Thursday, March 19, 2026
RepRapMicron PIKA Refined XY Backlash Tests
The python script to create X & Y axis verniers for detecting backlash is up on github at https://github.com/VikOlliver/RepRapMicron/blob/main/utils/backlash_vernier.py
This has allowed more detailed examination of the backlash (line spacing is approx 80μm):
The first set of lines (upper or left) spacing increases by 0.5μm each time. The other set is at a constant spacing. Each set is drawn heading in the opposite direction to its partner. So the left set spaced on the Y axis aligns with the second marker (1μm) and the right set aligns at the 4th or 5th marker (2.5μm).
As they're headed in different directions, the relative backlash is doubled, so backlash on Y is 0.5μm and on X 1.25μm. I may need to increase the strength of the backlash bands on the X Axis Driver, but frankly for this stage of the game I'll only do that if I have to take it apart or realign it for some other reason.
FYI The slightly kinked line roughly in the middle of the leftmost horizontal set is where I bumped the bench.
