[Sonic Mega 8K V2] Checking the Z-axis and Motor

If you're experiencing issues with your Z-axis, start by checking the lead screw for dirt or debris. If it's dirty or has accumulated grease, use a microfiber cloth to wipe it clean. After cleaning and lubricating, if the Z-axis is still unable to move or operates abnormally, we will need to move forward to find out the root cause.

In this article, we will guide you through simple steps to reconnect the motor connector, and also check the motor condition. By taking these steps, we can examine the z-axis and motor to see if the issue was caused by a loose connection or an external damage.

1. Reconnect the Motor Connector

Checking the motor cable connection on your printer 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.

Power down and prepare

• Turn off your printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Loosen the 8 flathead screws on the front cover using an H2 hex key.

• Pull the front case slowly to avoid damaging the cables inside.

If you want to remove the front case completely, please unplug the touch panel cable and the front USB extension cable.

Reseating the motor connector

• Locate the motor connector on the mainboard (the 2nd connector from the right side)
• Reconnect the motor connector.

Turn on the printer and run Z-axis calibration to confirm proper functionality.

• Reconnect the touch panel cable and the front USB extension cable if they have been disconnected previously.
• Reinstall the front case by tightening the 8 screws.
• Remove the resin vat and the building plate.
• Plug the power cord and switch on the printer.
• On the touch panel, select TOOLS > Z CONTROL.

• Click START to perform the Z-axis calibration.

• Check the movement of the Z-axis to see if the issue has been resolved.

2. Check the Z-axis by Turning it 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.

Power Down and Prepare

• Turn off the printer.
• Remove the building plate and resin vat.

Rotate the ball screw to check the mechanism

• Turn the ball screw by hand clockwise and counterclockwise to check for any jamming.
• If the Z-axis does not move smoothly, proceed to the next steps to check the ball screw and motor individually.

Test the motor movement

• Loosen the upper screw of the coupling to separate the ball screw from the motor while leaving the coupling connected to the motor.
• Turn the coupling clockwise and counterclockwise with one hand while holding the ball screw with another hand.
• If the coupling does not move, it may be due to resin seeping into the motor and causing it to become trapped.
  
  

On the other hand, if the ball screw does not move, try cleaning and lubricating the ball screw with spindle oil.

Regular maintenance of the Z Axis and Lubrication can prevent this issue from occuring. For more information, check out our post here.

Once you complete the above examination, please reach out to our customer support team if the issue persists. When reaching out to us, please also provide us with photos/video of both the Motor connections and a video for  Z-axis movement.

Contact Support

By following these steps, you can quickly and easily check if the z-axis issue still remains or can be resolved. If the problem persists, please reach out to Phrozen Support or your Authorized Reseller for further assistance.