¶ Fault Symptoms
After starting a print, the Z axis does not respond or moves with difficulty.
¶ Possible Causes
- The spring cable is stacked, bent, or stuck.
- The screws securing the Z motor are loose.
- The lead screw and guide rail lack lubrication.
- The anti-backlash nut is damaged.
- The Z motor connector is loose.
¶ Required Tools
- 2.0 mm hex key
- 2.5 mm hex key
- Cable tie
- White lithium grease
- Lint-free cloth
- Nitrile gloves
- Diagonal cutters
¶ Troubleshooting Steps
Note:
To facilitate troubleshooting, remove the UV cover, build plate, and resin tank before starting.
¶ 1. Check Whether the Spring Cable Is Stacked, Bent, or Stuck
- Turn off the printer using the power switch and disconnect the adapter plug.
- Check whether the spring cable is stacked, bent, or stuck on other components.
- If the spring cable is stacked, bent, or stuck, use a screwdriver or another suitable tool to gently move the spring cable downward until it is no longer tangled or stuck.
Note:
Do not squeeze, puncture, or damage the spring cable during adjustment.
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Remove the tool, reconnect the printer power, and turn on the printer.
-
Use the touchscreen to move the Z axis up and down.
Touchscreen operation path:
Tool > Manual > Distance adjustment > △/▽
- If the Z axis moves smoothly up and down, stop troubleshooting.
- If the Z axis still operates abnormally, continue troubleshooting according to the following steps.
¶ 2. Check Whether the Screws Securing the Z Motor Are Loose
Check whether the two screws securing the top of the Z motor are loose.
If the screws are loose, use a 2.5 mm hex key to tighten the two screws.
Note:
If resin has leaked into the stepper motor, stop troubleshooting immediately. Do not use the printer temporarily. Turn off the printer using the power switch, take pictures, and contact technical support.
- If the Z motor fixing screws are not loose, continue troubleshooting according to the following steps.
¶ 3. Lubricate the Z Axis Lead Screw and Guide Rail
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Turn off the printer using the power switch and disconnect the adapter plug.
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Use a lint-free cloth to clean any dust or residue from the surface of the lead screw and guide rail.
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Apply grease to the Z axis lead screw and guide rail.
White lithium grease is recommended. Make sure the surfaces of the lead screw and guide rail are properly lubricated.
4. Turn on the printer and use the touchscreen to move the Z axis up and down. Check whether the movement is smooth.
- If the Z axis moves smoothly up and down, stop troubleshooting.
- If the Z axis still operates abnormally, continue troubleshooting according to the following steps.
¶ 4. Check the Z Axis Anti-Backlash Nut
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Turn off the printer using the power switch and disconnect the adapter plug.
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Locate the fixing screw of the anti-backlash nut on the Z motor.
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Use a 2.5 mm hex key to loosen the fixing screw of the anti-backlash nut.
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Make sure the tool has been removed and keep your hands and other objects away from the Z axis movement area.
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Turn on the printer and use the touchscreen to move the Z axis up and down. Check whether the Z axis operates normally.
- If the Z axis works normally after loosening the fixing screw, replace the anti-backlash nut with a new one.
- If the Z axis still does not work normally after loosening the fixing screw, continue troubleshooting according to the following steps.
Note:
Before continuing troubleshooting, tighten the fixing screw of the anti-backlash nut.
¶ 5. Adjust the Spring Cable Length
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Turn off the printer using the power switch and disconnect the adapter plug.
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Use a 2.0 mm hex key to remove the seven screws securing the rear cover, then remove the rear cover.
- Locate the cable tie securing the spring cable and cut the cable tie.
Note:
Avoid cutting the spring cable when cutting the cable tie.
- Pull the spring cable downward so that it extends approximately two additional loops. Secure the spring cable again using a new cable tie.
- Use the touchscreen to move the Z axis up and down and check whether the movement is smooth.
- If the Z axis moves smoothly up and down, stop troubleshooting.
- If the Z axis does not move or moves with difficulty, continue troubleshooting according to the following steps.
¶ 6. Check the Z Motor Connector
- Use a 2.5 mm hex key to remove the three screws securing the upper right panel.
- Use a 2.0 mm hex key to remove the three screws securing the lower right panel, then remove the right panel.
3. Place the printer in its normal operating position and check whether the Z motor connector is loose or has burn marks. Reconnect the Z motor connector.
Note:
To prevent the connector from becoming loose, hot melt glue has been applied to secure the connector before shipment. If the connector is not loose, skip the reconnecting operation.
Attention:
If the connector shows signs of burning, melting, or discoloration, provide pictures to technical support and stop using the printer temporarily.
The following image shows the difference between a properly connected connector and a loose connector.
¶ Contact Technical Support
If the issue is still not resolved after completing all troubleshooting steps above, please provide the following information and contact technical support:
Email: 3dp@elegoo.com
Please provide:
- Video — showing the abnormal Z axis movement.
- Photo — showing the top of the Z motor.
- Photo — showing the appearance of the spring cable.
- Photo — showing the appearance of the connectors on both sides of the Z motor.
- Test result — whether the Z motor operates normally after loosening the anti-backlash nut.
¶ Help us improve
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