1.3. XZ-Carriage Assembly

Tighten down the Nut Block on the left, but leave the one on the right slightly loose. You will need some play in a moment.

Low Profile Screw M5x20mm

C-Beam Gantry Plate XL

Spacer 3mm

Precision Shim 10x5x1mm

Nut Block

Hex Locking Nut M5

Lead Screw

Fasten a lead screw (at this point it doesn't matter which one) through both nut blocks.

Tighten down the loose Nut Block on the right, while applying lateral pressure on it at the same time (towards the other Nut Block). Once both blocks are tightened, your lead screw should have zero backlash.

To check if there's backlash, grab the plate with one hand and the lead screw with the other. Without turning the lead screw, try to move it back and forth. There should be no wiggle room for the lead screw to move at all. If there is, loosen one of the nut blocks and try adjusting its position again.

Once all backlash is removed, unfasten your lead screw, you will add it to the build later on.

Low Profile Screw M5x65mm

C-Beam Gantry Plate XL

Aluminium Spacer 6mm

Eccentric Spacer

Precision Shim 10x5x1mm

Aluminium Spacer 9mm

Slot Washer 15x5x2mm

Hex Locking Nut M5

Insert a C-Beam profile (doesn't matter which one at this point) through your assembly.

Eccentric Spacers have an off-center through-hole. Because of this, when you rotate them, your entire wheel axis moves laterally. This gives you the adjustment margin you will need to make sure your wheels are grabbing the profile with the correct amount of force.

Use a spanner to subtly adjust the position of each eccentric spacer until every wheel is in contact with the profile. You want to find a sweet spot where your carriage is not wobbly and the motion is perfectly smooth, but where there isn't excessive force pressing the wheels against the rail, as this will increase wear on the wheels.

Low Profile Screw M5x27mm

C-Beam Gantry Plate XL

Aluminium Spacer 6mm

Eccentric Spacer

Precision Shim 10x5x1mm

Xtreme V-Wheel

Hex Locking Nut M5

Low Profile Screw M5x20mm

Spacer 3mm

Precision Shim 10x5x1mm

Set Screw M5x16mm

You will tighten this later once you're ready to calibrate your Anti-backlash nut. For now, tighten only until you feel the slightest resistance.

M5 Hex Nut

Anti-Backlash Nut Block

Hex Locking Nut M5

Low Profile Screw M5x12mm

Low Profile Screw M5x20mm

C-Beam End Mount

Z C-Beam Profile

Use a spanner to subtly adjust the position of each eccentric spacer until every wheel is in contact with the profile. You want to find a sweet spot where your carriage is not wobbly and the motion is perfectly smooth, but where there isn't excessive force pressing the wheels against the rail, as this will increase wear on the wheels.

Fully tighten the top End Mount, but leave the bottom one slightly loose. This will give you room for adjustment in a bit.

Flexible couplings allow you to connect 2 rods with different diameters while providing some flexibility at the joint.

Smaller diameter rod is inserted here

Larger diameter rod is inserted here

These larger screws act like a clamp on the entire coupling. Tighten these first.

These set screws press directly against the tip of each rod, locking it in place.

Low Profile Screw M5x50mm

Nema 23 Motor

The wire on the motor should be towards the back of the X-Carriage-Assembly.

Aluminium Spacer 40mm

Flexible Coupling - 1/4" x 8mm

Attach the 1/4'' end of the flexible coupling to the motor shaft. The shaft is shaped like a "D". Align the flat surface of the D with the Set Screw on the Flexible coupling and tighten it.

688ZZ Ball Bearing

Precision Shim 12x8x1mm

Lock Collar 8mm

Z Lead Screw

Once the Lead Screw passes through the Nut Block, hold the carriage firmly with one hand and try to pull/push the lead screw, without turning it. If you find any wiggle room, tighten the Set Screw on the Anti-backlash nut until all play disappears. Then, tighten the Hex nut. This nut may require tuning from time to time. Do not overtighten, as this may overconstrain the lead screw.

Attach the 8mm end of the flexible coupling to the lead screw. Tighten the clamping screws first, and the set screws afterwards.

Fully tighten the screws on the bottom End Mount, which you left slightly loose on step 8.

Tighten the set screws on the Lock Collars, to lock the position of the bearings and shims straight against the top/bottom End Mounts. The end mounts have holes to accommodate the bearings, which should fit inside them.