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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Posts
    53

    Advice on my Large Scale Z axis

    Greetings again!

    Well I'm well on my way to figure out how my "X" axis (actually it isn't X, will attach to my Z tower. The Z tower is a 12" square aluminum truss with 2" diameter tubes, 2 meters tall. The X arm is a 9" triangular truss with I think 1.5" tubes. This will be belt driven.

    Originally i was going with SBR20 linear rails for the Z, but after much reading about binding, I am going with a simpler tried and true design used in most 3D prints. Please see my diagram. I am using larger Delrin wheels and bearings. Transferring some of the load to the rear of the truss.

    I designed this bracket.

    Cost is a factor but what are your thoughts on going with aluminum or sheet steel? I will see about getting this plasma or waterjet cut. Then bent.

    What do you think would be a good thickness? 1/8"?

    I'm not an expert in Aluminum alloys 6061? 5052?

    I'd like to be able to adjust the tension, but also be able to adjust the right angle of the X arm if I'm off.

    i will have an aluminum base-plate which is made by the manufacturer of the Truss, so it keys in perfectly. That way, the arm can be easily broken down for transport.

    Thanks for any advice.

    I think I will also move the belt drive to the rear rather than originally where the two truss join.

    Thanks!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Tube-S2tyles.jpg  

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717

    Re: Advice on my Large Scale Z axis

    I would make the bracket in 3 pieces out of 1/2 inch 6061. Bolt the pieces together with 5/16 cap screws. Or you could just bolt the ''wings'' to the supplied bracket if there is room. If you want to reduce the weight, cutting out a large hole in the center of the ''wing'' would work well.

    For adjustable rollers, I would use cam followers pressed into the delrin rollers. The cam followers are available with adjustable position. https://www.mcmaster.com/cam-followers
    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Posts
    53

    Re: Advice on my Large Scale Z axis

    Jim!

    Your advice is gold. I wouldn't second guess you. That was my 6AM sketch. I will do cutouts and refine it more. I'll do a cardboard mock up next and see how well it fits.

    Thanks again!!!

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