Is my Z axis salvageable?

Hardware
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So I accidentally dropped my whole sled right onto the Z-axis motor. It immediately would not respond to any commands and failed the motor test. I saw that replacement z motors are not available on the Store, so I did my best to repair it. I took the motor completely apart and cleared some debris from the rotor and got it turning smoothly again. I reassembled the now functioning motor and with a feeling of self-satisfaction tested it out. The motor ran backwards. I changed the Z-axis pitch setting to a negative value and I was off and running with the motor responding correctly.
Now I’ve found a bigger issue. The distance the motor turns is not reliable. It seems to go much further than specified. It I tell it to move .1mm, it will move anywhere from 1mm to 5mm. When I define Zero, it doesn’t stick and will be off by a couple mm when I try to return to it. Seems as though I broke the motor’s ability to index correctly.
In the meanwhile, I’ll stick to manual Z adjustment. I’ve got 2 questions I could use help with.

Anyone have a source from replacement Z motors?
Anyone know if I can still salvage my disobedient motor?

2

Have a look at this thread:

Thank you

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3

That’s great. I missed that one in my search. Back in business soon, hopefully.

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4

Perhaps the encoder that sits where the plug goes? Check the tiny circuit board and the magnet in the middle. If it’s loose, glue it back.

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Oh, that may be it. I didn’t realize that it was a magnet. I just thought it was a bushing. I broke it and glued it back together to get the motor running. I probably totally messed up its field and ability to use that to index. Well, live and learn. I should probably get a spare motor for when I smash something into it again. Or maybe 3d print a cage for it.

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6

Send me an email at info@makermadecnc.com

We can work something out for you on a z-axis motor.

-Chris

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