Graphtec CE5000-120 (Flexi) - blade drop (slamming)

Hi folks,

I have an older CE5000-120 that has worked flawlessly for me over the past number of years.

Out of nowhere when it runs through a cut process, every time it wants to put the blade down it does it with a slam (and noise), not smoothly like it normally would.

This is causing some of my corners to get chewed up. Actual cut lines are fine, just no longer getting smooth corners like I'm used to.

View video here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hdXAjMenU8qDC7fW6

- Cutting strip is in reasonable shape
- brand new blade/spring
- blade holder, etc are tight
- no changes to software (FlexiSign) that I'm aware of.

Troubleshooting steps:
- Disconnected from PC and did a test cut standalone - same issue.
- Tried restarting the PC, etc.
- Reset to factory settings and confirmed everything looks right in settings
- Also pulled the cover off the blade holder carriage, everything looks reasonably how you'd expect it to.

Thank you.

Any thoughts?

 

After much research, talking to tech's both from Graphtec and local shops, I've found the following:

I replaced the LED component of the Led reader/encoder strip on the pen block with a part number from an electronics vendor that matched.
Same results, slamming knife blade.

Checked my mainboard, powerboard for any blown resistors, capacitors, burnt spots, etc - all looks good.

Everyone is pointing me to replace the $650 USD pen block (full head) of the unit but can not guarantee it will work, or allow for me to return the part if it doesn't work.

 

Wishing it was this simple.
The round lip of the blade holder is definitely secured in place by the black plastic clasp on the penblock mechanism. I think the movement you're seeing is the overall vibration from the whole assembly when it slams.

I've have also tried a different blade holder than the one in the video - same issue.

 

There is no cross-cutter on this machine.
Any vibration or movement you're seeing is from impact, or my shaky video skills :0, it's rigid and sturdy to the manual touch by hand.

Still continuing to cut with it since my original post, just a little more flawed cuts that I have to clean-up by hand with a blade.

I'll try to re-seat the main ribbon cable.

Initial downpressure is at 0.
I have also re-flashed the firmware.
Gone through settings to make sure nothing is making it speed up that impact.

All techs are telling me their fix would be to throw a pen block at the machine, but Graphtec is asking $650 USD.
The big kicker - if it doesn't fix it, I can't return it (even if installed through a supplier/certified shop).

I'm savvy enough to install and set-up the machine (use the service manuals, etc), but I don't want a $650 paperweight on my hands if every person I've spoke to mis-diagnosed this issue.

A new detail
When I do the gram force setting in service mode. ie, 10g, 100g, etc.
If I try to manually set 10g, I get "ENCODER ERROR" on the screen, the other settings set correctly. Not even a tech. from Graphtec could tell me much based from that error on the screen. I've already replaced the LED reader that reads the encoding strip on the pen block.