The Smell of Molten Projects in the Morning

Ed Nisley's Blog: Shop notes, electronics, firmware, machinery, 3D printing, laser cuttery, and curiosities. Contents: 100% human thinking, 0% AI slop.

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  • Makergear M2: Z Axis Bumpers and Upper Bearing Bushing

    The M2’s Z axis will descend under its own weight with the stepper motor disabled, landing with an emphatic thud when the Nylock nuts holding the leadscrew nut in place hit the top of the motor case. I stuck a pair of rubber feet atop the motor to cushion the impact:

    M2 Z axis motor - added thermal compound
    M2 Z axis motor – added thermal compound

    Yes, that’s thermal compound peeking out from between the motor and the chassis. More about that later, but it derives from those measurements.

    The top end of the leadscrew passes through a ball bearing, but the bearing OD is about 15 mils smaller than the top plate recess ID. I slid a strip of 6 mil brass shimstock around the bearing to soak up the difference and reduce a nasty mechanical resonance:

    M2 Z axis bearing - shimstock bushing
    M2 Z axis bearing – shimstock bushing

    The leadscrew is also a loose fit in the bearing ID, which I’ll correct with a dab of low-strength threadlock when the time comes.

    Note, however, that there’s no other mechanical compliance in the Z axis assembly, so a slightly misaligned leadscrew may actually need that slop when the stage approaches the top of its travel. That wasn’t the case in my printer, but don’t take it for granted; if the leadscrew doesn’t turn easily by hand, remove the shimstock.