Core XY build - feedback appreciated For the last couple of months i've been designing a Core XY 'dream machine' based roughly on the E3D tool changer. I'm now at the point of ordering alu plates to be waterjet cut. The idea is to create a super stable machine that can be easily modified in the future. to begin with it will just be running a single extruder but i think that will change in the near future. Like the E3d machine all the xy movemnts are bolted to a single alu sheet with MGN rails, the x rail is genuine hiwin but the two y rails are knockoffs. im using 10mm gt2 belts to drive the motion, all idlers are mounted on shoulder bolts screwed directly into the alu sheet. The Z axis is made up of components i managed to 'salvage' from work (I work as a design engineer) so there are 2 13mm THK rails mounted on a 4040 extrusion, these are being driven by a IGUS integrated leadscrew and stepper. I would apriciate constructive feedback on the design, its taken a fair few itterations to get to this point. If you would like the solidworks files i have uploaded them on openbuilds [openbuilds.com] Cheers! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866388#msg-866388 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:56:52 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,880871#msg-880871 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,880871#msg-880871
ive uploaded some more pictures here: [drive.google.com]

ive had to return my duet 2 due to a bad solder joint and am currently witing for a replacement which should be here in a few days. theres a whole list of things i'll be improving in the future, main thing at the moment is print cooling. Im going to completly redesign the toolhead with an all metal carriage spending more time to think about center of gravity, cable management, fan placement etc.
what im realy pleased about vs my previous printer is the work flow both in terms of how easy it is to make modifications to the printer and machine controll using duet which has been a revelation ( my previous machine was hacked together using ramps way back in 2014)
so far parts seem to have good dimentional accuracy, only noticed a tiny ammount of ringing when i run the machine over 80mm/s - i think this mainly comes down to the cheap belts wich i will replace at some point. its a little on the noisy side - mostly the fans.

one thing i want a solution to is finding a good surface to place the printer on, or finding some damping feet that i can level the machine with - id be interested to see others solutions to this. ive cuttently got it sat on some fairly rigid foam matting designed to got under wood flooring.]]> fisher CoreXY Machines Sun, 24 Jan 2021 10:02:57 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879611#msg-879611 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879611#msg-879611 the_digital_dentist CoreXY Machines Mon, 14 Dec 2020 15:31:15 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879610#msg-879610 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879610#msg-879610
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the_digital_dentist
With the XY stage built on a plate mounted on top of the verticals, and another plate on the bottom, the lengths of the verticals better be well matched or the XY stage is liable to twist.

All milled to length by myself (tu) one of the perks of working for a university and having access to the machine shop.]]> fisher CoreXY Machines Mon, 14 Dec 2020 15:12:25 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879608#msg-879608 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879608#msg-879608 the_digital_dentist CoreXY Machines Mon, 14 Dec 2020 14:06:33 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879606#msg-879606 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879606#msg-879606
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the_digital_dentist
It looks nicely built, except I agree with prototypical- standing the pulleys on posts is not a great way to go. We'll see how the cantilevered bed behaves when the X axis is flying back and forth on the Y axis rails. They have a tendency to bounce, but if the construction is solid enough, it may not be an issue.

Where will you be mounting the electronics?

The idlers are mounted on sholder bolts like this (https://www.accu.co.uk/en/socket-shoulder-screws/10389-SSH-M4-20-A2) threaded directly in to the ALU sheet, seem rock solid to me but will have to see how they fare with prolonged use.

Electronics will be mounted on the back while im debugging not decided where to put them long term.

Should be getting the final Alu pannels this week, hoping to get it printing over xmas, love it when a machine starts comming together.]]> fisher CoreXY Machines Mon, 14 Dec 2020 13:21:00 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879557#msg-879557 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879557#msg-879557
Where will you be mounting the electronics?]]> the_digital_dentist CoreXY Machines Fri, 11 Dec 2020 18:05:09 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879553#msg-879553 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,879553#msg-879553
Link to some images : [drive.google.com]
sorry picture quality isnt the best.

