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Y-Axis Assembly

Welcome to the first major assembly chapter! The Y-axis is the foundation of your printer, forming the main frame and the moving bed assembly. A well-assembled Y-axis is crucial for stable and accurate prints.

Step 1: Tools Necessary for This Chapter

Before you begin, gather the tools you will need for this section of the build.

  • Tools needed:
    • Needle-nose pliers
    • 2.5mm Allen key
    • 3mm Allen key

Step 2: YZ-Frame - Preparing the Components

Let's start by gathering the parts to build the main YZ-Frame.

  • Parts needed:
    • Aluminum Extrusions (4x - 2 long, 2 short)
    • Main Frame Plate (1x)
    • M5x16r screws (16x)

CRITICAL: Build on a Flat Surface

You must perform the frame assembly on a known flat surface (like a kitchen countertop or a sturdy desk). Assembling on an uneven surface can permanently warp the frame.

Step 3: YZ-Frame - Mounting the Longer Extrusions

  • Action: Take the two longer aluminum extrusions and place them against the main frame plate. Ensure they are on the correct side according to your machine's design.
  • Pro-Tip: The screws are inserted from the opposite side of the frame plate.
  • Action: Insert the M5 screws and tighten them slightly, just enough to hold the parts together. Then, tighten the screws fully but in a diagonal pattern. Tighten one screw, then the one diagonally opposite it, to ensure even pressure.

Step 4: YZ-Frame - Mounting the Shorter Extrusions

  • Action: Now, take the two shorter aluminum extrusions and repeat the process on the other side of the frame.
  • Action: Again, tighten the screws slightly at first, and then fully tighten them using the same diagonal pattern.

Step 5: YZ-Frame - Final Check

Before proceeding, take a moment to double-check your work.

  • Action: Verify that the long and short extrusions are on the correct sides of the frame as intended by the design. A mistake here will cause problems later.

Step 6: Y-Axis - Front and Rear Plate Preparation

Now, gather the parts that will close off the frame.

  • Parts needed:
    • Front Plate (1x)
    • Rear Plate (1x)
    • M5x16r screws (for mounting)
    • PSU Holders / T-nuts (2x)

Step 7: Y-Axis - Front Plate Assembly

  • Action: Take the Front Plate and attach it to the ends of the longer extrusions.
  • Action: Secure it with M5 screws, using the same diagonal tightening pattern to keep the frame square.

Step 8: Y-Axis - Preparation for the PSU

This is a critical step that is easy to miss!

Do Not Miss This Step

Before attaching the rear plate, you must insert the PSU Holders (T-nuts) into the channel of the correct rear aluminum extrusion. If you attach the rear plate first, you will have to disassemble the frame later to install these.

  • Action: Take the two T-nuts for the Power Supply Unit and slide them into the channel of one of the shorter extrusions. Their exact position doesn't matter for now.

Step 9: Y-Axis - Rear Plate Assembly

  • Action: Take the Rear Plate and attach it to the ends of the shorter extrusions, covering the T-nuts you just inserted.
  • Action: Secure it with M5 screws, once again using the diagonal tightening pattern.

Step 10: Y-Axis - Geometry Check

This is the final quality check for the frame's integrity.

  • Action: Place the fully assembled frame on your flat surface. Gently try to push down on the corners to see if the frame rocks or wobbles.
  • To Fix Wobble: If the frame is not perfectly flat, slightly loosen the screws on the corners that are lifting up. Press the frame firmly down against the flat surface and re-tighten the screws while holding it down.
  • Note: A very minor wobble (less than 2mm) is often acceptable, but a perfectly square and stable frame is the ideal foundation for your printer.

Frame Geometry Check   Frame Geometry Check  

Illustration showing a hand pressing down on the frame on a flat surface to check for any wobble.

Step 11: Mounting Antivibration Feet (Optional)

This step is optional for now, but it is recommended to mount the feet to protect your work surface.

  • Parts needed:
    • Antivibration foot (4x)
  • Action: Turn the YZ-frame on its side and insert an antivibration foot into the end of one of the extrusions. Twist it 90 degrees to lock it in place. Repeat this for all four feet, placing them a few centimeters from the end of each extrusion.

