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

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 A Prusa remix design from Russia.

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

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.