Diagnosing Z-Brake Issues

Problem

The Z-Axis brake does not disengage or show unexpected behavior.

Debugging Steps

Perform a test to confirm if the solenoid is working:

1. Move the z-axis to the very bottom of the travel

2. Power off the machine

3. Unplug the z-brake cable

4. Disengage the brake manually (push the plunger back) while holding the weight of the z-stage

   Open

   

5. Lower the z-stage to the hard stop

6. Unscrew the brake solenoid

7. Take off the solenoid and the plunger, note the direction of the plunger tip

8. Reconnect the solenoid cable to the machine

9. 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

10. 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)

Open

Solenoid unpowered