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Z-Axis Assembly

In this chapter, we will bring the frame and the X-axis gantry together. We will install the motors and rods that control the vertical movement of the printer, allowing your models to grow layer by layer.

Step 1: Tools Necessary for This Chapter

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

Step 2: Z-Axis - Assembling Motor Holders

First, we will attach the mounts for the Z-axis motors to the main frame.

  • Action: Identify the Z-axis-bottom-left and Z-axis-bottom-right printed parts. They are not identical.
  • Action: Place each holder on the correct side of the printer frame and secure them with M3x10 screws. Do not use excessive force when tightening screws into printed parts.

Step 3: Placing the Z-Screw Covers

Now, let's prepare the Z-axis motors.

  • Parts needed:
    • Z-axis motor (2x)
    • Z-screw-cover (2x printed parts)
  • Action: If your motors came with trapezoidal nuts pre-installed on the lead screws, remove them for now. You will need them later.
  • Action: Take the two Z-screw-cover parts and screw them onto the lead screws until they are resting gently against the motor body. Do not overtighten; the motor must still be able to spin freely.

Step 4: Z-Axis - Assembling the Motors

  • Action: Mount the two Z-axis motors onto the holders you installed in Step 2.

Check Motor Cables and Orientation

The Z-axis motors may have different cable lengths. Ensure you place the motor with the shorter cable on the left and the longer cable on the right. The motor cables must be oriented towards the inside of the frame to align with the cutouts for cable management.

  • Action: Secure each motor with four M3x10 screws. Tighten them evenly.

Step 5: X-Axis - Preparing the Trapezoidal Nuts

It's time to prepare the X-axis gantry that you built in the previous chapter.

  • Parts needed:
    • The previously assembled X-axis gantry
    • Trapezoidal nut (2x)
    • M3x18 screw (4x)
    • M3n nut (4x)

Step 6: X-Axis - Attaching the Trapezoidal Nuts

  • Action: Turn the X-axis gantry upside down.
  • Action: Insert the four M3n nuts into their hexagonal slots on both the X-end-motor and X-end-idler parts.
  • Action: Place the metal trapezoidal nuts into their designated positions on each X-end part. Ensure they are oriented correctly.
  • Action: Secure the trapezoidal nuts firmly using the M3x18 screws.

Step 7: Assembling the X-Axis and Smooth Rods

This is a major step where the main parts of the printer come together.

Be Very Careful During This Step

The threads inside the plastic trapezoidal nuts are delicate. The process of lowering the X-axis onto the lead screws should be smooth. If you feel significant resistance, stop, reseat the axis, and try again to avoid damaging the threads.

  • Action: Carefully lower the X-axis gantry onto the printer frame, aligning the trapezoidal nuts with the vertical lead screws from the Z-motors.
  • Action: Rotate both lead screws simultaneously and slowly with your hands to lower the gantry down the Z-axis.
  • Action: Identify the final pair of smooth rods (the shortest ones, typically 320mm).
  • Action: Gently insert these two smooth rods from the top, guiding them down through the linear bearings on the X-axis gantry and seating them fully into the Z-axis-bottom printed parts at the base of the frame.

Mounting X-Axis Gantry   Mounting X-Axis Gantry  

Illustration showing the X-axis gantry being lowered onto the Z-axis lead screws.

Step 8: Placing the Z-Axis Top Parts (Part 1)

Now we will gather the parts to secure the top of the Z-axis.

  • Parts needed:
    • Z-axis-top-left (1x printed part)
    • Z-axis-top-right (1x printed part)
    • M3x10 screw (4x)

Step 9: Placing the Z-Axis Top Parts (Part 2)

  • Action: Take the Z-axis-top-left part and place it on top of the vertical frame on the left side. It will cap the top of the smooth rod and frame.
  • Action: Align the holes in the printed part with the holes in the frame and secure it with two M3x10 screws.
  • Action: Repeat this process on the other side with the Z-axis-top-right printed part.

Step 10: Z-Axis is Finished!

The Z-axis assembly is now complete. The main structure of your printer is finished!

  • Action: Check the final look of your assembly and compare it to the reference picture. Manually turn the Z-axis lead screws to ensure the X-axis gantry moves up and down smoothly without binding.

Ready for the Extruder

With the frame and all three axes assembled, you are ready for the most complex and rewarding chapter: the E-Axis (Extruder) assembly.