J) X/Y Steppers and Idlers

Moderate · 1 hour · by Tony Akens · last edited 2020-12-29

Tools

Parts

Step 1

  • Newer Filastruder kits use Socket Cap Head Screws, use them in place of all button head screws in this section.

Step 2 — Front Stepper Mount

  • Attach the front stepper mount to the top of the frame using (4) m3 x 8mm button head bolts.
  • Note Don't overtighten them - you'll need to be able to adjust the position of the idler mount to align the belts later.
1 comment
  • Max Plastix · 2020-05-15

    Not applicable for Halo, of course.

Step 3 — Install Front Stepper

  • Attach one of the 0.9 degree NEMA 17 steppers to the front idler mount using (4) m3 x 8mm Button Head Bolts.
  • The wiring connector should point towards the rear of the machine.
1 comment
  • Max Plastix · 2020-05-15

    Halo requires longer screws: M3x10mm

    Also consider adding an M3 washer to better fit the Halo slot.

Step 4 — Install Front Pulley

  • Install one of the 16t pulleys onto the stepper shaft with the teeth facing down. There are two set screws, be sure one of them is against the flat of the stepper shaft.
  • Note Don't overtighten the set screws, you'll need to adjust the pulley height to align the belt later
1 comment
  • Max Plastix · 2020-06-26

    (Halo) The thicker material of the Halo causes the motor to sit a bit lower, with less usable motor shaft. Install this Front Pulley “right side up” with the Teeth facing Up to better reach the belt and position the grub screw. This way, the pulley is fully on the shaft when aligned, rather than hanging off the tip of the shaft.

Step 5 — Rear Stepper Mount

  • Attach the rear stepper mount to the top of the frame using (4) m3 x 8mm button head bolts.
  • Note Don't overtighten them - you'll need to be able to adjust the position of the idler mount to align the belts later.

Step 6 — Install Rear Stepper

  • Attach one of the 0.9 degree NEMA 17 steppers to the front idler mount using (4) m3 x 8mm Button Head Bolts.
1 comment
  • Max Plastix · 2020-05-15

    Again, longer screws needed for Halo: M3x10mm with M3 washer.

Step 7 — Install Rear Pulley

  • Install one of the 16t pulleys onto the stepper shaft with the teeth facing up. There are two set screws, be sure one of them is against the flat of the stepper shaft.
  • Note Don't overtighten the set screws, you'll need to adjust the pulley height to align the belt later

Step 8 — Install Idlers on Front Idler Mount (Diagrams)

  • Building the idler stacks is very similar to how the stacks were built for the Y carriage stacks.
  • Note There are photos to accompany this step in the next step.
  • For the front idler, the stack for the outside bolt is the short stack. Turn a 12mm shoulder bolt upside down and install (1) M5 washer, then (1) M5 shim. Next add the 20T idler, then lastly (1) M5 shim.
  • Note You want to be sure the total stack is just slightly below the shoulder on the shoulder bolt. If there is room for another shim, take the last shim and pulley off, and put the extra shim on before the pulley.
  • Install the shorter idler stack in the outside hole on the idler mount.
  • For the front idler, the stack for the inside bolt is the tall stack. Turn a bolt upside down and install (3) M5 washers, then (1) M5 shim. Next add the 20T idler, then lastly (1) M5 shim.
  • Note You want to be sure the total stack is just slightly below the shoulder on the shoulder bolt. If there is room for another shim or washer, take the last shim and pulley off, and put the extra shim on before the pulley. If you can fit an extra washer, be sure to put it on before the first shim.
  • Install the taller idler stack in the inside hole on the idler mount.
5 comments
  • feds27 · 2020-05-06

    For those using the Magnum pulleys, check out Mandala Rose Works page for guidance on washer and shim placement. They give a good starting point.

  • Max Plastix · 2020-05-15

    From Mandala’s web site:

    Idler stacks with Magnum Pulley:

    2 - 5mm washers

    1 - shim washer

    1 - gates idler or big pulley

    1 - shim washer

    1 - gates idler or big pulley

    2 - shim washers

    2 - 5mm washers

  • Max Plastix · 2020-05-15

    For Magnum Idler Pulleys, the Front position gets Magnum Pulley on the bottom. The rear position has Magnum Pulley on Top.

  • Islam · 2022-03-17

    For magnums, instead of this at the bottom:

    2 - shim washers

    2 - 5mm washers

    You can replace one of the 5mm washers with 2 shims.

    4 - shim washers

    1 - 5mm washers

    For me, I measured each 5mm washer at 1.02mm thickness and each shim at 0.38mm, so this gives 0.26mm more room.

  • Islam · 2022-03-17

    The final stack I’m going with:

    2 - 5mm washers

    1 - shim washer

    1 - gates idler or big pulley

    1 - shim washer

    1 - gates idler or big pulley

    4 - shim washers

    1 - 0.13mm shim (from https://teamyokomo.com/parts/ZC-S50/)

    1- 5mm washer

Step 9 — Install Idlers on Front Idler Mount (Pictures)

  • These photos can be used to validate the correct installation of the idler stacks on the front idler mount.
1 comment
  • Wayne Saverud · 2020-05-06

    If you're looking for the big red spacer like I was, it’s a printed part.

Step 10 — Install Front Idler Mount

  • Attach the front idler mount to the left side of the top of the frame using (4) m3 x 8mm button head bolts. Don't overtighten them - you'll need to be able to adjust the position of the idler mount to align the belts later.

Step 11 — Install Idlers on Rear Idler Mount (Diagrams)

  • There are photos to accompany this step in the next step.
  • For the rear idler, the stack for the inside bolt is the short stack. Turn a 12mm shoulder bolt upside down and install (1) M5 washer, then (1) M5 shim. Next add the 20T idler, then lastly (1) M5 shim.
  • You want to be sure the total stack is just slightly below the shoulder on the shoulder bolt. If there is room for another shim, take the last shim and pulley off, and put the extra shim on before the pulley.
  • Install the shorter idler stack in the inside hole on the idler mount.
  • For the rear idler, the stack for the inside bolt is the tall stack. Turn a bolt upside down and install (3) M5 washers, then (1) M5 shim. Next add the 20T idler, then lastly (1) M5 shim.
  • You want to be sure the total stack is just slightly below the shoulder on the shoulder bolt. If there is room for another shim or washer, take the last shim and pulley off, and put the extra shim on before the pulley. If you can fit an extra washer, be sure to put it on before the first shim.
  • Install the taller idler stack in the outside hole on the idler mount.

Step 12 — Install Idlers on Rear Idler Mount (Pictures)

  • These photos can be used to validate the correct installation of the idler stacks on the front idler mount.

Step 13 — Install Rear Idler Mount

  • Attach the rear idler mount to the rear left top of the frame using (4) m3 x 8mm button head bolts. Don't overtighten them - you'll need to be able to adjust the position of the idler mount to align the belts later.
1 comment

Originally at https://railcore.dozuki.com/Guide/J)+X-Y+Steppers+and+Idlers/8