How to Troubleshoot When the Machine Fails to Work Properly After Powering On

How to Troubleshoot When the Machine Fails to Work Properly After Powering On

Phase 1: Basic Inspection

This stage addresses the most common and easily overlooked issues.

1. Power and Physical Connection Check

Main Power and Emergency Stop Switch:

Confirm: Is the wall socket powered? Is the machine’s power cable securely plugged in?

Check: Is the machine’s own power switch turned on?

Most Important Step: Has the emergency stop button been pressed? If yes, rotate it clockwise to release it.

Internal Cables:

Check: Open the control box and inspect the power and data cables of the mainboard, laser power supply, and stepper motor drivers. Look for loose connections, disconnections, or burn marks.

2. Software and Communication Check

Software Connection Status:

Confirm: Has your laser engraving software (such as LightBurn or LaserGRBL) successfully connected to the control board? The software interface usually displays a connection indicator.

Port and Driver:

In Device Manager, check whether the COM port corresponding to the control board appears normally and has no warning icons (driver issues).

Try reconnecting the USB cable or using a different USB port.

Configuration and Settings:

Confirm: Did you select the correct device model and COM port in the software?

Check: Are engraving parameters (such as laser power and speed) set correctly? (Laser power should not be 0.)

Manual Control Test:
In the software’s Manual Control or Laser Control panel, try:

Clicking X+, X-, Y+, Y- to check if the machine can move and whether the directions are correct.

Clicking “Fire” or “Test” to see if the laser emits light.

⚠️ Note: Do not place materials during the test. Ensure proper focus to avoid fire hazards.

Conclusion from this step:

If movement works but no laser output → Problem likely in the laser module.

If neither movement nor laser output → Problem likely in the mainboard, power supply, or communication.

If movement and laser output are normal → Problem likely in the engraving file or software settings.

3. Basic Mechanical Condition Check

With the power off, gently push the laser head along the X-axis and Y-axis by hand.

Check if there is excessive resistance or if anything is stuck.

Inspect timing belts for proper tension — not too loose or too tight.

Phase 2: In-Depth Hardware Troubleshooting

If all basic checks are normal, proceed to inspect specific hardware modules.

1. Motion System Troubleshooting (Axis Not Moving or Moving Abnormally)

Limit Switches:

Check: When powered on, does the machine move immediately in one direction and hit the limit switch?

This may indicate the limit switch wiring is shorted (always triggered) or motor direction is incorrectly set.

Multimeter Test:

With power off, use a multimeter in continuity mode to test the limit switch.

It should show open circuit when untriggered and connected when pressed.

3. Control Core Troubleshooting (Mainboard)

Mainboard Power Supply:

Verify that the mainboard’s supply voltage (usually 12V or 24V) is stable and normal.

Firmware Status:

Try reflashing or updating the control board firmware (follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully).

Physical Damage:

Carefully inspect the mainboard for signs of capacitor bulging or burnt components.

Summary: Quick Diagnosis by Symptoms

No Response at All (fan not spinning, lights off) → Power cable, main switch, emergency stop, or internal fuse.

Software Connection Failed → USB cable, COM port, driver, or software settings.

Connected but Motors Don’t Move → Mainboard power supply, motor enable signal, or firmware.

Motors Move but No Laser Output → Laser power supply, PWM control signal, or laser diode.

Moves Erratically Upon Startup → Limit switch wiring error or motor direction misconfiguration.

Stops Mid-Job → USB interference, motor overheating protection, overly complex graphics file, or poor cooling.