V-wheels and Smooth Idlers

The V-Wheels and Makerslide work together to hold components of the machine in alignment and allow them to move only along an axis (linear motion). When assembling the wheels, a precision washer (1mm thick) goes between the bearings. The precision washers are specced to be 1mm thick and provide a surface for the races to contact, keeping everything tight.

The belts which the stepper motors drive the X- and Y-axes require smooth idlers to route the belts so that they are held against the pulleys on the motor shafts.

Please check your wheels after assembly to be certain that they work smoothly and that the bearings stay aligned. If you have any difficulties, check that the plate is flat, and that the washers are okay. If necessary, take the V-wheel apart and check that the bearing is seated all the way in and that there is no debris between the outer race of the bearing and the lip inside the V-wheel, because that could cause the bearing to twist (and seize) as the bolt was tightened. Sometimes, a bearing will get two rubber shields on one face -- check for that too.1

V-Wheels (25203-02)

Requirements

Parts

1. 25202-01 Delrin V-Wheels x 20pcs

2. 25196-01 5x16x5mm Bearings x 40pcs

3. 25201-01 Precision (Shim) Washers x 20pcs

Tools

One M5 x 20mm (or longer) Button Head Cap Screw (BHCS) to align the pieces during assembly

Assemble all of the V-Wheels (20 wheels total)

1. Take one bearing (#2), and insert it into the Delrin V-Wheel (#1)

2. Using one of the M5 BHCS, slide the wheel over the screw

3. Slide a single precision washer (#3) over the screw, down onto the bearing

4. Slide another bearing around the screw

5. Squeeze the assembly together --- you can use your thumbs, a tool such as an arbor press, or you can add a washer and a nut to the bolt and tighten using a hex key and wrench. There will be a bit of friction getting the bearings settled into the wheel. These are force fit tolerances so you might have to push hard. When you tighten the wheel to the plate, you will squeeze the entire thing together tightly.

6. Repeat this procedure for the remaining V-Wheels (20 total)

Note: You may want to consider marking the precision washers with a marker. If you run in to problems, the M5 Flat Washers and these precision washers are almost indistinguishable and very easy to mix up. If you mark them from the start, this shouldn't happen.

The precision washer in the wheel assemblies may get off-center while storing them --- if this happens, use a small tool to re-center them.

Assembled, these make up 25203-02.

Alternate, assembly-line procedure for the V-Wheels:

1. Arrange all the pieces on a stable, flat work surface

2. Place one bearing into each V-Wheel

3. Place a V-Wheel bearing side down onto the longest M5 bolt which is available, add a precision shim, then another bearing, press things together --- repeat until the bolt is full, clear the bolt and repeat until done

Smooth Idlers (25197-02)

Requirements

Parts

1. 25196-01 5x16x5mm Bearings x 12pcs

2. 25201-01 Precision (Shim) Washers x 6pcs

3. 25197-01 Smooth Idler Wheel (Drum) x 6pcs

Tools

One M5 x 20mm (or longer) Button Head Cap Screw (BHCS) to align the pieces during assembly

Assemble all of the smooth idlers (6 idlers total)

1. Take one bearing (#1), and insert it into the open end of the smooth idler (#3)

2. Using one of the M5 BHCS, slide the idler over the screw

3. Slide a single precision washer (#2) over the screw, down onto the bearing

4. Slide another bearing around the screw

5. Squeeze the assembly together --- you can use your thumbs, a tool such as an arbor press, or you can add a washer and a nut to the bolt and tighten using a hex key and wrench. A small portion of the second bearing will be protruding from the edge of the smooth idler. This is normal. We will tighten the entire assembly when the idlers gets bolted to the motor mount plate (the bearing will still show at the side facing the plate).

6. Repeat this procedure for the remaining smooth idlers (6 total)

Assembled, these make up 25197-02.

See those specific options for more details.

Overview

This step is the bulk of the work required to assemble your machine. There are two different styles of plates that we will be assembling. The first style includes a stepper motor, there are 3 of these plates total, and they will be used to drive both your X- and Y-axes. The other style is nearly identical to the first, with the exception of not having a stepper motor or smooth idlers attached. This plate will be used to connect your Z-axis assembly to your X-axis assembly.

