Z / X Design feedback request I am in process of building my first completely designed from scratch printer (but utilising some ideas from other printers). I currently have a scratch built AM8 and going for a similar design but with some improvements and larger build area. I purchased some linear rails which were originally going to be used for Y axis but have instead gone for a VSlot gantry. So I was thinking of putting the linear rails to use replacing the smooth rods on Z Axis. This is my draft idea and was wondering what people think and if there are any possible problems I have not thought about. Using similar design to current prusa i3 style, linear rails on side of 2040 extrusion because attaching from the front would be nightmare with belt and leadscrew in the way. Opposite side will then match but with idler. [attachment 115393 ZAxisLRDraft.png] https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871524#msg-871524 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 22:09:52 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871786#msg-871786 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871786#msg-871786
Quote
MKSA
Conclusion, one motor plus belt driving the two leadscrews !
Better, simpler, cheaper ! Just requires a bit more thinking and ability to make properly.

But, but, but.... then you can't make cool youtube videos of screws spinning and the axis leveling itself! No one wants to watch a youtube video of a printer that just prints every time you turn it on, like some sort of - ugh! - household appliance. Boring!!!

I'm going to make a printer that mounts the extruder on a quadcopter. It'll have sensors and cameras and AI software (no, QUANTUM AI software!) that locates the print surface and it will hover over it as it extrudes plastic. I'll have it printing on roofs of houses and even cars while they're in motion! My videos will go viral! I'll be a youtube star!]]> the_digital_dentist Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 01 May 2020 07:03:33 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871785#msg-871785 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871785#msg-871785
The bed surface is NOT the XY plane of the printer but it should be parallel to it. The XY plane is established by the guide rails (as are the XZ and YZ planes).]]> the_digital_dentist Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 01 May 2020 06:55:31 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871771#msg-871771 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871771#msg-871771 Better, simpler, cheaper ! Just requires a bit more thinking and ability to make properly.]]> MKSA Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 01 May 2020 02:08:59 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871768#msg-871768 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871768#msg-871768 the_digital_dentist Extruded Aluminum Frames Thu, 30 Apr 2020 19:25:59 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871742#msg-871742 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871742#msg-871742 MMcLure Extruded Aluminum Frames Thu, 30 Apr 2020 12:55:06 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871681#msg-871681 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871681#msg-871681
Quote
MMcLure
If you have separate drivers for each of the Z motors and a bed leveling probe you can use Marlin's Z auto-alignment feature to sync the Z motors. You use the G34 gcode and Marlin will probe either side of the bed and adjust the Z motors until the difference in the measurements is below a set threshold (I have mine set to 0.02mm).

You do realize that by doing that with a somewhat rigid frame and guides you force them ? Of course if there is enough play and flexibility as most hobby machines have, it usually doesn't bind.

That is the big difference with a Delta where ABL is a must and mechanically sound due to its articulations.]]> MKSA Extruded Aluminum Frames Wed, 29 Apr 2020 03:25:02 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871665#msg-871665 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871665#msg-871665 MMcLure Extruded Aluminum Frames Tue, 28 Apr 2020 16:00:59 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871623#msg-871623 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871623#msg-871623 Wow, I would have never thought about that !
For the rest, no comment.

Wait and certainly not see ! :)]]> MKSA Extruded Aluminum Frames Tue, 28 Apr 2020 03:17:47 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871608#msg-871608 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871608#msg-871608
2 Z motors - take it this will be no different to current system using smooth rods, I currently occasionally resync them but most of the time difference is negliable and accounted for with mesh levelling.

3 Mounting holes - Mainly asthetics using all 4 made it look very blocky which seems to be increased because of no smooth rod bearing mount to break this up.

Tension - Not designed yet so not shown, other end will be pretty much similar to Prusa style with idler sitting in a fork which can then be tightened via bolt through mount.]]> Via Extruded Aluminum Frames Mon, 27 Apr 2020 17:00:21 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871580#msg-871580 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871580#msg-871580 the_digital_dentist Extruded Aluminum Frames Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:48:53 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871575#msg-871575 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871575#msg-871575 MechaBits Extruded Aluminum Frames Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:12:52 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871530#msg-871530 Re: Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871530#msg-871530 the_digital_dentist Extruded Aluminum Frames Sun, 26 Apr 2020 17:35:36 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871524#msg-871524 Z / X Design feedback request https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,871524,871524#msg-871524
I purchased some linear rails which were originally going to be used for Y axis but have instead gone for a VSlot gantry. So I was thinking of putting the linear rails to use replacing the smooth rods on Z Axis.

This is my draft idea and was wondering what people think and if there are any possible problems I have not thought about. Using similar design to current prusa i3 style, linear rails on side of 2040 extrusion because attaching from the front would be nightmare with belt and leadscrew in the way.

Opposite side will then match but with idler.

[attachment 115393 ZAxisLRDraft.png]]]> Via Extruded Aluminum Frames Sun, 26 Apr 2020 16:23:03 -0400