Initial Movements with AltMill 2x4

[The_Unknown_Bassist]

Hi, everyone.

Quick question: I’ve got my new AltMill 2x4 assembled and am testing it out. Currently doing a spindle break-in after a bunch of movement tests.

One thing I notice is that when I home the machine, and sometimes when I jog it somewhere and zero out all of the axes, I hear a faint hissing noise, like high-pitched white noise, when the machine is still.

This seems to happen when the machine is at 0,0,0. And it seems to involve only the X and Y axes. As soon as I jog it off 0, the hissing stops.

Again, it’s very faint, but noticeable. It’s not coming from the controller; seems to be coming from the stepper motors maybe?

Anyone else experience this?

[Spamming_Eddie]

Hello Unknown,

I know of a few topics that mention a crackling sound. This here topic has actual -though being short- clip of the sound. If your sound is like this, this topic might interest you.

AltMill Electric Motors Failing

I’ve had my AltMill for about two months. So far, I’ve made a few projects; nothing fancy or sophisticated. The latest project took approximately an hour to run. Twice, I have had one of the electric motors start making a crackling/sputtering noise AFTER the toolpath has completed. The first time on the right Y axis motor. The second time on the Z axis. The noise only stops after I power down the SLB controller. Sieneci Labs has been great in quickly sending me replacement motors. I was…

[Jens]

@The_Unknown_Bassist

Anyone else experience this?

Yep, this is normal. It’s caused by feedback from the closed loop positioning system.

[horsiedad]

I’m the person who started the thread posted below. This is not normal. Sienci has replaced two of my electric motors under warranty, which fixed the problem.

[The_Unknown_Bassist]

Thanks! Luckily, that’s not the sound. It might just be what Jens mentions below. Whew!

[The_Unknown_Bassist]

Thanks, Jens! Good to know. I figured it was something along those lines, because it literally only happens in the specific circumstances I mentioned. I think if it were a generic problem with the motors themselves, the sound would be constant rather than literally only occurring when I home the machine or the X/Y are set to 0 anywhere in the workspace. Those are the only two scenarios where it makes the noise. Otherwise, dead quiet when not moving.

[CarlDecaire]

I have noticed the same hissing sound with my 2x4 Altmill. I would also like to know if this is normal or not.

[Chucky_ott]

@CarlDecaire There appears to be differing opinions on whether this is a problem or not. So until Sienci provides some feedback, it will be speculation on everyone’s part. The fact that the steppers were replaced for one user doesn’t mean they acknowledge it is an issue. Perhaps it was just the support person keeping a customer happy (like they always do). Mine still does it from time to time. I’m not worried about it.

[horsiedad]

I agree that this may or may not be a problem. These noisy motors may work fine for years to come. However, given the rather short warranty period for Sienci machines, I would open a ticket and have the motor replaced. Better safe than sorry.