The 3 plates with stepper motors are identical and interchangeable. The plates are symmetrical, so there is no such thing as a front and a back (as they're the same) until one determines this by attaching parts. Keep in mind that your stepper motor will go on the opposite side of your wheels and smooth idlers.

Note: The plates are laser-cut and powder-coated --- please examine the holes to ensure that M5 bolts and the eccentric nuts will fit --- if there are any holes with obstructions, clear these using a knife blade, round file or other tool.

It might be easier and more straight-forward to assemble all four of them to match the Z-axis motor carriage mount plate, (see the first, slightly more detailed diagram on the Z-axis page, exploded view of Z Assembly Carriage) then set one aside for that, and add smooth idler wheels to make the other three.

When attaching V-wheels and Smooth Idlers, push them away from the horizontal centerline of the plate (towards what will be the top of the machine for the static wheels and smooth idlers) --- this will maximize the available space and minimize the chance of the wheels slipping. Similarly, turn the eccentric nuts to move the dynamic V-wheel as far as possible from the matching static one (towards the bottom of the machine), so as to have the widest possible gap to make it easier to mount each assembly on the MakerSlide.

Note that the eccentric nuts have a centered rounded portion which mates with a matching hole on the plates --- it is that placement which allows them to function to adjust the spacing of the V-wheels.

Motor Mount Carriages (PS20022) - 3 total

These are the plates that will mount on either end of the gantry and on the rear of the X-Axis.

Requirements

Parts

1. 26029-01 Motor Mount Plate (12ga) x 3pcs

2. 30158-01 Eccentric Nut x 6pcs (these will be used in the larger holes at the bottom of the plates to allow for adjustment)

3. 25203-02 (from previous step) - Dual Bearing V-Wheel x 12pcs

4. PS20004 M5 x 20mm Button Head Cap Screw x 12pcs

5. 25287-02 M5 Flat Washer x 36pcs

6. 25284-02 M5 Hex Nut x 12pcs

7. 25197-02 (from previous step) - Smooth Idler x 6pcs

8. 25286-05 M5 x 30mm Button Head Cap Screw x 6pcs

9. 25312-14 3/8" x 5/16" x #12 bore Aluminum Spacer x 6pcs

Parts for attaching stepper motors

M3 x 8mm Socket Head Cap Screws (SHCS) x 12 pcs (may vary with motor thread depth, use shorter screws (6mm) if threads bottom out, or additional washers)

M3 Flat Washer x 12 pcs

GT2 pulley x 3 pcs (note that the set screw end goes on first and the pulley must align with the Smooth Idler Wheels)

Tools

3mm Hex Key

2.5mm Hex Key (used for the M3 screws if attaching the motor)

1.5mm Hex Key (used for the set screws in the pulley)

8mm (5/16") wrench

1. Connect V-Wheels (#3) to the plate (#1)

two static at the top (using M5 Hex Nuts (#6))

two eccentric at the bottom in the larger holes (using Eccentric Nuts (#2)) --- note that the eccentric nuts have a round portion which should fit completely into these holes --- ensure that the nuts are inserted evenly and squarely and not canted at an angle.

2. Connect the smooth idlers (#7) to plate

two total, these will need an aluminum spacer (#9) (Note: You should sandwich the spacer in between the two washers (#5), for the sake of symmetry and to ensure the bearings rotate freely.)

take note of the orientation of the bolt (#4)

take note of the orientation of the bearings/idler (the plastic part is away from the carriage plate, while the metal bearing is to the plate --- in theory, it would have been possible to have foregone the idler sub-assembly and instead: a. place the smooth idler onto the bolt/bearings, b. place a bearing onto the bolt on top of the smooth idler, c. place a precision shim washer onto the bearing, d. add the second bearing, e. add a washer, the spacer and another washer before placing the bolt and its sub-assembly into the proper hole, then adding the final washer and nut on the other side)

Lastly, attach your stepper motor - suggested orientations are shown at the bottom of this page - Attach the GT2 pulley (it is easier to attach the pulley before mounting the motor.) - Use four M3 SHCS and four M3 flat washers to attach each stepper motor (Note:You may need more than one washer per bolt, depending upon the depth of the threads in the motor and the length of your bolt (6mm was initially specced, 8mm is shipping in current kits). Use an equal number of washers per motor. Be careful not to strip out the threads in the motor.) When you tighten the motor into place, do so in an X pattern. You want the face of the motor to be equally tight against the plate. The motor should be pushed up towards the top of the plate, so as to get a better angle and more engagement for the belts, and to improve clearance beneath the pulley.

