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.
!! There is a contest going on for those wishing to port existing designs or design new parts that fit the standard!! Vertical_X_Axis_Standard_Contest
Contents
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 Prusa.
- X-carriage-struder An X axis and integrated carriage/extruder design. To be compatible with Prusa, Mendel, and Orca.
- Gen X Skb-Kiparis remix Based on Mendel. With original idea of vertical x axis and vertical extruder combined with x carrige.
- Test_Tube_Mendel A minimalist version of the Prusa that eliminates printed vertices using fender washers.
- Action68's_vertical_x_axis_reprap A currently conceptual bot with a vertical X axis
- PCB Mill mount for Vertical X axis by droftarts
- Doboz
Standards compliant projects
This space will update as more projects adopt the standard. (Hopefully :)
X-carriage-struder Pending version 0.7
Test_Tube_Mendel Pending revision of X axis design
Action68's_vertical_x_axis_reprap A currently conceptual bot with a vertical X axis
PCB Mill mount for Vertical X axis by droftarts
Feel free to add your project here if you have a design that is or will soon be compliant.