Thank you for the detailed photos as well as the update on your test on Proofgrade material. I agree with @rbtdanforth; this is a very lovely design!
When you re-ran your print on the original material using a slower cut speed, did you run one or two passes? Would you be able to provide a photo of the results using the slower cut speed? I reviewed the photos of the inside of your unit and didn’t see anything which looked out of place. One other thing to check would be the tension on the belt below your laser arm. Below are our standard instructions for this process.
Please do the following:
- Turn off your Glowforge.
- Carefully remove the crumb tray.
- Without removing the carriage plate and belt, locate the black pulley fastened by a metal screw on the right end of the laser arm.
- Insert the short side of the 3mm hex L-key into the metal screw with the long handle pointing toward the front of the unit.
- Turn the key clockwise to loosen the screw until the pulley can slide with some friction. Don’t remove the key from the screw.
- Holding the key with your right hand, use your left index finger to push the pulley to the right until the belt is taut. Don’t stretch the belt or touch the belt with your fingers as this can affect the tension on the belt.
- Applying firm pressure with your left index finger, turn the key counterclockwise to tighten the screw. Make sure the pulley doesn’t move during this time.
- Continue tightening the screw until you can’t turn the key anymore.
- Gently slide the carriage plate from side to side to ensure it moves smoothly and the belt does not catch or sag.
- If you’re not satisfied with the tension on the belt (it should be taut, but the belt shouldn’t be stretched), go back to step 4 and try again.
- If you are satisfied with the tension on the belt, try a test print. Print the Gift of Good Measure on the Proofgrade Draftboard we included in your material shipment for troubleshooting, and let me know how it goes!
This GIF shows how much motion you should normally expect when pressing on the belt with your fingertip:
If you have any questions or run into trouble along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m happy to help.