Please note that the above photograph does not show the stepper motor in place. As previously noted, one should attach at least the stepper motor for the X-axis plate, as it's difficult to attach it once the gantry carriage is assembled. If using Wiring Option #2, attach the terminal blocks now to the appropriate plates, while the inner sides are readily accessible.

Motor orientation is as follows:

Left Y-axis and X-axis

(If using wiring option #2, attach one terminal block to the right of the X-axis plate)

Right Y-axis

(If using wiring option #2, attach two terminal blocks to this plate)

Z-Axis Assembly

The Z-axis assembly is comprised of several sub-assemblies. When assembling it, it is best to select a Motor Mount Carriage (PS20022) which already has a stepper motor in place.

Note: You will need to have at least your Z-axis MakerSlide tapped before completing this step. It is probably best to begin tapping well in advance of needing parts, so as to ensure that one works slowly, carefully and patiently at tapping, especially if one initially lacks experience at it.

Z Assembly Carriage (PS20021)

Requirements

Parts

1. 26029-01 Motor Mount Plate (12ga)

2. 30158-01 Eccentric Nut x 2 pcs.

3. 25203-02 Dual Bearing V-Wheel (assembly) x 4 pcs.

4. PS20004 M5 x 20mm BHCS x 4 pcs.

5. 25287-02 M5 Flat Washer x 6 pcs.

6. 25284-02 M5 Hex Nut x 2 pcs.

This is the plate the Z-axis will attach to (it is identical to the Motor Mount Carriage (PS20022) assembled in the previous step, but without smooth idlers. It sits on the front of the gantry and will be connected to the X-axis motor mount plate via rigid aluminum spacers. We will build the plate first, and then attach the two together.

Connect V-Wheels (#3) to the plate (#1)

two static at the top (using M5 x 20mm BHCS (#4), a pair of M5 Flat washers (#5), and M5 Hex Nuts (#6))

two eccentric at the bottom in the larger holes (using M5 x 20mm BHCS (#4), a pair of M5 Flat washers (#5), and using Eccentric Nuts (#2))

Spindle Carriage Assembly (PS20029)

Requirements

Parts

1. 30287-01 Spindle Mount Plate (12ga) x 1 pcs.

2. PS20010 13mm x 35mm x 20mm Delrin Lead Nut x 1 pcs. --- check that the M8 x 1.25mm threaded rod fits (see below)

3. 25287-02 M5 Flat Washer x 10 pcs.

4. 25284-02 M5 Hex Nut x 6 pcs.

5. PS20012 Universal Spindle Mount x 2 pcs.

6. 30158-01 Eccentric Nut x 2 pcs.

7. 25203-02 Dual Bearing V-Wheel (assembly) x 4 pcs.

8. 25196-01 5mm x 16mm x 5mm Bearing (x 8 pcs. contained in #7. above)

9. 25201-01 Precision 1mm spacer (x 4 pcs. contained in #7. above)

10. 25312-14 3/8" x 5/16" x #12 bore, Aluminum Spacer x 4 pcs.

11. 25286-05 M5 x 30mm, BHCS x 4 pcs.

12. 25286-02 M5 x 12mm, BHCS x 6 pcs.

13. PS20013 Universal Spindle Mount strap x 2 pcs.

14. PS20005 M5 x 45mm, SHCS x 4 pcs.

There is a dynamic version (~15MB) of the above diagram at: PS20029.svg --- Spindle Carriage Assembly.

