Skip to main content

Introduction

Please note: All measurements and component counts provided in this guide are based upon building a 300x300 V-Core 3.

If you are building a machine of a different size, please refer to the following list for the linear rail lengths, and required number of fasteners:

  • 200x200: 2x 250mm, 3x 300mm, 28x M3x12 Screw, 28x 3030 T-Nuts
  • 300x300: 2x 350mm, 3x 400mm, 38x M3x12 Screw, 38x 3030 T-Nuts
  • 400x400: 2x 450mm, 3x 500mm, 48x M3x12 Screw, 48x 3030 T-Nuts
  • 500x500: 2x 550mm, 3x 600mm, 58x M3x12 Screw, 58x 3030 T-Nuts
  1. 3x 400mm MGN12 Linear Rail
    • 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.

  2. 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.
    • 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.

  3. 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
    • 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

  4. 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
    • 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 on the linear rail

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

    • Repeat these steps for the other 4 rails

  5. V-Core 3.1 Frame Assembly 400mm MGN12 Linear Rail Assembly Insert the linear rail into the 3030 extrusion
    • 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

  6. 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
    • 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

  7. 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
    • 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

Finish Line

15 other people completed this guide.

Simon Davie

Member since: 08/05/2021

21,185 Reputation

48 Guides authored

0 Comments

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 20

Past 7 Days: 135

Past 30 Days: 530

All Time: 10,117