Step 12: Preparing Y-Belt Idler (Part 1)

Now we will assemble the idler, which is the pulley that the belt will loop around at the front of the printer.

  • Parts needed:
    • Y-belt-idler (1x printed part)
    • M3x18 screw (1x)
    • M3x10 screw (2x)
    • M3nN nyloc nut (1x)
    • M3n nut (2x)
    • 623h bearing with housing (1x)

Step 13: Preparing Y-Belt Idler (Part 2)

Let's insert the nuts into the printed idler part.

  • Action: Insert the two standard M3n nuts into the slots on the top of the Y-belt-idler part.
  • Action: Turn the part over and insert the M3nN nyloc nut into the hexagonal slot on the side. The nylon ring of the nut should be facing outwards.
  • Pro-Tip: If a nut is a tight fit, use a screw from the opposite side to gently pull it into place. Be careful not to crack the printed part by overtightening.

Step 14: Preparing Y-Belt Idler (Part 3)

Now we'll install the bearing.

  • Action: Insert the 623h bearing into the main slot of the Y-belt-idler.
  • Action: Secure the bearing in place using the M3x18 screw.

Check for Free Movement

Do not fully tighten the screw yet. Place your finger on the bearing and ensure it can spin freely without any grinding or excessive resistance. Loosen or tighten the screw slightly until the bearing spins smoothly.

Step 15: Mounting the Y-Belt Idler

  • Action: Take the fully assembled idler and position it on the front plate of the main frame.
  • Action: Secure the idler to the front plate using the two M3x10 screws. Tighten them firmly.

Step 16: Y-Axis - Motor and Motor Holder

It's time to prepare the Y-axis motor assembly.

  • Parts needed:
    • Y-axis motor (1x)
    • Y-motor-holder (1x printed part)
    • M3x10 screw (4x)
    • M3n nut (2x)

Use the Correct Motor

Your kit contains multiple motors. Ensure you are using the motor labeled for the Y-axis. The motors may have different cable lengths, so using the correct one is important.

Step 17: Preparing Y-Motor Holder

  • Action: Take the Y-motor-holder printed part and insert the two M3n nuts into their slots.
  • Action: Place the printed part onto the motor, using the motor's cable as a guide for the correct orientation.
  • Action: Use two M3x10 screws to fasten the holder to the motor.

Step 18: Mounting Y-Motor Holder

  • Action: Take the motor assembly and place it onto the rear plate of the main frame.
  • Orientation: Ensure the motor is oriented correctly. The motor shaft must be facing inwards, towards the center of the printer.
  • Action: Secure the motor holder to the rear plate using two M3x10 screws.

Step 19: Y-Axis - Y-Carriage

Now we will prepare the Y-carriage, which is the moving platform that will hold the heated bed.

  • Parts needed:
    • Y-carriage (1x metal plate)
    • Linear bearing (3x)
    • Bearing clip (3x printed parts)
    • M3x6 screw (6x)

Step 20: Installing the Bearing Clip

This preparatory step makes it easier to install the bearings.

  • Action: Take one of the printed bearing clip parts and insert two M3x6 screws into its holes.
  • Action: Loosely attach this clip to one of the three bearing locations on the Y-carriage plate. Tighten the screws only a few turns for now.

Loosely Attached Bearing Clip   Loosely Attached Bearing Clip  

Illustration showing a bearing clip loosely attached to the Y-carriage, ready for a bearing to be inserted.

Step 21: Inserting the Bearings & CRITICAL Orientation

Now we will place the linear bearings into the loosely attached clips on the Y-carriage.

  • Action: Take one linear bearing and gently slide it into the bearing clip and the pocket on the Y-carriage plate.

  • CRITICAL Bearing Orientation: !!! danger "Correct Bearing Orientation is a Must" Linear bearings have internal rows of ball bearings. [cite_start]You must orient the bearings so that these rows run parallel to the direction of movement (along the sides)[cite: 167]. [cite_start]Do not orient a bearing so that a single row of balls is at the very bottom, as this will quickly wear a groove into your smooth rods and ruin them[cite: 170, 171].

      Bearing Orientation   Bearing Orientation  
    A diagram showing the correct bearing orientation (rows of balls on the sides) versus the incorrect orientation (single row of balls at the bottom).