1. Take the Spindle Mount Plate (#1) and orient it so the large holes are to the right.

2. Using an M5 x 30mm BHCS (#11), attach a V-wheel (#7) to the left top corner hole, using an aluminum spacer (#10) to set it off from the plate, fastening it from the other side using an M5 Flat Washer (#3) and an M5 Hex Nut (#4)

3. Repeat the above step w/ another V-wheel for the bottom left corner hole

4. Using an M5 x 30mm BHCS (#11), attach a V-wheel (#7) to the right top corner hole, using an aluminum spacer (#10) to set it off from the plate, fastening it from the other side using an Eccentric Nut (#6)

5. Repeat the above step w/ another V-wheel for the bottom right corner hole

6. Attach the Delrin Lead nut to the center of the plate using two 12mm M5 BHCS (#12) --- be careful not to over-tighten the bolts --- they should be tightened after the plate is mounted onto the balance of the Z-axis

7. Using four 12mm M5 BHCS (#12) fasten the Universal Spindle Mounts (#5) to the top and bottom of the plate with an M5 Flat Washer (#3) and a M5 Hex Nut (#4)

8. Using four M5 x 45mm, SHCS (#14) and four M5 Flat Washers, fasten a Universal Spindle Mount strap (#13) to each universal spindle mount.

Note: Be certain to use the aluminum spacers (#10) which set this plate off from the Z-axis rail assembly, allowing room for the threaded rod) and ensure that all V-wheels are vertically aligned with each other (be careful of washer placement/order). Remember to turn the eccentric nuts so as to move the V-wheels towards the outside of the carriage plate, making room for them to fit onto the MakerSlide.

Z-Axis Rail Assembly (PS20028)

One should also attach the motor for the Z-axis at this time.

Requirements

Parts

1. 25142-07 Z Axis Rail MakerSlide Extrusion 200mm x 1 pcs. (Please note that one end must have both holes tapped w/ M5x0.8 threads, both if you are planning on an Acme screw upgrade.)

2. 25772-02 Z-Axis Flexible Coupler 5mm--8mm bore x 1 pcs.

3. 30288-01 Z-Axis Motor Mount Plate (12ga) x 2 pcs.

4. 30169-01 8x22x7mm flanged bearing x 1 pcs. (Test fit this in a plate first, if it doesn't fit, try the other plate, if neither works, use a file or sandpaper or knife blade to remove the powder coating until it does fit)

5. 30289-01 Z-Axis Shim Plate (12ga) x 1 pcs.

6. PS20011 M8 x 1.25mm Threaded Rod Stainless Steel, 200mm x 1 pcs.

7. 25287-02 M5 Flat Washer x 2 pcs.

8. PS20014 Standoff spacer M3 male x M3 female 50mm x 3 pcs. (a single piece of machined brass on initial kits, currently this is threaded aluminum hex rod (30385-01) and steel M3 set screws (30384-01) --- please test assemble w/ the Z-axis stepper motor to determine the optimal length of thread which should show, then assemble (using threadlock) to make up the PS20014 assembly.

9. PS20016 5mm x 10mm x 1mm thick, Nylon Spacer x 4 pcs. (these are used for the M5 BHCS (#10. below) which hold the Z-Axis Motor Mount Plate to the MakerSlide)

10. PS20004 M5 x 20mm BHCS x 2 pcs.

11. PS20015 3mm x 8mm x 1mm thick, Nylon Spacer x 6 pcs. (these are used with the M3 SHCS (#12. below) which attach to the Brass Standoff spacers)

12. 25285-10 M3 x 12mm, SHCS x 3 pcs.

13. 25287-03 M3 Flat Washer x 3 pcs.

14. PS20007 M8, Hex Nut x 2 pcs.

15. PS20017 Wave Disc Spring, .901"ID, 1.159" OD, .013" thickness

Electronics

Stepper Motor (it is all-but impossible to attach the motor after the fact without disassembly)

25287-03 M3 Flat Washer x 3 (or more, see below) pcs.

Tools

13mm (or 1/2") open end wrenches x 2 pcs.

M3 Hex Key (for the M5 BHCS)

M2.5 Hex Key (for the M3 SHCS and coupler set screws)

5mm open end wrench, adjustable crescent wrench or pliers (ideally nylon-jaw parallel) to tighten the M3 brass standoffs

Note: Depending on how deeply tapped on the stepper motor and how long the threads are on the brass standoffs, it may be necessary to add additional M3 washers when attaching the motor using the brass standoffs.