Just waiting on the bottom Alu plate to arrive then its on to wiring. Happy with everything so far, both the core xy gantry and the bed seem super rigid.
I'll share more pictures as it comes together.]]> fisher CoreXY Machines Fri, 11 Dec 2020 16:44:41 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866950#msg-866950 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866950#msg-866950 prot0typ1cal CoreXY Machines Mon, 03 Feb 2020 00:44:39 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866929#msg-866929 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866929#msg-866929 dc42 CoreXY Machines Sun, 02 Feb 2020 15:00:26 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866919#msg-866919 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866919#msg-866919 fisher CoreXY Machines Sun, 02 Feb 2020 12:16:21 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866912#msg-866912 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866912#msg-866912
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fisher
.................. a Core XY 'dream machine' based roughly on the E3D tool changer.

I would apriciate constructive feedback on the design, its taken a fair few itterations to get to this point.


Cheers!

You asked for constructive feedback so here is my opinion for what it's worth. IMO the phrases "dream machine" and "E3D tool changer" don't really belong in the same sentence because of the cantilevered bed arrangement. 3 screws arranged in an equilateral triangle, driving the Z axis via a single motor and continuous belt will be much more stable if "dream machine" really is your objective. (but that's just my twopence worth).]]> deckingman CoreXY Machines Sun, 02 Feb 2020 09:45:21 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866572#msg-866572 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866572#msg-866572 The Father of all Children? Dont throw all the toys out at once :)

Yeah let's start with the bed & which side you got out of it this mornin :)]]> MechaBits CoreXY Machines Sat, 25 Jan 2020 16:37:23 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866487#msg-866487 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866487#msg-866487
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dlc60
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fisher
I started the thread because i thought you might have something constructive to say about it, clearly that was a mistake. I have read a lot of material on the forum that has informed my decision making along the way. I would be genuinely interested what the 'same mistakes' are that you think i have made, but it seems your more comfortable making vaguely personal negative comments than addressing whats actually under discussion.

I'm new to posting on the forums and based on stuff like this, i don't think i'll be coming back much.

Don't worry about MKSA, he isn't really a troll, he's just perpetually grumpy. A kind comment from him is unusual in these forums, however, Digital Dentist qualifies as a guru and is one that is always worth reading.

DLC

Go ahead, feel free to give positive comments and let see.

Start with the bed as it has not yet been discussed and is an easy subject :)

Who is John Galt ?]]> MKSA CoreXY Machines Fri, 24 Jan 2020 12:42:43 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866481#msg-866481 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866481#msg-866481
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fisher
I started the thread because i thought you might have something constructive to say about it, clearly that was a mistake. I have read a lot of material on the forum that has informed my decision making along the way. I would be genuinely interested what the 'same mistakes' are that you think i have made, but it seems your more comfortable making vaguely personal negative comments than addressing whats actually under discussion.

I'm new to posting on the forums and based on stuff like this, i don't think i'll be coming back much.

Don't worry about MKSA, he isn't really a troll, he's just perpetually grumpy. A kind comment from him is unusual in these forums, however, Digital Dentist qualifies as a guru and is one that is always worth reading.

DLC]]> dlc60 CoreXY Machines Fri, 24 Jan 2020 11:14:09 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866459#msg-866459 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866459#msg-866459
You can see my builds, many mistakes, and a few successes in the links in my sig, below.]]> the_digital_dentist CoreXY Machines Fri, 24 Jan 2020 06:46:51 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866458#msg-866458 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866458#msg-866458
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MKSA
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fisher
I started the thread because i thought you might have something constructive to say about it, clearly that was a mistake. I have read a lot of material on the forum that has informed my decision making along the way. I would be genuinely interested what the 'same mistakes' are that you think i have made, but it seems your more comfortable making vaguely personal negative comments than addressing whats actually under discussion.

I'm new to posting on the forums and based on stuff like this, i don't think i'll be coming back much.

DD pointed some, read his blog, and other "projects" like yours here.

There's no link there. DD made some helpful points that i addressed in my previous comment, you've added nothing apart from sarcastic quotation marks. Thanks for your help with my " "project" "]]> fisher CoreXY Machines Fri, 24 Jan 2020 06:10:52 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866457#msg-866457 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866457#msg-866457
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fisher
I started the thread because i thought you might have something constructive to say about it, clearly that was a mistake. I have read a lot of material on the forum that has informed my decision making along the way. I would be genuinely interested what the 'same mistakes' are that you think i have made, but it seems your more comfortable making vaguely personal negative comments than addressing whats actually under discussion.

