With the recent interest in Neje’s new dual-diode A40640 laser module, my poor Foam Ripper’s Z-axis has once again undergone more development. I had apparently skipped documenting the move from the last iteration of the little BB-bearing linear slides to a stronger version using threaded rod and Nema17 motor drive…
but I didn’t like the tall profile and occasional coupler issue. So I decided to combine a couple of ideas using the printed leadscrew of the BB-bearing models and Nema17 motor drive.
Shorter yet, without the coupler, and about the same ~75mm travel, I’ve come up with a simpler Z-axis that consists of only 3 printed parts…
The Nema17 motor shaft is fully inserted into a D-shaped recess up the center of the printed leadscrew, effectively creating an intergrated motor/leadscrew and doing away with the coupler. Skate bearings capture both ends of the leadscrew…
There is a touch of slop/sag in the carriage due to using LM8UU linear bearings on 5/16" drill rod but replacing the rails with proper 8mm polished rod should help.
In action, with Neje A40640 ~15W laser cutting 3mm in one pass at 150mm/min and 100% power. Also sports my recently developed printed air-assist…
I’ve published this Z-axis design to Thingiverse, as well as the air-assist parts.
– David