MicroRouter Compact Z brake problems

[Denford Admin]

I'm having problems with the Z axis on my micro router compact sticking and stalling.
The slide itself seems to run OK and has been cleared of dust, so the problem must lie above the coupling

How do I inspect the Z axis stepper motor brake ?

[Denford Admin]

On the MicroRouter Compact you will need to remove the front hood metalwork in order to get to the Z axis motor and brake.

Once done, remove the two locknuts (see picture)

The brake can now be removed from the motor

You will now see something like the next picture - check that the hex nut is positioned and tight on the stepper motor shaft.

[boots]

What is the purpose of the Z brake?

[Martin]

The Z axis stepper motor stops the Z axis dropping when the E Stop is pushed in or there is no power to the machine.There is no counterbalance so the weight of the Z assembly & Spindle motor can cause the axis to drift down when the stepper motor is not energised.

[Denford Admin]

In other words - it'll stop the tool dropping into your job if you ever hit the e stop button whilst machining.

[Steve]

We had an instance where a machine was cutting and the estop was pressed the rotation of the cutter acted like a cork screw and pulled the Z slide down into the job because the stepper motor de energised.

If the pitch of the Z screw was greater this would not be an issue.

[Denford Admin]

If the pitch of the Z screw was greater this would not be an issue.

Do you mean a finer pitch would be better ?