Vertical X Axis Standard
This is the spot for documentation of the standard configuration for vertical X axis assemblies. The original discussion about why we want such a thing is here. If you are a designer of an extruder, X carriage, X axis assembly, or whole bot that works with this standard, consider yourself and editor of this page.
Benefits
Benefits of a vertical X axis assembly on Mendel style bots include
1. A vertical x-axis should make head changes and hotend designs easier because the head can slide out unobstructed.
2. Should use less plastic (print faster) than a horizontal X axis assembly.
3. Should be stiffer than horizontal X axis configurations given the same amount of plastic.
4. Naturally lends itself to integrated X carriage/extruder designs as they are now both in the same plane.
5. ? :)
The Standard
The currently agreed upon standard is to space the two X smooth rods 70 mm center to center and the Z smooth and threaded rod 30 mm center to center. A diagram below explains the basic constraints. The Z rod spacing is identical to the Prusa and Mendel, so it is likely that X axis assemblies that conform to this standard could be used as replacements in those bots as well.
Current Projects W/ Vertical X Axis
These projects are not necessarily compliant with this standard. They may choose to work with the standard or not as they see fit.
Mixtape_mendel A Prusa style bot designed to be fully parametric.
1X2 A Prusa style bot made from standardized blocks of wood. Easily built with hand tools.
EMAKER_Huxley A smaller bot, sort of a mixture of the original Huxley, and the Mini Prusa.
X-carriage-struder An X axis and integrated carriage/extruder design. To be compatible with Prusa, Mendel, and Orca.