Note: Check your rod's straightness (one way is by rolling it on a flat surface) before assembly and check to see that the threaded rod runs smoothly on the Delrin Lead nut --- if it doesn't, run the nut along the rod until it does. Using a drill is one option. Be certain the threads of the nut are free of debris or other materials. It's also a remote possibility that the rod may be out-of-spec rather than the nut --- you may want to consider taking the nut to a local hardware store and trying it on their stock of M8 all-thread to see if it works better on one of them.

The Z-Axis Rail Assembly is the most intricate and complex assembly, and requires patience to assemble. One way to do this is to assemble it from the inside out, starting with the smallest pieces as described below. One could of course try top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top --- just follow the diagram and be careful to use equal numbers of spacers/washers for each connector and to not damage or bend the brass stand-offs.

1. Take one Z-Axis Motor Mount Plate (#3, this will become the bottom)

2. place M3 washers (#13) onto the 12mm M3 screws (#12) and place them in the appropriate holes

3. stack the Nylon Spacers (PS20015) (#11) onto the screws (note that an equal number of spacers is used for each screw, including the M5 bolts which will go into the other plate from the other side in a later step) --- set the beginnings of this sub-sub-assembly aside carefully

4. place the Wave Disc Spring (#15) onto the narrow part of the flanged bearing (#4)

5. insert that into the second Z-axis Motor Mount Plate (#3)

6. insert the two M5 bolts (#10) and M5 washers (#7) from the other side of that plate

7. add the last Nylon Spacers (#9) to the end of each bolt (#10) and slide the top and bottom Z-axis Motor Mount Plates together --- carefully set this sub-sub-assembly aside

8. Attach the Flexible Coupler (#2) to the stepper motor (the shaft should fall just short of half the length of the coupler)

9. Place an M3 Washer (#13) onto a Brass Standoff Spacer (#8) and fasten it to the stepper motor --- if it bottoms out, add another washer and try again --- repeat for the other brass standoffs. Use an equal number of M3 Washers to attach the three Brass Standoff Spacers to the stepper motor --- if a brass standoff doesn't seat as deeply as it should, because the threads aren't well-formed, use a die (or very carefully, a steel nut) to re-thread.

10. Attach the stepper motor and brass standoffs to the sub-sub-assembly from Step #7 using the M3 SHCS and M3 washers --- make sure not to force anything when tightening the standoffs, remember it's only brass and can snap off inside the motor if you're not careful enough. The standoffs should need only to be snug, as the screws on the other end prevent the standoffs from rotating. Be careful of the orientation of the sub-sub-assembly, not to lose the M5 bolts and plastic spacers.

11. Place the Z-axis Shim Plate (#5) on top of the Z Axis Rail (#1, 200mm MakerSlide) and attach it using the M5 bolts (as noted above, the Z-axis must have threads for these bolts at this point, cut in by tapping) --- be careful of the orientation of the MakerSlide, the V-rails must be oriented as shown in the diagram so that the Spindle Carriage Assembly (see below) V-wheels will fit. ru

12. After determining the spacing for the Threaded Rod (#6) (see below) thread on one M8 Hex Nut (#14) to the top position on the Threaded Rod

13. Slip the Threaded Rod through the Flanged Bearing of the sub-sub-assembly from Step #7 above

14. Thread on the second M8 Hex Nut

Review all connectors to make certain that everything is tight --- be careful not to bend the threaded rod or strip any screws.

Threaded Rod

Compare the threaded rod (#6) to the assembly, thread on one M8 Hex Nut (#14), threading the latter far enough down to allow room for the flanged bearing, a second hex nut, and for the threaded rod (and the stepper motor shaft) to be just short of half-way into the flexible coupler (#2). Insert the threaded rod into the bearing, add the second M8 hex nut and tighten them with two wrenches, being careful not to bend the rod. Note that the motor shaft should go far enough in to the flexible coupler as to be certain of gripping firmly, and less than half the length of the flexible coupler (the two ends should not interfere with each other).