I'm new to posting on the forums and based on stuff like this, i don't think i'll be coming back much.

DD pointed some, read his blog, and other "projects" like yours here.]]> MKSA CoreXY Machines Fri, 24 Jan 2020 06:02:28 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866455#msg-866455 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866455#msg-866455
I'm new to posting on the forums and based on stuff like this, i don't think i'll be coming back much.]]> fisher CoreXY Machines Fri, 24 Jan 2020 05:41:10 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866446#msg-866446 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866446#msg-866446
And of course read about the few working machines.]]> MKSA CoreXY Machines Fri, 24 Jan 2020 04:26:02 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866411#msg-866411 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866411#msg-866411 10mm wide belts are good, but don't use steel core belts.

8mm plate is probably going to hold up OK. Keep us posted on your progress.]]> the_digital_dentist CoreXY Machines Thu, 23 Jan 2020 14:48:08 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866410#msg-866410 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866410#msg-866410 docs.rs-online.com]. I managed to get these from the automation department of my previous job (:P). I like your idea of the box section for motor stand offs, my intention is to eventually machine the stand offs for this machine, but they will be printed at first. only the pulleys next to the motors are double height, these are supported half way up the shoulder bolt by the motor stand offs. So realy the moment will be similar to the single height ones, with the bottom pully being in double shear. But hey all theory, will have to see how the build goes(tu).]]> fisher CoreXY Machines Thu, 23 Jan 2020 14:24:11 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866401#msg-866401 Re: Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866401#msg-866401
You're relying on the stiffness of the top and bottom plates, but unless they are 15 mm thick (pulling a number out of thin air), they really won't be very rigid. The belts are on bottom side of the plate so the tension is going to be working to bow the plate upward. If the plate bows upward, the vertical frame members move closer together at the top of the printer. They act as levers to flex the bottom plate where they attach to it, and it will flex. The linear guides will help stiffen the top plate, and maybe the lower pulley axles will flex and relieve some of the force on the plate, but you really don't want the pulley axles to flex either. The type of construction you are proposing requires the vertical frame members to be exactly the same length (with ends milled square) or they will bend the top and or bottom plates when you bolt the plates to them.

I think you need to add some horizontal bracing to the top and bottom parts of the frame to ensure everything is rigid. The same goes for mounting the pulleys. If you don't prevent the free end of the axle from moving (not such a problem for your top belt, but a potentially big problem for the bottom belt with the longer axles) the pulleys will tilt inward and the belt(s) will start riding on the pulley flanges.

I don't know how fast you intend to print with this machine, but cantilevered beds usually require relatively low speed printing because the free end of the bed bounces when the machine shakes as the X axis and extruder carriage masses are thrown back and forth during printing. I can't see much detail of how you're building the Z axis but it doesn't look especially robust.

I prevented the pulley tilt problem in my printer by mounting the pulleys in rectangular aluminum tubes. I prevented the XY base plate flex problem by mounting the base plate(s) on a 4040 t-slot frame.



I used aluminum tubes to make the motor mounts as well- the aluminum is rigid and conducts heat, hopefully away from the motors.


]]> the_digital_dentist CoreXY Machines Thu, 23 Jan 2020 12:57:29 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866388#msg-866388 Core XY build - feedback appreciated https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?397,866388,866388#msg-866388 Like the E3d machine all the xy movemnts are bolted to a single alu sheet with MGN rails, the x rail is genuine hiwin but the two y rails are knockoffs. im using 10mm gt2 belts to drive the motion, all idlers are mounted on shoulder bolts screwed directly into the alu sheet.
The Z axis is made up of components i managed to 'salvage' from work (I work as a design engineer) so there are 2 13mm THK rails mounted on a 4040 extrusion, these are being driven by a IGUS integrated leadscrew and stepper.

I would apriciate constructive feedback on the design, its taken a fair few itterations to get to this point.

If you would like the solidworks files i have uploaded them on openbuilds [openbuilds.com]

Cheers!]]> fisher CoreXY Machines Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:59:58 -0500