03. Linear Rails

3x 400mm MGN12 Linear Rail

There will be a fourth rail of this length in the kit. Leave that one in its packaging until later

2x 350mm MGN12 Linear Rail

38x M3x12 Cap Head Screw

38x 3030 Drop-in T-Nut - M3

2x MGN12 3030 Alignment Tool (Colour may vary)

The linear rail carriages are not interchangeable. Do not try to use a carriage on a different linear rail than the one it was supplied with.

The linear rails are supplied with a protective oil coating on them. It is strongly recommended to prepare your work surface with paper towels and to wear disposable gloves.

Paper Towels

Linear Rail

Carefully open one end of the linear rail packaging and remove the rail. Place the rail upon the paper towels and dispose of the packaging

The oil on the rails protects them from rusting. You must either replace this oil after cleaning (as directed below), or make sure not to remove all of the original oil during preparation

An easy solution to both protect, and lubricate the rails, is using a light oil such as 3-in-1 or sewing machine oil

Apply a small amount of oil to a paper towel and then apply the oil to the rail by wiping it with the oiled paper towel. This may be done prior to, or after installation of the linear rails.

More advanced users may wish to fully grease the rails & carriage with a specialised bearing lubricant. It is important to use the correct grade and make sure there are no additives such as PTFE, graphite, molybdenum disulfide, etc. The recommended grade of grease is EP00 or EP000 as these lubricate well, without being too viscous.

With the rail still on the absorbent paper towels, carefully and slowly move the carriage from one end of the rail to the other

The carriage should move smoothly over the entire length of the rail

Small changes in resistance are normal, but the carriage becoming much harder to push, or binding completely are not

Repeat the previous test whilst applying a small amount of force downwards on the carriage

The carriage will likely travel more smoothly when applying a downwards force, this is normal

If the carriage does not move smoothly, or binds completely, refer to the Linear Rail Troubleshooting Guide

Linear Rail

Remove the plastic stops installed in the ends of the linear rail

Do not allow the linear rail carriage to leave the end of the rail

Insert an M3x12 screw in every other hole in the linear rail

Loosely thread a 3030 T-Nut onto each of the M3x12 screws

Repeat these steps for the other 4 rails

V-Core 3.1 Frame Assembly

400mm MGN12 Linear Rail Assembly

Insert the linear rail into the 3030 extrusion

The linear rail will rest on the lead screw motor cage

Install the two MGN12 3030 alignment tools as shown, this will make sure the linear rail is positioned correctly

Fasten the marked M3x12 screws, starting from the bottom

Remove the MGN12 3030 alignment tools

400mm MGN12 Linear Rail Assembly

Insert the linear rail into the 3030 extrusion

The linear rail will rest on the front lead screw motor cage

Install the two MGN12 3030 alignment tools as shown, this will make sure the linear rail is positioned correctly

Fasten the marked M3x12 screws, starting from the bottom

Remove the MGN12 3030 alignment tools

Repeat these steps for the linear rail on the opposite side

Installation of the Y-axis rails may be easier if you place the V-Core 3 frame upside down

350mm MGN12 Linear Rail Assembly

Insert the linear rail into the 3030 extrusion

Position the linear rail so that its end touches the 3030 cast corner bracket as shown

Install the two MGN12 3030 alignment tools as shown, this will make sure the linear rail is positioned correctly

Fasten the marked M3x12 screws, starting from one end

Remove the MGN12 3030 alignment tools and repeat these steps for the linear rail on the opposite side