3. X-axis assembly

Relevant for:

MK2S

Last updated 5 years ago

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Available languages

Step 1 Getting the necessary tools

⬢1.5mm & 2.5mm Allen key

⬢Needle-nose pliers

Step 2 3D printed parts

⬢X-carriage

⬢X-end-motor

⬢X-end-idler

Some parts can slightly differ from the photos.

Step 3 Preparing the rods

⬢LM8UU linear bearings

⬢8mm smooth rods (the longest ones)

⬢Carefully slide linear bearings on rods.

Step 4 Preparing the printed parts

⬢Insert LM8UU linear bearing into the printed parts (X-end-motor and X-end-idler) as shown in the pictures.

⬢The bearing should be in line with the X-ends as highlighted in the picture.

You can press on the flat surface for easier insertion.

Place two bearings in a way that the inner balls of the second bearing are rotated 45° compared to the first. This way you will achieve greater contact with the smooth rod. See the third picture for more details.

Step 5 Preparing the tension screws

⬢Insert M3nS square nuts (2 pcs) and put in place M3x10 screws (2 pcs).

Avoid overtightening of the screws.

Step 6 Assemble the X-axis base

⬢Insert the rods with bearings fully into the printed parts.

Ensure the correct orientation of the parts and rods (the rod with 2 bearings must be on the side with the nut trap).

Insert the rods very carefully. Do not tilt the rods too much.

Step 7 Preparing the X-end idler

⬢M3x18 screw (1 pc)

⬢623h bearing with housing (1 pc)

⬢M3nN nylock nut (1 pc)

⬢Insert the 623h bearing into the X-end idler.

⬢Secure it in position using a M3x18 screw.

Tighten it with a M3 nylock nut, but the idler (wheel) must rotate freely!

Step 8 Prepare the X-carriage

⬢Place shorter 100mm zip ties and X-carriage exactly as shown in the picture.

⬢Take the 4 zip ties from left side and slide them halfway in the slots (see the green arrows).

⬢Take the remaining 2 zip ties from right and slide them halfway in the slots (see the blue arrows).

Ensure the correct orientation of zip ties. See the third picture for verification.

In the kit there are 160 and 100mm zip ties, use shorter ones for this step.

Step 9 Placing the X-carriage

Ensure the correct orientation of X-carriage. Compared to previous steps the X-carriage is turned along it's side.

⬢Place the X-carriage on the X-axis base as shown in the picture.

Step 10 Tighten the X-carriage

⬢Use pliers to tighten the zipties.

Make sure that bearings are in the position as shown in the picture (a bearing should be fully seated and bottomed out in the carriage).

Step 11 Cleaning up

⬢Use pliers to cut off any excess ziptie.

Move the ziptie head to the position as shown in the picture.

Step 12 Assemble the X-motor

⬢M3x18 screw (3 pcs)

⬢X motor (the one labeled as X axis)

⬢Tighten the motor to the X-end-motor part.

Ensure the correct position of cables (Cables should face downwards).

Step 13 Assemble the X-motor pulley

⬢Place GT2-16 pulley on the X motor shaft.

⬢Adjust the position as seen in the picture (effective part of the pulley should be in axis with the X-end-motor cutout and one of the screws on pulley should face directly on the pad on shaft).

⬢Recommended value X (gap between motor and pulley faces) is 2.5 mm or 0.1 inch. Your value can slightly differ.

⬢Tighten up the pulley.