Z Axis Alignment Posts

thingiverse

These custom print heads are intended to work seamlessly with printers that boast an x-axis bar that glides smoothly along a z-axis. If you unleash your creativity, you might just discover another ingenious use for them. They draw inspiration from my earlier posts created for my trusty Wanhao Duplicator i3 located at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1138928, as well as the fundamental idea borrowed from TeamTEOR's holder that sparked my initial posts found at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1198375. I built this customizer merely to experience firsthand how it works out. Please consider this a work in progress but, hopefully, it will function as expected! :) If you have innovative ideas for additional features I could incorporate, please shoot me a message or leave a comment, and I'll give them serious consideration. UPDATE: 2016/03/22 The holder's height was drastically reduced to accommodate different print setups. UPDATE: 2016/03/11 A new 'wiggle_room' variable was added to increase the size of the holes in the holder for a snugger fit. UPDATE: 2015/01/03 Ability to create posts with a flat side like mtnrunner19's remix of my original post found at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1201542 was incorporated. Print Settings Printer: Wanhao Duplicator i3 Rafts: Doesn't Matter Supports: Yes Note: Supports are highly recommended if you also print the holder. Otherwise, any sane settings will work fine. How to Use Print Them I highly recommend printing two posts for better accuracy results. Try to print them at the same point on the X Axis. Raise your Z Axis high enough to fit your posts under the X Axis bars on both sides. Slide posts parallel to X Axis bar until you can remove them without accidentally bumping up the bar. Now, your Z Axis should be aligned. The Holder If you opted for printing the holder, note that it prints upside down. I recommend attaching it securely with double-sided tape – I personally use Gorilla Tape. To place the posts in the holder, flip them 90 degrees and then put them in upside down.