Folgertech Prusa i3 2020 X-Axis Upgrade Gen-2 (Openbuilds V-Slot Rail System)

thingiverse

This is the Gen-2 version of my X-Axis upgrade to the Folgertech Prusa i3 2020 Variant. However, it should work with any 2020 rail printer and could be adapted to an all-thread framed printer with a few additional brackets. It replaces the cheap linear bearings and 8mm rods with an Openbuilds V-Slot Gantry and rail system. Noise reduction is huge with this upgrade, accuracy increases, and overall stiffness of the X-Axis also increases. This system is up and running on my printer along with a few others (although there are variations in the assembly). This version of the upgrade can utilize various lengths of rail (with the V-7 mount). The X Stepper Motor is mounted on the X gantry and rides along with it. It's great for a Bowden setup, but you might want to stick with Gen-1 for a direct drive extruder. Although I'm running DD with this setup and have seen no issues at all. Just keep in mind that the gantry gets pretty heavy with two steppers attached to it. The V-8 mount added a brace to help stiffen the rail, but it's a bit flimsy installed on V-7. However, I'm still running V-7. The V-8 mount will require the rail to be cut to the proper length as I have not done so and printers may vary. I suggest installing the two mounts and measuring the required rail length prior to cutting it. I've also added the Gen-1 X-mount (V-6) to the list of things, which is by far the most robust of all the mounts. If you're switching from Gen-1 to Gen-2, you can reuse the same mounts if you want. Gen-1 X-Axis: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1285301 As with Gen-1, I am not writing assembly instructions as it is pretty straight forward. I have provided a link to an Imgur Album showing detailed photos of the build. This is a work in progress so there are variations of the build (within the album) so please keep this in mind when looking through the photos. http://imgur.com/a/1mZXH The endstop mount comes in two versions: one has a 2.3mm hole that needs to be tapped, and the other has a 3mm thru that will require a 3mm nut. There are two options for attaching the belt to the X-mounts (both shown in photos). The easiest way is to use the stamped M5T-nuts from OB and simply pinch the belt under the screw. Make sure you install the T-nut with the threaded protrusion pointing up so the belt can slip under it. This method will have to be used if you stick with or use the V-6 mounts. Method two uses the slots provided in the V-7 & V-8 mounts. Just pull the belt through, lay it over and install two M3 Screws and washer to secure. This also requires you tap the M3 screws holes. Direct Drive Mount for NEMA 17 Extruders: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1278168 E3d V6 Bowden Mount: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1285302 BOM for Openbuilds hardware: http://openbuildspartstore.com/ 1 x V-Slot Linear Rail (Size: 20mm x 20mm, Length: 500mm, Color: Silver) 1 x Mini V Gantry Set (Found in the Bundle Section) 1.5M (5 Feet) of GT2 Timing Belt 1 x 20 Tooth GT2 Pulley 2 x F695-ZZ Bearings (5x13x4 FLANGED) 1 x 10x5x1 Precision Spacer Varies screws and nut plates (M5 and M3)