Manual Z-axis for cheap diode laser engravers

thingiverse

My manual Z-axis (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5145644) works quite nicely but is overkill for a light-weight laser module. It can be a pain to assemble if the printed fits are particularly tight and requires polished rod and linear bearings that simply isn't needed in this application. This new design simplifies assembly, is more compact, and is adaptable to various laser modules.The carriage directly mounts any Neje laser modules and, with the easily-modified adapter plate, can be made to mount almost any laser module with a flat back and pattern of holes. I've designed this Z-axis because many cheaper laser engravers (Fokoos, Eleksmaker A3, etc) don’t have, if at all, a very adjustable Z-axis mount and focusing the laser for different thickness materials can be a pain. They’ll recommend twisting the lens ring or loosening/tightening one or more screws on a small slide, etc… and it also interferes with most air-assist setups you may use. With this Z-design, the carriage slide allows the laser module to be located relative to the entire Z-assembly and then another fairly large range of motion is available relative to the material, by simply turning the knob/leadscrew to raise and lower the carriage and laser.