Hey! This thing is still a Work in Progress.
Files, instructions, and other stuff might change!
Taming the @#$@ Z-Axis Stop...
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Published on September 15, 2012
Description
A few crashes into the top of the Replicator's Z axis stop started throwing off the build plate's home position. I discovered the Z axis stop switch was held in place by it's mounting lugs in a sheer position. Whenever the carriage missed the switch, the motor continued to drive the stage upward, bending the switch up with it. I needed to repair the stop switch.
Pulling the stop was easy...
Putting it back wasn't. The right-most bolt is located directly behind the Z axis drive screw. My fingers are fat and my eyesight is failing.
2 hours into trying to thread nuts, spacers and circuit boards into place, I gave up short of removing the Z axis motor and took another route to solving my problem.
The trouble is, I didn't make it with my printer (no Z axis stop, remember?).
I'll show you what I did with pictures and throw in a bonus project for the required download:)
Pulling the stop was easy...
Putting it back wasn't. The right-most bolt is located directly behind the Z axis drive screw. My fingers are fat and my eyesight is failing.
2 hours into trying to thread nuts, spacers and circuit boards into place, I gave up short of removing the Z axis motor and took another route to solving my problem.
The trouble is, I didn't make it with my printer (no Z axis stop, remember?).
I'll show you what I did with pictures and throw in a bonus project for the required download:)
Instructions
For this project I used .080 sheet styrene. The great thing about styrene is it's friendly workability (remember model kits?). It carves like wood, doesn't shatter when drilled and glues beautifully to PLA with slurry.
My new Z axis stop features entrapped nuts and slide-in mounting ease. I hope the photos show the process OK. Maybe someone can produce an stl file for this.
When its installed, the only thing that's attached to the back of the Replicator's case is the box that holds the switch. The switch is held by the box and simply slides in and out of it when needed. The mounting screws, when tightened down, entrap the switch, preventing it from moving. No more fighting with bolts, nuts or spacers. Simply unscrew the bolts far enough to release the switch, slide it out and unplug it. Putting it back is just as easy.
Hope you enjoy this.
Oh... I almost forgot. An stl file needs to be uploaded before things can be published. Rather than upload a nonsense file, I've given you something for your oriental cuisine... Also nonsense.
My new Z axis stop features entrapped nuts and slide-in mounting ease. I hope the photos show the process OK. Maybe someone can produce an stl file for this.
When its installed, the only thing that's attached to the back of the Replicator's case is the box that holds the switch. The switch is held by the box and simply slides in and out of it when needed. The mounting screws, when tightened down, entrap the switch, preventing it from moving. No more fighting with bolts, nuts or spacers. Simply unscrew the bolts far enough to release the switch, slide it out and unplug it. Putting it back is just as easy.
Hope you enjoy this.
Oh... I almost forgot. An stl file needs to be uploaded before things can be published. Rather than upload a nonsense file, I've given you something for your oriental cuisine... Also nonsense.
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License
Taming the @#$@ Z-Axis Stop... by LeftAngle is licensed under the Attribution - Share Alike - Creative Commons license.
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Couldn't we print that part that goes around the switch?
Yes, of course... I wasn't able to because I couldn't get the stupid switch back in place, so the printer wasn't operational. The easiest way for me to make it was the old school way... By hand.