me to take off the blue rail cover and clean the encoder strip as well as blow out under the encoder reader.
I did that and it seems to have solved the problem.
Thank you doesn't even begin to cover it. I so greatly appreciate everyone's help very much.

Said it before and I'll say it again...
YOU GUYS ROCK!!!
Becky

From: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#15]
 30 Jan 2007
To: ALL

Glad to hear it was a simple fix. I was figuring it was not the belt that had gone bad. Pretty rare that a belt fails over the weekend. Maybe a bearing might have seized over an off time. I figured it was probably dirt or crud had getten in somewhere.

Isn't Monday Morning Quarterbacking Grand!

From: UncleSteve [#16]
 30 Jan 2007
To: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#15] 30 Jan 2007

quote:
Isn't Monday Morning Quarterbacking Grand!


Especially when you wre rooting for the winning team! :D

From: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#17]
 30 Jan 2007
To: ALL

It's so much easier picking the winning team the next day.

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