Step 22: Securing the Bearings

  • Action: Before tightening, align the bearing so that it is centered within the bearing clip. [cite_start]An equal part of the bearing should be visible on each side[cite: 172].
  • [cite_start]Action: While maintaining the bearing's position, fully tighten the two screws to secure it firmly[cite: 173].
  • [cite_start]Action: Repeat steps 20-22 for the remaining two bearings[cite: 174].

Step 23: Inserting Smooth Rods into Y-Carriage

  • [cite_start]Action: Identify the two mid-sized smooth rods (typically 330 mm) for the Y-axis[cite: 176].

Handle with Care

[cite_start]Gently insert a smooth rod straight through the aligned bearings on one side of the carriage[cite: 177]. [cite_start]Do not use excessive force or tilt the rod, as this can dislodge the small ball bearings inside the linear bearing, ruining it[cite: 177, 181]. [cite_start]If you feel resistance, check that the bearings are aligned properly[cite: 178]. Repeat for the second rod on the other side.

Step 24: Y-Axis - Preparing the Smooth Rod Holders

Now, gather the parts that will hold the smooth rods in the main frame.

  • Parts needed:
    • Y-rod-holder (4x printed parts)
    • M3x10 screw (12x)
    • M3nS nut (12x)

Step 25: Preparing the Y-Rod Holders

  • [cite_start]Action: Take one Y-rod-holder part and insert two M3nS nuts into the top slots[cite: 182].
  • [cite_start]Action: Insert one M3nS nut into the side of the part[cite: 186].
  • [cite_start]Action: Ensure all nuts are pressed all the way in. If a nut is a tight fit, use the "screw pulling technique" to seat it properly[cite: 184].
  • [cite_start]Action: Repeat this process for the remaining three Y-rod-holders[cite: 188].

Step 26: Mounting the Rod Holders

  • [cite_start]Action: With the Y-carriage on a flat surface, slide one of the prepared rod holders onto the end of a smooth rod[cite: 189].
  • Orientation: Make sure the holder is oriented correctly. [cite_start]The screw hole on the side must be facing up and towards the "inside" of the Y-carriage[cite: 190].
  • [cite_start]Action: Repeat this for all four ends of the two smooth rods[cite: 191].

Step 27: Installing the Y-Carriage into the Frame

This is a major assembly step where we join the carriage to the main frame.

  • [cite_start]Action: Carefully take the entire Y-carriage assembly (with rods and holders) and place it into the YZ-frame[cite: 192].
  • [cite_start]Orientation: Make sure the side of the Y-carriage with two bearings is on the left side of the frame (when viewed from the front)[cite: 193].
  • Action: Secure each of the four rod holders to the front and rear plates using two M3x10 screws each. [cite_start]Do not fully tighten these screws yet; they should be just snug enough to hold the parts in place[cite: 194, 197].
  • [cite_start]Action: Insert and tighten the single M3x10 screw into the side of each of the four rod holders[cite: 196, 198].

Step 28: Aligning the Smooth Rods

This is a critical alignment step for ensuring smooth, low-friction movement.

How to Align Your Rods for Smooth Motion

  • [cite_start]Action: First, ensure all the screws connecting the rod holders to the frame are slightly loosened, so the holders can move a little[cite: 202].
  • Action: Slide the Y-carriage back and forth across the entire length of the smooth rods several times. [cite_start]This allows the rods and bearings to self-align into their natural, lowest-friction position[cite: 203].
  • [cite_start]Action: Once aligned, move the carriage to the front of the printer and fully tighten all the screws on the two front rod holders[cite: 204].
  • [cite_start]Action: Now, move the carriage to the back of the printer and fully tighten all the screws on the two rear rod holders[cite: 205].

Step 29: Assembling the Y-Motor Pulley

  • [cite_start]Action: Rotate the Y-axis motor shaft until the flat part is facing up[cite: 207].
  • [cite_start]Action: Slide the GT2 toothed pulley onto the shaft[cite: 208].

Critical Step: Pulley Alignment

[cite_start]One of the small grub screws in the pulley must be tightened against the flat part of the motor shaft[cite: 209]. This provides a secure lock and prevents the pulley from slipping. [cite_start]Also, leave a small gap between the pulley and the motor housing so it can rotate freely[cite: 208]. [cite_start]Slightly tighten both grub screws for now[cite: 210, 211].

