--- title: "Blade or Razor CO2: Z-Axis Won't Move or Autofocus Isn't Working" description: "Fix a Blade or Razor CO2 laser whose Z-axis won't move or autofocus isn't working: quick checks for the sensor, nozzle, wiring and limit switches." --- [Skip to content](https://support.salasers.com/b#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Submit a Ticket](https://support.salasers.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![MicrosoftTeams-image.png\]](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/MicrosoftTeams-image.png?height=50&name=MicrosoftTeams-image.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Submit a Ticket](https://support.salasers.com/kb-tickets/new) - Go to salasers.com Go to salasers.com Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [SA Laser Knowledge Base](https://support.salasers.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Co2 Lasers](https://support.salasers.com/co2-lasers?hsLang=en) 3. [Razor Series](https://support.salasers.com/co2-lasers?hsLang=en#razor-series) # Blade or Razor CO2: Z-Axis Won't Move or Autofocus Isn't Working If the bed on your Blade or Razor CO2 laser won't move up or down, or the **Focus** (autofocus) button on the keypad doesn't do anything, work through the checks below in order. Most of these take a few minutes and no tools. **Safety first:** turn the machine off before you touch the nozzle, the bed, or any wiring. ### Check 1: The head sensor and nozzle (Z won't go up) The autofocus uses a sensor on the back of the laser head. If that sensor thinks it's already touching something, the machine will not move the bed up. 1. With the machine on and idle, look at the sensor on the back of the laser head. Note whether it shows a **red light** or **no light**. 2. If there's no light, the nozzle may be stuck. Turn the machine off and gently push up on the nozzle to see if it moves freely. 3. If it frees up and the red light comes back, try the **Focus** button again. 4. If the nozzle or focus probe is loose or has come apart, don't run jobs until it's reassembled and secure — contact us and we'll walk you through it. If the bed still moves **down** but not up, the motor is most likely fine. Focus on the sensor and nozzle. ### Check 2: Unstick the bed at the end of its travel If the bed ran all the way to its upper or lower limit, the screw that drives it can get stuck there. 1. Turn the machine off. 2. Manually turn the Z axis to move the bed **up**, away from the limit, to a middle position. 3. Turn the machine back on so it can reset, then try the **Focus** button again. ### Check 3: Loose Z connection at the controller 1. Turn the machine off. 2. Check that the Z-axis plug on the controller card is fully seated. Reseat it if it looks loose. 3. Turn the machine on and test again. ### Check 4: Z motor wiring (intermittent or no movement) If the Z works sometimes — especially if it starts or stops working when the wires near the Z motor are moved — the problem is almost always the wiring, not the motor. - **Blade:** we've seen the soldered points on the Z-motor wires bend and break, cutting the connection to the motor. This part has been redesigned. - **Heat shrink on the head wiring:** if you see heat shrink on the Z wiring, the splice under it may be coming apart. That was a common problem on some machines, and the wires would need to be replaced. Don't cut into wiring or swap cables on your own. Take photos of the wiring at the Z motor and any heat-shrink splices, then contact us so we can figure out next steps with you. ### Keep the Z axis moving smoothly As part of regular maintenance, lube the Z-axis jack screws with white moly lube or lithium grease about every 6 months, or sooner if they look dirty. ### Still not working? Contact SA Laser Support at **888-964-3568** or **customerservice@salasers.com** (Mon–Fri, 9–5 CT). Please include: - Your machine model and serial number - Whether the bed moves down, up, or not at all - What the head sensor light shows at idle - Photos of the Z motor wiring and a short video of you pressing **Focus** ### Related articles and videos - Video: [Auto-Focus on the RAZOR Series CO2 Laser Explained!](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qh_GGwLb0Z0) - [Mastering Image Engravings in 5 Steps](https://support.salasers.com/perfect-laser-image-engraving?hsLang=en) (focus testing with a motorized Z) - [(Razor) Tube and Mirror Alignment in CO2 Lasers](https://support.salasers.com/tube-and-mirror-alignment-in-co2-lasers?hsLang=en) - [Lightburn](https://support.salasers.com/lightburn?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Lightburn For Galvo (Fiber)](https://support.salasers.com/lightburn?hsLang=en#lightburn-for-galvo-fiber) - [Lightburn For Gantry (Co2,RF)](https://support.salasers.com/lightburn?hsLang=en#lightburn-for-gantry-co2rf) - [Fiber (Galvo) Lasers](https://support.salasers.com/fiber-galvo-lasers?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.salasers.com/fiber-galvo-lasers?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [Co2 Lasers](https://support.salasers.com/co2-lasers?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Razor Series](https://support.salasers.com/co2-lasers?hsLang=en#razor-series) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.salasers.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en) - [EzCad 2](https://support.salasers.com/ezcad-2?hsLang=en) - [How-To Guides](https://support.salasers.com/how-to-guides?hsLang=en) - [Explainers](https://support.salasers.com/explainers?hsLang=en) - [Tools & Features](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#main-content) - [User Interface](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#user-interface) - [Essential Functions](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#essential-functions) - [Layout and Design](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#layout-and-design) # San Antonio Laser SALasers.com Help Center Copyright © 2026, San Antonio Laser