Dual Z Axis Mod for Ender 5/Ender 5 Pro (Dual Motors)

thingiverse

This is a budget-oriented dual z-axis modification for an Ender 5/5 Pro. I designed it with the goal of limiting the amount of non-printed components required for the build to keep it budget friendly while still being a dual motor setup. It is a pretty standard front z-axis add-on, using a second motor and leadscrew at the front of the machine that is secured to the bed's base plate. To stay budget-friendly, this does not require a board with a second z stepper driver on the mainboard and instead uses a splitter for the stepper motor cables. It is ideal to use 2 different stepper motor drivers in case of variation between the stepper motors, so one may opt to use a different board with 2 seperate z stepper drivers for independent control and configuring of the motors. While not as strong as a metal bed extension based mod, I find this to be perfectly sufficient in its function when done properly. This mod can also be paired with the popular "super struts" bed supports if one wants to be a little more certain of the bed's rigidity. Here is the list of non printed components: 2x Tr8x2 Leadscrews (or just 1 Tr8x8/Tr8x4 leadscrew if not wanting to change to finer pitched leadscrews/already upgraded stock leadscrew) 1x Tr8 Anti-Backlash Nut (make sure it is the same thread pitch as whatever leadscrew is chosen) 2x 400mm D10 Linear Motion Guides 2x LM10UU Linear Ball Bearings 1x Creality 42-34 Stepper Motor 1x 4-Pin Parallel Stepper Motor Splitter 1x 4-Pin to 6-Pin Stepper Motor Cable (at least .5m long, longer for slack) Hardware: 8x M3x12 Socket Head Screws 4x M3x25 Socket Head Screws 4x M3 Hex Nuts 18x M4x10 Socket Head Screws 8x M4 Hex Nuts 10 M4 t-nuts I chose to swap my stock leadscrew for a Tr8x2 leadscrew, so I ordered 2 of them. The parts list reflects this choice, however it is not necessary and one may choose to purchase a single leadscrew that matches their current one. This design also uses a printed stepper motor mounting plate as opposed to a metal one. It is designed to allow the front z stepper motor to rest flat on the surface beneath the printer assuming the printer still has its stock rubber feet. It is likely safer to use a metal plate if you have one/would prefer to in case your printer doesn't quite sit at the right height above its surface. The stock plate that mounts the extruder motor to the frame should be the right size for this. You do not need to print the mounting plate is using a metal one. All of the parts can be sourced for around $75-100 depending on where you buy from. In addition to the parts and hardware, at least .3 kilograms of strong filament is required. ASA/ABS is likely the preffered option for rigidity. Here is the list of 3D printed parts used: 1x Leadscrew to Linear Bearings Bracket 1x Linear Bearing to Bed Bracket (Left) 1x Linear Bearing to Bed Bracket (Right) 1x 8mm to 5mm Shaft Coupler 1x NEMA 17 42-34 Stepper Motor Mounting Plate 4x 10mm Linear Rod Flush Brackets PRINT EACH INCLUDED FILE ONCE. There are numbered copies of the linear rod flush brackets since 4 are required. You do not need to print any of them more than once. All parts were printed using Polymaker ASA with 0.2mm layers, 4 walls, 40% infill, no supports, 5-10% fan speed. Because precise alignment of multiple parts is required, the dimensional accuracy of printed parts is extremely important. Make sure to calibrate all stepper motors beforehand to the best of your ability. Bed/layer adhesion is also important as any lifting and warping could create offsets between parts. The instructions for installing this mod are included in the README document along with everything listed above.