Z axis can't move upwards - Spindle only goes down

 cnc-milling, evo, ts_evo_motion, ts_fab_motion, ts_pro_motion, usage

▶  Description of the problem

When pressing Z arrows on your key pad or screen, the Z axis only goes down but can never go upwards. 

▶  Possible origins

There are many different possibilities, it can be hardware related (something blocks the axis) or software related (the computer dosen't wan't to go up because he thinks it is not supposed to).

▶  Solution

Please answer the questions below to resolve your issue

It will run you through the troubleshooting corresponding to your status depending on your answer to the first question.

▶  Let's begin: 

In the "WORK" coordinates (blue coordinates), is the "Z" letter displayed in red?

This would mean the computer thinks it has reached its limit (and therefore doesn't want to go any further), even if it is not true.

 Yes No

If "work Z" is indicated in red:

We need to tell the computer it is not at its limit, so it can home again and find its true position.

  • Go to the Machine coordinates tab (green coordinates).
    • Double Click on the green number behind the Z.
      • Enter the value 50, and then press Enter.

        ▶  Is the Z able to go up now ? (make sure your spindle is not already at the maximum height when trying)

        Yes No

        If your machine can go up after setting the Machine (green) coordinates to 50

        • Home the machine so it can get its real Z coordinates and not the temporary ones we gave it.
          • Check if everything works as intended with the Z axis (if not start the guide again)
            • The problem should be solved

              If "work Z" is written in white and Z still can't go up:

              This means the coordinates system are set correctly, so the problem comes from somewhere else than the software.

              ▶  Has your machine worked normally before? (The problem is new?)

              Yes No

              If your machine has worked normally in the past:

              This means something happened to the machine, probably hardware as the coordinates are set correctly. It could be a faulty cable (it might have been damaged internally).

                ▶  Please follow this "Suspicious Cable Procedure" to identify it.

              And then contact our support team to tell them the results of the procedure.

              If your machine is new (so you have never been able to make the Z go up):

              There might be something during the assembly that was set incorrectly and prevents the Z from going up.

              On Pro and Fab: please contact our support to identify the origin.

              On Evo: Try to loosen the anti-blacklash nut's fixation screws (2 black screws) fixing it. 

                ▶  Can you now move the Z axis upwards with the nut loosened?

              Yes No

              If you can move the Z up when the anti-backlash nut has been loosened:

              It was probably just tightened to strongly and was blocking the lead screw's rotation.

              • Tighten them again by alternating one screw and the other.
                • Regularly check that you can still move the Z axis up and down without any resistance.
                  • Stop tightening when the nut feel tight but the Z axis can still go upwards.
                    • Home the machine
                      • The problem should be solved

                        If you still can't move the Z up when the anti-backlash nut has been loosened:

                        This means the lead screw is not the one being blocked, it might be the wheels appliying to much pressure on the rails.

                        • Loosen the eccentric nuts of the 4 wheels on the Z-axis.
                          • If you can move the Z up when they are loose: then tighten them back gently, while checking if you can still move up.
                            • Home the machine
                              • The problem should be solved

                                  ▶  If nothing changes with this last troubleshooting step, we'll need to investigate the origin with you.

                                Please contact our support team, and explain them all the steps you followed, so we can help you as fast as possible!
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