Tighten the coupler set screw holding the threaded rod using the 2.5mm hex key. If the flexible coupler doesn't securely grip the threaded rod, wrap the end of the rod in some sort of metal, foil or tape to ensure coupler holds it securely. Make certain the coupler holds the rod squarely. One inexpensive source for metal shims is aluminum drink cans which are easily cut with appropriate tools (and wearing appropriate safety gear).

Note the nuts are commodity / off-the-shelf parts and have a fairly wide manufacturing tolerance. If your threaded rod wobbles unduly after assembly, mark the nuts so as to indicate their orientation and try swapping them around in terms of orientation and positioning, keeping notes on which you have tried --- you should hit upon an arrangement which allows the rod to run fairly true, or at worst case, not hit any other parts (some whipping is inevitable --- one simply wants to achieve a state where nothing will be damaged by the rod end). If nothing works, contact Inventables customer service, or try sourcing new nuts (one option is to take the bearing and threaded rod into a hardware store and try different nuts until you find a pair which works).

Stepper Motor

As noted above, one should attach the stepper motor during the course of the assembly if at all possible. If not... place M3 washers on the brass M3 standoffs --- if the standoffs bottom out, add sets of M3 washers to ensure the threads are well-engaged and not bottoming out. Ensure that the motor shaft will also fit just short of half-way into the flexible coupler and that the rod and motor shaft have a gap which will allow the flexible coupler to function without interference or binding. Tighten the coupler set screw holding the motor shaft using the 2.5mm hex key.

Tighten everything. If the M3 screws bottom out in the stand-offs, add washers one at a time until everything is secure.

Z-Axis Sub-Assembly (PS20030)

1. PS20021 Z-Assembly Carriage x 1 pcs.

2. PS20028 Z-Axis Rail Assembly x 1 pcs.

3. PS20029 Spindle Carriage Assembly x 1 pcs.

4. 25287-02 M5 Flat Washer x 4 pcs.

5. 26016-01 M5 insertion nut x 4 pcs.

6. 25286-01 M5 x 10mm, BHCS x 4 pcs.

Insert the 10mm M5 bolts (#6) with an M5 washer (#4) into the Z-Assembly Carriage (#1) from the side the V-wheels are on, thread on the M5 insertion nuts (#5) --- these only mount one

way, the smooth side goes toward the bolt head, while the side with the protruding circle goes at the "threaded end" (begin screwing the bolt into the nut on the plain side) --- see the PS20025 diagram for details, then slide the MakerSlide of the Z-Axis Rail Assembly (#2) onto the nuts, align the assemblies at the bottom and center them left to right and tighten.

Turn the eccentric nuts on the Spindle Carriage Assembly (#3) so that they move the matching V-wheels as far as possible from the opposing static V-wheels (think of them as pairs, one movable with an eccentric nut, the other unmoving). Slide the Spindle Carriage Assembly onto the Z-Axis Rail Assembly, match it up with the Delrin Lead nut and turning the threaded rod using the flexible coupler, bring the Spindle Carriage Assembly up so that the V-wheels are completely on the MakerSlide V-rail. Be careful not to nick or damage the Delrin V-wheels, or to cross-thread the Delrin Lead nut.

If necessary, loosen the bolts holding the Delrin Lead Nut and adjust it to hold the threaded rod as straight as is possible, testing to see how the M8 threaded rod turns. It may be necessary to loosen other fasteners, such as the M5 bolts which hold the Z-axis Motor Mount plates and adjust the alignment and re-tighten. Adjust things until the Z-axis is properly aligned and everything moves as it should.

Carefully adjust the eccentric nuts so that the MakerSlide is held in place firmly, but not so tight as to damage the Delrin V-wheels --- they should turn when one rotates the coupler/threaded rod, moving the spindle carriage assembly up or down.

Sub Gantry (PS20031)

Requirements

Parts

1. PS20022 Motor Mount Carriage x 1 pcs.

2. PS20030 Z-Axis Sub-Assembly x 1 pcs.

3. PS20002 3/8" x 1-1/4" x #12 bore, Aluminum Spacer x 6pcs.

4. PS20006 M5 x 70mm SHCS x 6 pcs.

5. 25287-02 M5 Flat Washer x 12 pcs.

