Description
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Ender 3 dual Z axis with optional frame braces
Suggested Price: €3.00
Suggested Price: €3.00
The download contains the 3D printable (stl) files only. The Fusion 360 and/or STEP files are accesible to my Patreon supporters. Consider becoming a supporter yourself and get access to these files!
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Summary
A dual Z axis upgrade with a single stepper is in my opinion a must have for the Ender 3 because this increases the accuracy and reliability of the machine. I have designed one which uses standard parts which don’t need to be modified and it is combined with the frame braces I have designed earlier.
I have added corner pieces without the frame braces if you are just interested in the dual Z axis. I have designed the bracket to be as stiff as possible and therefore it has this odd shape which I am quite happy with.
I have bought all parts from RepRapWorld and it happens to be that the 696 mm closed loop timing belt together with the two 60 teeth pulleys have a center distance similar to the two vertical beams. All holes are slotted so it can be adjusted a bit.
The power supply must be placed somewhere else and I have seen that there are some mods which enable you to do this.
I have made a video about this upgrade in which I show the process.
Print Settings
Printer: Creality CR-10
Rafts: No
Supports: Yes
Resolution: 0.2
Infill: 20%
Filament: PETG
Notes:
I have added a picture of the orientation of the two upper corners which proved to be successful for me.
Parts needed
- 2× 60 teeth pulley 42mm outer diameter https://reprapworld.com/products/mechanical/pulleys/gt2_pulley_60_teeth_6_mm_belt_8_mm_id/
- 1× 696mm closed loop timing belt https://reprapworld.com/products/mechanical/timing_belts/gt2x6mm_timing_belt_696mm_closed/
- 1x TR8×8 lead screw nut https://reprapworld.com/products/mechanical/linear_motion/tr8x8_leadscrew_nut_8mm/
- 1× TR8×8 300mm lead screw https://reprapworld.com/products/mechanical/linear_motion/lead_screw_tr8x8_8_mm_8_mm_per_rev_30_cm/
- 4× 608ZZ bearing https://reprapworld.com/products/mechanical/bearings/shielded_ball_bearing_608zz/
- 8-14× M5×10 hexagon bolt*
- 8-14× M5 washer*
- 8-14× M5 t-slot nut*
*Amount depends on having the braces or not. More information about the needed parts of the braces can be found here.
I have used the existing screws for mounting the bracket, but I think slightly longer screws work better. I’ll get back to that.
Mounting instructions
- Remove the power supply and Z-axis motor (leave the existing lead screw in)
- Remove both top end caps
- Place the top left corner piece (the one above the Z-motor)
- Press both bearings in
- Press the existing lead screw through the lower bearing and add the pulley together with the timing belt
- Press the lead screw through the pulley, the upper bearing and far enough for the Z-motor and coupler
- Place the Z-motor and mount it to the lead screw
- Fasten the pulley
- Add the top right corner piece and press both bearings in
- Add the bracket with the 300mm lead screw and nut (use a 10mm drill to widen the hole for the lead screw nut if necessary) and do not press the lead screw nut in yet
- Press the 300mm lead screw through the lower bearing and add the second pulley together with the 1mm shim and timing belt
- Press the 300mm lead screw to the right height (just above the upper bearing) don’t fasten the pulley yet
- Press the lead screw nut in the bracket by rotating it downwards and mount it
- Adjust the height of the gantry so that both sides are at the same height. This can be done by rotating the 300mm lead screw and holding the pulley still
- Once the gantry is horizontal you can fasten the second pulley and enjoy printing
If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact me.
girdwood24@gmail.com –
I wanted to install both dual z and z brace support, I came acros this design that has an option for both, I thought great, i liked the look of the design so i printed it and i am so happy with it, very nice design, many thanks for your efforts in coming up with these great designs, keep up the good work ✌
Wim (verified owner) –
Very happy with this upgrade to my Ender 3 Pro. My printer has become much more stable and reliable in the Z-axis. This results in repeatable print quality and less headaches re-levelling the bed between prints. And it just looks cool as well 🙂
Getting the thickness of the shim right, is essential in achieving a tight fit but still having fluid motion. So if you’re installing this on your only printer, I do recommend printing some shims with different thicknesses first, prior to disassembling the printer to install this upgrade. It will save you a lot of trial-fits and re-assemblies just to print another shim of slightly different thickness. Alternatively, print it at 2mm thickness with 100% infill iso the standard 1mm and gradually grind it down as needed with sandpaper during the fitting process.
The only slight disadvantage of this upgrade is the awkward filament path into the extruder when printing at high Z-heights. My spool is on the left-hand side of the printer and the filament path gets gradually “squeezed” in between the M10 threaded rod and the TR8 leadscrew as the height of the Z-axis increases. Can be easily solved by shrink-wrapping the M10 rod or use of a suitable filament guide.
Jack –
Very happy with this mod. It went together easily, and works great for an Ender 3 with direct drive.