RepRapPro Huxley z axis assembly
Contents
Goal
By the end of this stage, your machine will look like this
x and z axes assembled
Tools
You will need the following tools
- Knife
- Allen key
Before starting the Z axis assembly
Now is a good time to ensure the Z smooth rods are square to the Y axis smooth rods. place a set square on the Y axis smooth rods and adjust the bar clamps at the bottom of each Z smooth bar in turn to get it square. On machine #248, the distance from the Z-axis bottom threaded rod clamp surface to the Y-axis motor mount corner block was 91.6 mm; this will get you close to square if you machine has the specified corner block to corner block dimensions. Side to side the gap between the Z-axis rod clamp surface and the Z-axis bottom threaded rod clamp was 38.9 mm.
Squaring the Z smooth rods
Step 1: Z axis assembly
RP parts Quantity
Z axis motor and couplings 2 Hardware Quantity NEMA 14 stepper motor 2 Poly tubing 15mm 2 M3x16mm screw 8 M3 nut 8 M5 full nut 2 M5x165mm Threaded rod 2 Begin by cutting the Poly tubing into 2 equal lengths, each of which should measure approximately 15mm, and slide each onto a stepper motor shaft with a flat on it.
Insert an M5 full nut into each of the X ends and screw the M5x165mm threaded rods into these.
NOTE: Ensure the threads of the M5 threaded rods are free from dirt/grit. It is also a good idea to lubricate these rods.
Z threaded rods screwed in
Loosely assemble the couplings.
Assembled couplings
Loosen the clamps holding the Z smooth rods, and lift these up out of the way. Place the Z motors onto the Z motor mounts, and fit a coupling to each poly tube covered motor shaft.
Coupling fitted to Z axis motor
Tighten the top 2 coupling screws enough to hold the couplings in place, then screw the M5 threaded rods into the bottom of the couplings.
X/Z axes loosely fitted
Rotate the Z motors such that the wires face inwards to the machine, and screw the motors to the Z motor mounts using 2 M3x16mm screws (each with a couple of M3 washers) for each motor.
Tighten the coupling screws and slide the Z smooth rods down through the Igus bushings and into the bar clamps at the bottom of the frame.
Using pliers, twist the X tensioning wire to pull the X axis toothed belt tight. Also tighten the M3x16mm screws which push the X axis smooth rods from the X idler end. When you have this correct, the X smooth rods will run centrally through the Igus bushings, with the X axis assembly at both the top and bottom of the Z smooth rods.
Rotating the Z axis motors by holding onto the couplings should move the Z axis freely from top to bottom.
Step 2: Nozzle mounting
RP parts Quantity 1 Hardware Quantity
- 4x1/2" Self tapping screws 4
Screw the nozzle mount to the X carriage using the 4 self tapping screws.
Assembled X and Z axes