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Would anyone be able to assist me with this issue? We’ve just put together an Anet A8 printer and have not been able to successfully print anything. Any test print we try to do causes the left side z motor to raise up 1.5cm before the print starts (the other side z motor stays at the bottom). We have switched the wires going to the board for the 2 motors and still have the same problem. I believe we have leveled everything correctly according to the videos on youtube and the machine appears to home correctly.

Video of the problem:

Please let me know what other information I can include to help you. This is the first 3D anything we have done.

Thanks so much!

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Hi,

I will try to help you ;)… Let’s see…

The video looks like the start gcode is wrong, with a strange command to raise the Z-Axis for about 1.5cm… Can you post your start gcode?

Another issue is, that only one Z-motor is moving. This is wrong in every case, not regarding the gcode.

You can try to switch the cable on the MB, so switch Z1 and Z2. Is now the other motor moving? Perhaps the connector was loose, or the on-board connector is defect. Another problem could be the cables, but you already switched them.

Try to install Pronterface on your PC and connect to the Anet on the COM Port. This is a great tool to manually move the axis. This way you can easily test the movement before start printing.

Install Pronterface, connect to your printer and check all the wire connections. Switch the cables and switch the cables on the Motherboard and try all the different movement directions to check if all other motors are connected correctly (“Move X” should only move the x-axis, Y only the y-axis and Z only the z-axis).

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Hi,
have you tried to rise the z axis manually? Does it move freely?

I think the problem is a blocked lead screw, because in the main board the 2 z motors are connected in parallel (so they’re forced to do the same movements).

If with manual movement seem free then try to start z homing at 3 or 4cm hight, because from this video z axis doesn’t seem to move at all on the left side, maybe the left side is already pushing the end stop and it’s blocked so doesn’t move at all.

“Pro tip”: you have mounted your z couplers wrong, look here how to proper mount it, your lead screw must reach the top plate

https://3dprint.wiki/reprap/anet/a8/coupler

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There are 3 allen screws on the top of the brass piece on each z rod. On the left one loosen all 3 slightly and see if it helps any.

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Repetier host rises 15 mm on Z at the beginning of gcode.

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Thank you! I have properly mounted the z couplers as well as removed 2 screws from the gold colored collar that holds the z rod to the white plastic. We’ve been able to get started at least so these problems are solved. The left side motor now moves and it no longer raises up right before printing.

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Thanks so much for your reply. I have installed the pronterface software and used it to help solve the problem. The left motor was not able to turn. I have properly mounted the z couplers as another reply said and I also removed 2 screws from the gold colored collar holding the z rod to the white plastic. We were able to partially print a test code but it came loose from the board halfway through so I think we just need to level it again.

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Hello just finished putting my A8 together and had the same issue. Place the unit on a flat surface and then use a 300 mm square to check the distance from the bottom plastic housing to the guide rail check both sides to see that they are even. I found mine was out about 2mm from top to bottom. Loosen top brackets and 12 front screws of vertical supports and realign guide rails. I used a magnet and a spacer set to 13mm and attached it to the guide rail about 280 mm up. Once everything was square I secured the screws. I also put a little oil on the drive shafts. Then you will need to reset you table height again. So far the problem has gone away.

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