When cutting something, the line can suddenly jump off a bit. Say you are cutting a square and the horizontal line ( X-axis) shifts a little. Then there is a problem with the Y-axis. The same applies in reverse. If there is a shift in the vertical line (Y-axis) then there is a problem with the X-axis.

Check the distance between the lines

It is important to check the distance between the lines. That can correspond to the spacing of the teeth of the timing belt. Usually, the length of a tooth is indicated on the timing belt. For example, if it says 25HTD-3M on the belt, it means the length of a tooth is 3 mm. If the deviation in your work is also 3 mm, the first step is to check whether the timing belt is still completely intact. Also, check whether all the teeth on the belt are still there and whether they are pointy. If one or more teeth are worn flat, the belt may slip.

If the belt is intact, the next step is to check whether the timing belt pulleys are still in good condition. If the teeth on the timing belt pulley are no longer pointy, the timing belt can also slip here and skip a bit.

If the timing belt or the timing belt pulley is no longer in good condition, they will have to be replaced.

Is the timing belt pulley fastened properly?

If the length of the deviation does not correspond to the length of the teeth of the belt, it may be that the timing belt pulley is not secured properly. The timing belt pulley has a locking bolt. The axis over which the timing belt pulley sits has a flat surface. The locking bolt secures the timing belt pulley in this area. If the locking bolt has loosened somewhat due to vibrations, it can rotate further than it should, causing slack. The same applies here: if the deviation is on the X-axis, the problem is on the Y-axis and vice versa.

To check this, it is important that the machine is on but not running a program. The motors are powered. Now check whether you can turn the timing belt pulley and whether there is any slack. Usually, you cannot turn the timing belt pulley. If a timing belt pulley does turn, there is slack in it. To solve slack you have to tighten the locking bolt in the timing belt pulley. Also, check if the timing belt is still intact, the bolt might have loosened a bit unnoticed and damaged the timing belt.

When you find a timing belt pulley with slack, you can check the other timing belt pulleys just to make sure they are all properly secured.

The timing belts and timing belt pulleys seem fine, now what?

If the timing belts and the timing belt pulleys seem to be in good condition and the locking bolts in the timing belt pulleys are all secured, there may be slack in the motor or the bearings.

If that is the case, please submit a ticket indicating what you have already tried so we can help you.