Last job I did ran completely flawless with no issues. Loaded this file and it keeps going haywire off the guide lines on screen. ( https://youtu.be/BL0Z8bbgc8c?si=bMGzfabBvKav6hJ4 ) I intentionally have sort turned off so the issue happens early in the video on the second cut. I have thoroughly confirmed there is no binding on torch lead and belt tensions are efficient. Belt gears on servos are tight and look to have flat spots to eliminate slip on shafts.
I do have X and or Y axis overtempature alerts that pop up after running any file. An overtemp issue I have tagged @Andrew about on here before with no response. I have also confirmed it is not a file issue as I have tested with other known good working files and the issue remains. To me it seems like something is slipping somewhere and allowing the torch to go off the mark.
These symptoms fit almost perfectly.
" Several key indicators suggest a potential issue with the servo motor in your ArcDroid:
1. Inconsistent or Erratic Movement:
- Stalling, jittering, or failure to maintain position: This suggests the servo isn’t smoothly and accurately executing the intended movements.
- Jerky movements or delays in response time: The servo may be struggling to react quickly and precisely to commands.
- Inaccurate positioning: If the arm doesn’t return to the correct “zero” position or consistently deviates from the intended cut path, the servo’s encoder may be faulty.
2. Overheating:
- Motor is excessively hot to the touch: This can be a sign of overloading, excessive current draw, or cooling problems.
- Increased heat generation: The servo may be working harder than necessary due to increased friction or internal issues.
3. Unusual Noises:
- Grinding, clicking, or buzzing sounds: These noises can indicate mechanical wear, internal damage, or electrical interference within the servo."
Bottom belt servo feels very smooth when moving the arm manually but has given Y axis overtempature alerts. The top belt servo feels harder to move manulally, is louder and has inconsistant movement. As in while moving the arm to move the top belt pulley only back and forth I can feel the tension get stiffer then ease up and get stiffer again.
I fear my ArcDroid has a damaged servo, possibly two.
What cutter are you using?
Titanium 45 plasma cutter
I’ve been experiencing the same over temperature issues for several years now. It’s been intermittent. So when it works it works well. I’ve noticed the issues occur when outside temperature is at 90 degrees plus. It usually cuts the whole piece fine until the last few cuts are in progress. Jerky erratic cuts that run across the piece. I did notice that when it does happen recently that if you check the dimensions, either the height or width is completely blank. So Im assuming that the excessive heat is causing either servo to act up. I’m going to try placing something that moves air directly around the ArcDroid. That way it doesn’t interfere with air exiting the torch head. I’m open to any other ideas from someone experiencing the same issues.
Is your control box (touch screen) in a enclosure or open ?
It still has the original plastic on the screen.(over 4 years now.) Does pretty good with keeping dust and debris out of the edges.
I ended up getting mine replaced with a demo unit. Still don’t know what caused it. Mine ended up cutting off the guidelines and not following the pattern after a few cuts. Whether its related to the over temp alerts or not I do not know. Can’t dig in deep on my new machine yet because my compressor piston went out but a new piston kit should be here in a few days.
Right on. I’ll probably email or call Andrew for this issue now. Hopefully he’s not sick of me yet.
I was told that, “since mine is the vintage (one of the originals) model where it had some issues with insufficient silicone heat transfer paste on the heat sink on the main board…and it dries out over time and gets worse.” Andrew helped get this squared away and now I have the new board installed. So far so good.
Andrew ended up swapping mine out for a demo unit he had at their office in Texas. I went threw the calibration setup and dialed everything thing in on my table. So far I’ve only cut that 3D Scorpion. Seems to cut fine now but the torch stops responding properly once you hit the pause button. It causes the arcdroid to think the torch is on when its not and will not allow it to fire when unpaused.
