Hey everyone,
I finished setting up my machine last week and I’ve been cutting a lot of HDPE. I’m running into random, unexpected mismatches in my parts, and I suspect static discharge is interfering with the stepper signals or controller.
Has anyone else run into this with HDPE? What’s the most effective way to ground the machine frame, dust collection hose, and gantry to prevent static buildup?
Thanks for any insights!
The machine and all the frame should already be grounded via the AC power wiring. You can verify that by measuring the resistance between the frame and one of your outlet ground connections.
For the DC hose, the best solution I’ve found is to buy the static dissipative hose for the last 5-10 ft that connects to your dust boot. I wrap a wire around the metal rib/coil (that I exposed with a knife) in the hose and tie it to machine ground. That also helps keeping the machine from looking like a grizzly bear when you get done machining a bunch of plastic.
Thank you for the reply I have a anti static hose from Rockler already but I will ground it too
The other thing to do is keep all the wires away from the hose so you can’t easily discharge into them from the hose.