[Sonic Mega 8K S] Checking the Z-axis and Motor

After using your Sonic Mega 8K S for a period of time, you may encounter some Z-axis-related issues. The Z-axis can start to get stuck, show abnormal movements or make annoying sounds. If this matches your case, it’s time for you to take some troubleshooting steps. This article will guide you through 3 common methods helping you to verify the condition of your Sonic Mega 8K S’s Z-axis and motor.

1. Cleaning the Z-axis

If you're experiencing issues with your Z-axis, start by checking the ball screw for any dirt or debris. 

• If it's dirty or has accumulated grease, use a microfiber cloth to wipe it clean (you can also use alcohol for deeper cleaning). 
• After cleaning, consider lubricating the ball screw. 
• For more detailed instructions, please refer to another article [Sonic Mega 8K S] Cleaning the Z-axis.

If the Z-axis is still unable to move after cleaning, proceed to the next 2 methods.

2. Reconnecting the motor connector

Always disconnect the power source before disassembling any electrical equipment. If it is necessary to handle equipment that is still plugged in, ensure your hands are dry and consider wearing insulation gloves, protective clothing, and shoes with insulated soles if possible.

Checking the motor cable connection on your Sonic Mega 8K S is an important step in ensuring that your device is working properly. If the motor cable becomes disconnected, it can cause your printer to stop working altogether. To check the motor cable connection, follow these steps:

Power down and prepare

• Turn off your printer and unplug it 
• Use an Allen Wrench (Size 2) to loosen the 12 screws and open the front case

• Carefully keeps the front case in front of the printer, making sure that the cables are intact

Identify and reconnect the motor cable 

• Locate the the motor cable connecting to the mainboard and the motor
• Reseat the 2 ends of the motor cable

Reassemble the printer

• Use an Allen Wrench (Size 2) to tighten the 12 screws on the front case 

Verify the functionality of the Z-axis

• Plug in the power cord and turn on the printer
• Remove the building plate and resin vat
• Manually run the Z-axis to verify if it runs correctly

3. Checking the motor by turning the Z-axis by hand

If you experience a situation where the Z-axis becomes stuck during printing or if you hear a grinding noise from the motor, it may indicate a problem with the Z-axis mechanism. This issue is often caused by the buildup of dirt, dust, or resin on the Z-axis or even resin that has seeped into the motor, preventing it from moving smoothly.

To check if the motor is working properly, follow the steps below:

Power down and prepare

• Turn off your printer and unplug it 
• Remove the building plate and resin vat
• Use the Size 2.5 Allen Wrench to loosen the upper screw

Check the movement of the couple and the ball screw

• Spin the couple by hand to check if the motor is spinnable
• Spin the ball screw by hand to check if it is spinnable

• Try cleaning and lubricating the ball screw with spindle oil if the ball screw cannot move

Regular maintenance of the Z-axis and lubrication can prevent this issue from occurring.

Contact Support

By following these steps, you can easily check the Z-axis and motor on your device and determine whether they need to be repaired or replaced. If you find any issues, feel free to reach out to Phrozen Support or your Authorized Reseller for further assistance. When contacting Phrozen Support, kindly share a  video illustrating the issues with the Z-axis/ motor. This will greatly facilitate the troubleshooting process.