Big Z

thingiverse

This is an extended Z axis for a Makerbot Cupcake using LM8UU linear bearings and 8mm rods. It currently prints to a smidge under 200mm. The idea was to design this around a stiff spine for support using as few parts as possible. Although this works great, it is a work in progress and I plan to replace the threaded rod from the original Z axis with an Acme rod sometime in the next few weeks. Even my least wobbly threaded rod is so wobbly that it still has an effect! Instructions You will need a machine capable of printing at least 200mm high to print the spine and the Z-rider arms. I printed the tall parts using http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4716. If people are interested (and if I have the time) I can split those pieces into parts small enough to print on a standard Cupcake. Basically you remove the entire Z axis as well as the top and back of the Cupcake body. The BigZ can be assembled and tested separately and then mounted on the back. Front supports add stiffness to the Cupcake body. There are two versions of the spine. I used PLA to print Spine 1 but realized it is way stronger than I needed and used a ton of plastic! SpineV2 is a simplified design. ABS is more flexible and would be better using Spine 1. The 8mm rods and LM8UU bearings are from VXB bearings:http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PROD/kit1001http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PROD/Kit262 You can use your choice of coupling to attach the NEMA17 motor shaft to the threaded rod.