Dissassembly & reassembly instructions - Z axis Lifter+Screw
Dissassembly instructions - Z axis
For those looking for the best way to simply remove the bearings to repack, keeping all other installs the same, the best method is the following steps:
- Remove the spring+nut on the 3 maxwell kinematic couplings
- Carefuly remove the bed platform from the towers and set it to the side, minding the heater and sensor wires that are likely ziptied to the z lifter assembly. You will likely have to cut the zipties in order to fully clear the bed.
- Once the bed platform is moved away, lighten the tension on the upper Z screw coupler that connects the screw to the motor. This will likely cause the screw to fall down slightly, this is normal, as the coupler is holding the screw up slightly to allow for slight displacement.
- Now, Lift the entire Z screw assembly upwards as straight as possible. This will eventually slide the carriage off the rail and allow you to take the entire assembly out of the machine for benchtop service.
Reinstallation
- Preferably using a MGN12 ball bearing retention block, carefully slide the z-axis lifter assembly back onto the linear rail, making sure to properly install both tracks equally and with as minimal off-axis force as possible. It essentially should drop onto the rail and drop into the coupler.
- The Lead screw should not be "bottomed out" into the coupler. It may have to be lifted up slightly, allowing a gap in the coupler, so it can operate correctly. Once positioned correctly, tension down the top screw to couple the screw with the coupler.
- Reassemble the bed to the 3 z pillars, ensuring that the balls are in contact with the two dowels in each position. Ensure to adequately tighten the nut+spring assembly where the spring is in compression but not fully clamped down.
