P3Steel Y axis assembly
We'll do this in four easy steps:
- Y idler end assembly.
- Y motor end assembly.
- Y smooth rods and carriage installation.
- Y belt installation.
Each step requires 15~20 minutes, so set aside one evening for the Y axis assembly.
Contents
Y idler end assembly
For this step we require these tools (besides the M3 hex key we used to assemble the frame):
Y motor end assembly
For this step we require these tools:
We begin by installing the left Y motor end support, this requires 1 x 12mm M3 bolt and 1 x M3 nyloc nut. Note the orientation of the part.
We can now (try to) install the stepper motor. You'll notice at this point that the M3 nyloc nut interferes with the stepper. That is the single (relatively easy to fix) issue I have found with Irobri's awesome CAD design of the P3Steel frame! Note that this issue is solved in version 2.01 of the frame.
OK, to fix this we need the small metal file, since we are going to file a small notch in the stepper body:
This is definitely NOT the way to do it! I was filing notches one at a time until I could find the right distance from the edge of the stepper: it's 14mm, by the way. File a single notch approximately 1.5mm deep, 14mm from the edge of the stepper. Also before you start filing, wrap the stepper in plastic or paper and seal it with tape, to keep the metal dust away from the stepper innards.
Now we can install our stepper: use 2 x 8mm M3 screws to attach the stepper to the support part. Slide the GT2 pulley onto the stepper shaft oriented as shown but do not screw it yet.
Y smooth rods and carriage installation
We need a small hammer (not kidding!) to gently (again, not kidding!) push the Y-axis smooth rods into their corresponding slots in the steel frame.
Y belt installation
