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X-Axis Assembly

Assembled X-Axis


X-Axis Rails, Bearing Block, and Motor Mount

Components Required

12 x M3x10mm SHCS
 4 x M5 Heat-set Insert
 3 x M3 Heat-set Insert
 2 x M2.5 Heat-set Insert
 2 x MGN15 500mm Rails
 2 x F608ZZ bearing
 1 x 608ZZ bearing
 1 x Openbuilds 4080 C-Beam - 500mm
 1 x X-Axis Motor Mount (1)
 1 x X-Axis Bearing Block (2)
  1. Print this part using the recommended settings!
  2. Print this part using the recommended settings!

Fasten the MGN15 500mm rails to the extrusion by screwing M3x10mm SHCS into spring T-nuts inside the profile.

fasten the MGN15 500mm Rails to the 500mm extrusion screwing M3x10mm SHCS into the spring t-nuts inside the profile

Aligning the Rails

Repeat the alignment procedure described for the Y-Axis to ensure your rails are aligned with each other and the extrusion.


Insert a 608ZZ bearing in the hole in the outer face of the X-Axis Bearing Block, then an F608ZZ bearing on either side. The flanged bearings must sit flush inside the bearing block on both sides.

Tip

The 'F' in F608ZZ stands for 'flanged'. The flange on the 2 outer bearings allows them to be pushed into place flush with the bearing block.

The flange provides axial force against the bearing block when the locking collars are tightened up.

insert 608ZZ bearing in the X-Axis bearing block and F608ZZ bearings on either side


Insert the M2.5, M3, and M5 heat-set inserts into the X-Axis Motor Mount. M2.5 inserts are used for the endstop switch mount, M3 inserts for the drag-chain mount, and M5 inserts to mount the motor.

insert the M2.5, M3 and M5 heat-set inserts in the X-Axis motor mount


Fasten the X-Axis Motor Mount to the 500mm C-beam using M5x12mm BHCS.

fasten the X-Axis motor mount to the 500mm C-beam using 2 x M5x12mm BHCS


X-Axis Table

Components Required

22 x M5x12mm BHCS
18 x M5x8mm BHCS
 4 x X-Axis Table Support (ends) (1)
 2 x X-Axis Table Support (centres) (2)
 2 x Openbuilds 2040 Extrusion - 500mm
  1. Print this part using the recommended settings!
  2. Print this part using the recommended settings!

Fasten the X-Axis Motor Mount to the 2040 extrusions using M5x12mm BHCS.

fasten the X-Axis motor mount to the 2040 extrusions using 4 x M5x12mm BHCS


Fasten the X-Axis Table Supports to the C-Beam using M5x12mm BHCS and spring T-nuts.

fasten the X-Axis table support to the spring t-nut in the 500mm C-beam using 18 M5x12mm BHCS


Fasten the X-Axis Table Supports to the 2040 extrusions using M5x8mm BHCS and spring T-nuts.

fasten the X-Axis table support to the spring t-nut in 500mm 2040 extrusions using 18 M5x8mm BHCS

Warning

Double-check the length of the M5 bolts you're using. If your bolts are too long you will bottom out the bolt in the extrusion channel and it will not grip the table supports. If your bolts are too short you'll break the printed parts if you over-tighten them.


Slide the table into the carriages on the XY Gantry Plate from the left-hand side, with the machine facing the operator.

slide the table onto the carriages on the XY gantry plate


X-Axis Motor and Lead-screw

Components Required

6 x M5x12mm BHCS
4 x M5x20mm SHCS
2 x Locking collar
1 x NEMA23 Motor
1 x 550mm Lead-screw
1 x 8 to 6.35mm Rigid Coupler

Couple the NEMA23 motor to the lead screw using an 8 to 6.35mm rigid coupler.

Remember to use medium-strength threadlock on the grub screws in the couplers!

couple the NEMA23 motor to the 550mm lead-screw using an 8 to 6.35mm rigid coupler


Insert the lead screw through the X-Axis Motor Mount, threading it through the X-Axis Bearing Block until it extends from the other end of the table.

insert the lead-screw through the X-Axis motor mount


Fasten the motor to the X-Axis Motor Mount using M5x20mm SHCS.

fasten the motor to the X-Axis motor mount using M5x20mm SHCS

Tip

Consider the cable exit orientation of the motor. We recommend having the cables exit downwards to help protect them.

Tip

Now is a great time to adjust your anti-backlash nut as they are easily accessible before putting the X-Axis Bearing Block on.


Install a locking collar onto the lead screw, leaving it loose.

install a locking collar onto the lead-screw


Fasten the X-Axis Bearing Block to the table assembly using M5x12mm BHCS. Loosely install a locking collar on the outside of the Bearing Block.

fasten the X-Axis bearing block to the 500mm C-beam and the 2040 extrusions using 6 x M5x12mm BHCS


Locking Collar Preload

Using your fingers, press each locking collar towards each other - driving them into the face of each bearing with moderate to high pressure. Tighten the inner collar first before tightening the external side collar. This will ensure that the screw remains in the same position during use.

Note

Add some medium-strength threadlock to the grub screws.

preload the locking collars by pressing them towards each other


Drag Chain Ends

Components Required

6 x M3x6mm FHCS
1 x Drag Chain Fixed End
1 x Drag Chain Free End

Attach the drag chain ends to the XY Drag Chain Transition and X Motor Mount using M3x6mm FHCS.

Drag chain orientation

Drag chains have 2 different sides - a fixed side and a free side. For this setup, the fixed side is connected to the XY Drag Chain Transition. The free side attaches itself to the X Motor Mount.

attach the drag chain ends


Drag Chain Installation Point (Optional)

You may wish to install the rest of the drag chain to complete the X-Axis, however, it is often easier to thread your X-Axis motor and endstop cables through the loose chain before installing it - otherwise, it can become quite a tight space to work in later.

optionally, install the drag chain in the ends


X-Endstop

To avoid the endstop getting damaged during the rest of the assembly, it's a good idea not to install it at this point but rather install it later with the rest of the wiring.

optionally, install the x-axis endstop now


Handwheel (Optional)

Components Required (Per handwheel)

1 x M5x25mm SHCS
2 x M3x10 SHCS
1 x M5 Heat-set Insert
2 x M3 Heat-set Insert
1 x Handwheel (1)
1 x Handwheel Handle (2)
  1. Print this part using the recommended settings!
  2. Print this part using the recommended settings!

Insert the M3 heat-set inserts into the handwheel. These inserts are used to hold the wheel onto the lead screw.

insert the M3 heat-set inserts into the handwheel


Insert the M5 heat-set insert into the handwheel. Attach the handwheel handle using an M5x25 SHCS bolt.

insert the M5 heat-set insert into the handwheel


Place the handle onto the X and Y-Axis Lead-screws and secure using two M3x10 SHCS or two M3 grub screws.

place the handle onto the X and Y-Axis lead-screws

Tip

Repeat these handwheel steps for the Y-axis handwheel!


Next Chapter: Z-Axis Assembly