6. 25312-20 3/8" x 1" #12 Bore, Aluminum Spacer x 6 pcs.

7. 25284-02 M5 Hex Nut x 6 pcs.

If possible, select a Motor Mount Carriage (PS20022) which has a stepper motor attached. If using wiring option #2, there should be a terminal block attached to the right (on the side opposite the V-wheels and smooth idlers).

For each M5 x 70 mm SHCS (#4), add a washer (#5) then place them in the outer holes of the Z-Axis Sub-Assembly (#1) from the side opposite the V-wheels. Then for each M5 bolt (#4), add each pair of spacers (one each of #3, & #6). Add the Motor Mount Carriage, then for each M5 bolt, add an M5 washer, and M5 hex nut (#7). Ensure the sub gantry is square and tighten everything.

Next Step Gantry

To express concerns, post on the forums, to suggest improvements without using github, edit this wiki page.

Gantry

Note: The two pieces of MakerSlide used in these steps must have threads in them, cut by tapping. If you have not yet finished tapping at least two pieces MakerSlide, you can put this off no longer.

Further note: Also, compare all of your pieces of Makerslide --- use the two which are the most equal in length and cut the most evenly / squarely for the X-axis gantry. The Y-axis can be left a bit off at the back end if need be w/o affecting the machine's operation or squareness.

Belt Clip Assembly (PS20020)

1. PS20003 M5 x 8mm, BHCS x 1 pcs.

2. 26016-01 M5 insertion nut x 1 pcs.

3. 26051-01 Fiberglass Clip x 1 pcs.

The Belt Clip Assemblies are used to fasten and tension the GT2 belts (this is detailed later). There are 6 total, which should be assembled at this point, and which should be placed in the MakerSlide slots during assembly. See the PS20025 diagram below for details on orientation. Test for fit into the MakerSlide after assembling the first one, if they don't fit, remove the insertion nut and flip it over. At a minimum you just need to remember to put the insertion nuts into the back piece of MakerSlide (on the top slot) before attaching the second motor mount carriage (it is possible to assemble the belt anchor with the insertion nut in the MakerSlide). Once the carriage is in place, you will no longer have access to the slot. Note the

clips may have loose splinters along the cut edges --- carefully buff any such off with a paper towel (and promptly dispose of the towel to avoid splinters).

Sub Gantry (PS20023)

Requirements

Parts

1. PS20022 Motor Mount Carriage x 2 pcs.

2. PS20020 Belt Clip Assembly x 2 pcs.

3. 25286-02 M5 x 12mm, BHCS x 8 pcs.

4. 25287-02 M5 Flat Washer x 8 pcs.

5. PS20008 X/Y Axis Rail MakerSlide Extrusion 500mm x 2 pcs. (Please note that all holes on the remaining MakerSlide must be tapped with M5x0.8 threads)

Note: Do not attach one end plate during this step (despite the photograph showing this), you must slide the Z-Axis Assembly gantry carriage (PS20031) from the previous step onto the gantry (see below) before attaching the second motor mount plate.

This is evident in the next step.

Note: The diagram shows the assembly from the rear. The light grey end plate is not to be attached as-of-yet.

The Y-axis motors should turn in different directions --- the one which is for the right side of the gantry should turn clockwise, the one for the left should turn counter-clockwise.

Place the first piece of MakerSlide (#5) against a Motor Mount Carriage (#1). Place a washer (#4) onto an M5 BHCS (#3) and screw it into one of the holes which you have tapped into the MakerSlide. Repeat for the other hole. Make note of the orientation of the V-rails on the MakerSlide as shown in the diagram, add the second piece of MakerSlide so that the V-rails are opposite from each other, on the outside.

Push the rear piece of MakerSlide as far as is possible to the back end of the slot which the 12mm M5 bolts fit through. Only tighten the pair of bolts on the MakerSlide which is snugged up against the end of the slot, ensuring that the first piece of Makerslide is plumb and square to the plate, the other should be slightly loose. Note that there is a space in-between the two pieces of MakerSlide. This spacing will be set in a following step.