Motor Pulley Alignment   Motor Pulley Alignment  

A close-up showing the flat part of the motor shaft and a grub screw being tightened against it.

Step 30: Y-Axis - Preparing the Belt Assembly

Gather all the components needed to install the Y-axis belt.

  • Parts needed:
    • Y-axis belt (650 mm)
    • Y-belt-holder (1x smaller printed part)
    • Y-belt-tensioner (1x bigger printed part)
    • M3x30 screw (1x)
    • M3x10 screw (4x)
    • M3nN nyloc nut (1x)
    • M3n nut (2x)

Step 31: Assembling the First Belt Holder

Now we will create the first anchor point for the Y-axis belt.

  • Action: Take the smaller of the two printed belt parts (Y-belt-holder). Insert one M3n nut and one M3nN nyloc nut into their respective hexagonal slots.
  • Action: Take one end of the Y-axis belt. Create a small loop at the very end and place an M3x10 screw through it.
  • Action: Push this looped end into the slot in the Y-belt-holder. The teeth of the belt should be facing upwards. Use an Allen key to help push it in if needed. Secure it by tightening the screw until it engages with the nut.

Step 32: Attaching the Holder and Routing the Belt

  • Action: Attach the prepared Y-belt-holder to the underside of the Y-carriage using another M3x10 screw. Ensure the printed part is aligned straight.
  • Action: Take the long end of the belt and route it through the entire Y-axis path:
    1. Guide it towards the front of the printer and around the idler pulley.
    2. Guide it back towards the rear of the printer and around the motor pulley.
    3. Bring the end back towards the center of the Y-carriage.

Keep the Belt Straight

Make sure the belt is not twisted anywhere along its path. The teeth should always be on the inside of the loop.

Step 33: Assembling the Belt Tensioner

Now we will prepare the second holder, which also acts as the tensioner.

  • Action: Take the larger of the two printed belt parts (Y-belt-tensioner) and insert an M3n nut into its slot.
  • Action: Take the free end of the belt, create another loop with an M3x10 screw, and secure it inside the Y-belt-tensioner just as you did in Step 31.
  • Action: Attach the tensioner to the Y-carriage with an M3x10 screw, but do not fully tighten it yet.
  • Action: Insert the long M3x30 screw through both the holder and tensioner parts. This screw will be used to apply tension.

Step 34: Aligning the Y-Axis Belt

Before tensioning, it's critical to ensure the belt is running straight.

  • Action: Look at the belt path from above. The top and bottom sections of the belt should be perfectly parallel to each other.
  • To Adjust: If the belt is not parallel, slightly loosen the grub screws on the motor pulley. Slide the pulley left or right on the motor shaft until the belt is straight, then retighten the grub screws firmly against the flat part of the shaft.

Belt Alignment   Belt Alignment  

Illustration showing a top-down view of a straight, parallel belt path.

Step 35: Tensioning and Testing the Belt

Now for the final tensioning.

How to Get the Right Tension

  • Tensioning: Tighten the M3x30 screw on the Y-carriage. This will pull the two belt holders closer together, increasing the belt's tension. The belt should be taut, requiring a bit of force to press down with your finger. Do not overstretch it.
  • Testing: To check if the tension is correct, firmly hold the motor shaft with a pair of pliers so it cannot turn. Now, try to move the Y-carriage by hand. If the tension is correct, you should feel solid resistance and the carriage won't move. If the belt is too loose, it will "skip" over the teeth on the motor pulley. If this happens, tighten the tensioner screw a bit more.
  • Action: Once the tension is correct, fully tighten the M3x10 screw that holds the tensioner to the Y-carriage.

Step 36: Take a Quick Break!

This was a long and important chapter. Take a moment to stretch and admire your work before moving on to the next stage.

Step 37: Y-Axis is Finished!

  • Action: Give the Y-carriage one last push back and forth. You should feel some resistance from the motor and the belt, which is normal. The movement should be smooth across the entire axis.
  • Action: Compare your completed assembly with the reference image to make sure everything looks correct.

Chapter Complete!

Congratulations, the Y-Axis is done! You have built the foundation of your printer. Now, let's move on to the X-Axis.