Problem
The Z-Axis brake does not disengage or shows unexpected behavior.
Debugging Steps
perform a test to confirm if the solenoid is working:
Move the z-axis to the very bottom of the travel
Power off the machine
Unplug the z-brake cable
disengage the brake manually (push the plunger back) while holding the weight of the z-stage
lower the z-stage to the hard stop
unscrew the brake solenoid
take off the solenoid and the plunger
note the direction of the plunger tipreconnect the solenoid cable to the machine
make sure the solenoid plunger is inserted into the solenoid
check if the spring is in place and working correctly
check if the brake solenoid can be moved without friction
power on the machine and watch the solenoid
the solenoid should be pulled in when the machine is enabled
the solenoid should “jump out” when the machine is disabled (i.e. E-Stop pressed)
- If the Solenoid does not behave as expected (plunger is not retracted or does not jump out):
Check the brake cable assembly and driver board
- If the Solenoid does behave as expected (plunger is retracted or does jump out):
Check the z-drive assembly including the motor