BeamBox (Pro) Endstop Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING:

**Before attempting any of the following, please be sure that you are on the latest firmware release for your model of Flux laser cutter. Older firmware may be prone to random bugs which may affect the functionality of the endstops.**

The BeamBox and BeamBox Pro laser cutters utilize a proximity sensor for both the X- and Y-axis endstops. In certain cases, the endstop may need to be replaced or require adjustment to restore its functionality. This guide will address the following symptoms:

  • Focal head crashing when moving to the left
  • Gantry crashing when moving to the rear
  • Loud noise or vibration without any movement

You will first want to verify that the sensor is functioning and sensing a metal object when within range. To do so, power on the machine and verify that the signal LED has illuminated on the endstop; this confirms that it is receiving power and should be producing a signal. Then using a metal object, touch the probe (opposite end of the LED) to manually trigger it and verify that the signal LED turns OFF. If the LED turns off when manually triggered, and either the focal head or gantry are still crashing during the Homing sequence, then proceed to the Adjustment section of this guide.

If the signal LED is not illuminating on your endstop sensor, move to the rear of the machine and remove the 4 Philips screws securing the rear exhaust fan assembly, then carefully slide the assembly out of the machine. Be mindful of the fan wires as you remove this assembly. Unplug the exhaust fan from the daughter board and set the assembly aside.

Locate the power status LEDs (red) on the daughter board for both the X and Y endstops. With the machine powered on, the power status of the board LEDs should coincide with the endstop status LEDs, and are as follows:

  • LED (ON) -- The board and endstop are receiving power -- the endstop is not triggered
  • LED (OFF) -- The endstop may be triggered, or the board and endstop are not receiving power

If the status LEDs are OFF for both the board and the endstop, back the gantry or focal head away from the endstop to confirm that the LED turns ON. If one or both of the LEDs remains OFF, then review the following:

  1. If the board LED is ON, but the endstop LED is OFF, reseat the endstop connector on the board. Again, verify that both status LEDs are now ON.
  2. If both status LEDs are OFF, disconnect the endstop connector and verify if the board LED turns ON.
  3. Following step 2, if the board LED turns ON, the endstop sensor will need to be replaced. Please contact us for the proper replacement part.
  4. Following step 2, if the board LED remains OFF, reseat the large (gray) 24-pin connector on the daughter board and verify that the status LEDs turn ON.
  5. Following step 4, if the board LED remains OFF, the board will likely need to be replaced. Please contact us for the proper replacement part.

REPLACEMENT:

(X Endstop): 

Power off the machine and unplug power cord, then move to the rear of the machine. With the rear exhaust fan assembly already removed, disconnect the X endstop connector from the daughter board and uncoil the wire loom so that you may remove the Y endstop wiring from the wire bundle.

Moving to the front of the machine, locate the X endstop sensor on the left side of the gantry. The endstop is secured by two Philips screws which are threaded into to the frame of the gantry. Remove these two screws then carefully pull the length of cable out from the cable chain located on the left of the work area. Since the cable connector end will be moving through the cable chain, it may be necessary to use a pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers to help fish the endstop cable through the cable chain. To install the replacement endstop sensor, follow these steps in reverse order.

(Y Endstop): 

Power off the machine and unplug power cord, then move to the rear of the machine. With the rear exhaust fan assembly already removed, disconnect the Y endstop connector from the daughter board and uncoil the wire loom so that you may remove the Y endstop wiring from the wire bundle.

Moving to the front of the machine, locate the Y-endstop sensor near the rear-left of the work area. The endstop is secured by two Philips screws which are threaded into to the frame of the laser cutter. These are easily accessed from underneath the folded flange. Remove these two screws then carefully pull the length of cable out from the hole leading to the rear cavity of the machine. To install the replacement endstop sensor, follow these steps in reverse order.

ADJUSTMENT:

If you have verified the functionality of your endstop, but either the focal head or the gantry are crashing during the Homing sequence, then a small height adjustment may be required to restore this functionality. The endstop mounting holes should allow for some vertical or horizontal adjustability, which will bring the endstop closer to the gantry or focal head as it passes nearby.

(X Endstop):

To adjust the horizontal positioning of the endstop sensor, loosen the two Philips mounting screws by 1/2 turn. Gently push the endstop to the right towards its maximum adjustment, then retighten the Philips screws to secure its new position. Move the focal head to the left to verify that the signal LED shuts off; make further adjustments as needed. If the signal LED does not turn off after adjusting to the maximum height, please contact us for a replacement sensor.

(Y Endstop): 

To adjust the vertical positioning of the endstop sensor, loosen the two Philips mounting screws by 1/2 turn. Gently push the endstop upward towards its maximum height, then retighten the Philips screws to secure its new position. Move the gantry over top of the endstop to verify that the signal LED shuts off; make further adjustments as needed. If the signal LED does not turn off after adjusting to the maximum height, please contact us for a replacement sensor.

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