Place two belt anchors in the top channel of what will be the rear piece of MakerSlide (or at least two insertion nuts) as shown in the diagram.

Complete Gantry (PS20025)

Note: the parts picture above shows some extra parts which will be used in the next step.

Requirements

Parts

1. (un-enumerated part)

2. PS20031 Gantry Carriage x 1 pcs.

3. PS20008 X/Y Axis Rail - MakerSlide Extrusion - 500mm x 2 pcs.

4. PS20022 Motor Mount Carriage x 2 pcs.

5. (un-enumerated part)

6. 25286-02 M5 x 12mm, BHCS x 8 pcs.

7. 25287-02 M5 Flat Washer x 8 pcs. (10 if adding an M5 washer to each belt clip anchor as shown in the diagram)

8. 26051-01 fiberglass in-line belt clip (these are part of PS20020 below) x 2 pcs.

9. PS20003 M5 x 08mm, BHCS (these are part of PS20020 below) x 2 pcs.

10. 26016-01 M5 insertion nut (these are part of PS20020 below) x 2 pcs.

11. PS20020 Belt Clip Assembly x 2 pcs. (called out as individual parts #7--10)

(Note: the diagram shows an M5 washer being added to each belt clip anchor --- this is optional, and may make it more difficult to assemble the belt clip anchor)

The gantry has a space between the rails, rather than try to set it mechanically, we allow the Z-axis Gantry Carriage to establish it.

Turn the eccentric nuts on the V-wheels on the Gantry Carriage (#2) so that they are as far from the static V-wheels as is possible. Carefully roll the Gantry Carriage onto the two pieces of MakerSlide (#3) of the Sub Gantry (sub-assembly from above, #3 and #4 ), facing the spindle carriage away from the MakerSlide which is bolted in place at the extreme edge of the slot. Move the Gantry Carriage as close to the attached Motor Mount Carriage Plate (#4) as is possible, setting the spacing at this end, tighten the bolts for the loose MakerSlide (push down on the gantry carriage when tightening the top bolts, pull up on it when tightening the bottom bolts). Attach the other Motor Mount Carriage in the same fashion, ensuring that the spacing is consistent, pushing down on the MakerSlide to ensure that the two plates are square (make certain that a pair of Belt Anchor Clips is in the Makerslide before doing so). Ensure that the

Gantry moves smoothly for the entire length of the X-axis. If necessary, loosen the M5 bolts and adjust the fit until everything is square and aligned and the gantry carriage travels smoothly --- check that the Delrin V-wheels are riding evenly on the V-rails at the top and bottom --- if they are not, then loosen rails, then tighten the eccentric nuts to bring the rails to the center of the V-wheels. Then tighten that end of the machine. Move the gantry to the other side to force that to the correct position and repeat. Loosen the V-wheels and then adjust as described below.

Y-Axis Rail Assembly (PS20026)

Note: The two pieces of MakerSlide used in the following steps must have threads in them, cut by tapping. If you have not yet finished tapping your MakerSlide, you can put this off no longer.

Overview

Note: Although the assembly photo shows both end plates attached, only attach one to each Y-axis rail at this time.

Requirements

Parts

1. 26028-01 End Plate (12ga) x 4 pcs.

2. 25286-02 M5 x 12mm, BHCS x 8 pcs.

3. 25287-02 M5 Flat Washer x 8 pcs.

4. PS20020 Belt Clip Assembly x 4 pcs.

5. PS20008 X/Y Axis Rail - MakerSlide Extrusion - 500mm x 2 pcs. (Note, the MakerSlide must have M5x0.8 threads tapped in all holes)

(You will need to assemble two PS20026 Y-Axis Rail Assemblies)

Slide two Belt Clip Anchor Assemblies (#4) into the top slot of the MakerSlide (#5).

Attach one end plate (#1) to each piece of MakerSlide using the 12mm M5 bolts (#2) and M5 washers (#3). Place what will be the top of each piece of Makerslide at the top of the channel --- the top of the MakerSlide should flush with the bottom of the horizontal slot (the two assemblies will have a slight mirror-imaged asymmetry).

Do not attach the second end plate, that will be done in the next step.