Understanding Origin's Error Messages

Fault code interpretations for Monterey and newer OS versions

These errors are for tools that are running 6.0.0.0 and later. For error codes found in earlier software versions, please see here.

Please note that the errors listed on this page may not be a comprehensive of all possible errors. As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at support@shapertools.com.

Origin Error Messages with Fault Codes

Origin is able to detect and automatically recover from most types of system errors. When user intervention may be required, you might see one of the below errors displayed along with a fault code to help you best understand and the resolve the problem.

Full-Screen Errors

The errors in this table will present as a full-screen error. Origin must be restarted to recover from these errors.

Fault Code	Error Information
S1	Error loading user data. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
S2	Error loading the user application. If a restart does not resolve this, try the below troubleshooting steps. If error still persists, contact support@shapertools.com. Start Origin with the camera covered, or facing no ShaperTape. Start Origin facing a different tape field or Shaper fixture than the one that resulted in the boot error. If the above approaches resolve the error, delete the corrupted workspace.
S3	Error loading calibrations. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
S4	User data decryption error. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
S5	Error reading user data. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
S6	Problem communicating with the motion control system. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
S7	Hardware fault detected during boot. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
S8	Hardware fault detected during boot. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A1	Camera Error. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A2	Error initializing the motion control system. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A3	Error reading button state. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A4	Vision Algorithm Error. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A5	Vision Algorithm Error. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A6	Error controlling workpiece LEDs. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A7	Error interfacing to touchoff sensor. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A8	Motion control timeout. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A9	Motion control connection error. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A10	Touchoff calibration error. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A11	Motion control algorithm failure. If a restart does not resolve this, contact support@shapertools.com.
A104	Repeated motor faults detected from unknown motor. Unplug Origin, clear any obstructions to mechanism movements, and plug back in to restart Origin. If this message persists, please contact support@shapertools.com.
A105	Motion control motor faults detected. Unplug Origin, clear any obstructions to mechanism movements, and plug back in to restart Origin. If this message persists, please contact support@shapertools.com.
A106	Repeated left motor faults detected. Unplug Origin, clear any obstructions to mechanism movements, and plug back in to restart Origin. If this message persists, please contact support@shapertools.com.
A107	Repeated right motor faults detected. Unplug Origin, clear any obstructions to mechanism movements, and plug back in to restart Origin. If this message persists, please contact support@shapertools.com.
A108	Repeated Z-Axis motor faults detected. Unplug Origin, clear any obstructions to mechanism movements, and plug back in to restart Origin. If this message persists, please contact support@shapertools.com.
A109	Repeated motor faults detected from unknown motor. Unplug Origin, clear any obstructions to mechanism movements, and plug back in to restart Origin. If this message persists, please contact support@shapertools.com.
M 0x...	If you receive an error code that starts with an M, read the message on screen for more information about the likely cause - this is usually the result of a jammed or forcibly moved corrective mechanism or Z-Axis on Origin. Remove any obstructions and restart Origin. If the error persists, contact support@shapertools.com and provide the exact fault code for further help with troubleshooting.

Pop-Up (Transient Errors)

The errors in this table are transient, and are either self-recovering, or can be resolved by changing how you are using Origin. Not all transient errors have a fault code. Transient errors may be shown as self-dismissing notifications, or may be shown as a popup that you can dismiss once you have understood issue and solved it.

Fault Code or Message	Error Information
A101	Origin retracted due to an overload to the left correction motor. To prevent this, reduce the force applied to corrective mechanism by adjusting one or more of your cut parameters (feedrate, spindle speed, cut depth, bit type/diameter, etc). If this message persists, please contact support@shapertools.com.
A102	Origin retracted due to an overload to the right correction motor. To prevent this, reduce the force applied to corrective mechanism by adjusting one or more of your cut parameters (feedrate, spindle speed, cut depth, bit type/diameter, etc). If this message persists, please contact support@shapertools.com.
A103	Origin retracted due to an overload to the Z-Axis motor. This can result from forced movement of the Z-Axis, or by attempting to plunge into a material too aggressively. Avoid moving the spindle vertically while Origin is powered, and adjust your cut parameters if this is encountered while plunging into materials. Ensure your cutter is designed for plunge cutting. If this message persists, please contact support@shapertools.com.
Tape Movement Detected	Tape has slipped from its original location on the workpiece or in the workspace Review your workspace for any tape that has raised up off the worksurface Consult this checklist of common issues that can result in this error message
Return Origin to design to resume cutting	The user has moved too far from the cut path for Origin to compensate Make sure to keep the white dot representing the bit inside the corrective circle on-screen while cutting. Take a look at this article that provides an overview of this error message
Ensure Origin can see sufficient Shaper Tape	Origin can’t see enough ShaperTape to guarantee cutting precision. This could be due to cutting through some of the tape in the workspace, rendering those dominos unreadable Add ShaperTape to your Scan Before you begin cutting, travel over your entire design in Aircut Mode to verify that your tape meter will be healthy throughout the cut Read more about this error message and how to prevent it here
Z Touch Failed. Make sure Origin's base is on a single, uniform surface and try again.	The entirety of the tool’s baseplate is not on the work surface Ensure that Origin is on a single, level, and uniform surface This surface should be at least as large as Origin’s entire base Note that the material you touch off on does not necessarily need to be your workpiece Consult this article on Z-Touch practice
Loaded design has no elements. Unable to place.	The design file is saved in an unreadable format for Origin or it contains problematic file elements Ensure that you are using the proper save specs for svg files. You can find these for a variety of design programs here
Low Accuracy Scan - Please scan again	Insufficient quality or quantity of tape in your workspace. Your workpiece may be warped or poorly lit or you may have ShaperTape on multiple planes Check out this list of common mistakes in taping Although you may be able to cut in this workspace, your cut accuracy is likely to be jeopardized. If this is important to your project, we suggest that you create a New Scan Before you do, check out this article on Scanning Tips.