Testing the Z Motor on a PlasmaCAM table

by Alistair McDonald
Posted on 01/09/2023

TEST 1:
Turn off the power

Plasma-cam-power-switch-on


Remove the Z-axis motor.

Remove-z-axis-motor

Loosely reattach just the motor body using two opposite bolts.

Reattaching-motorbody-plasma-cam-table

Hold the carriage vertically on the edge of a table.

holding-plasma-cam-carriage-against-table-1

Lift the holder back to the top of its travel and then slowly lower it under just its own weight. Do this a few times, then turn the carriage upside down and repeat the motion a few more times.

SUMMARY:
If the Z-axis moves smoothly without getting stuck, then the problem is in the motor, wiring harnesses, or controller. Proceed to ‘TEST 2’ below.
If the Z-axis moves roughly or gets stuck, then the problem is in the holder back and wheels. Refer to the video manual to troubleshoot the mechanical movement.

TEST 2
Check the Z-axis motor windings and the two wiring harnesses connecting the motor to the controller, replacing any faulty component found. Otherwise, replace the Z-axis motor.
Measure the motor resistance through various pairs of terminals on the motor connector. The resistance between these terminals should measure between 320 and 390 ohms.

Testing-Z-axis-motor-windings

The resistance between these terminals should measure between 320 and 390 ohms.

Testing-Z-axis-motor-windings-2

The resistance between these terminals should measure between 640 and 780 ohms.

Testing-Z-axis-motor-windings-3

Verify isolation between these two terminals.

Testing-Z-axis-motor-windings-4

Verify continuity between this terminal and the ground terminal bolted to the motor.

Testing-Z-axis-motor-windings-5

SUMMARY:
If the winding resistance, isolation or continuity tests ever fail to measure correctly, the Z-axis motor is faulty and should be replaced.
If these tests don’t find any fault, check the two wiring harnesses connecting the motor to the controller, replacing any faulty component found. Otherwise, replace the Z-axis motor or if the problem persists, replace the controller.

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