Z-Axis for VIGOTEC VG-L7 / KKMOON BX20 laser

thingiverse

Z-Axis for VIGOTEC VG-L7 / KKMOON BX20 laser ============================================ PURPOSE ------- Normally, the focus of the VG-LZ is adjusted by turning the focus wheel of the laser head. However, once a laminar air assist is installed over the focus wheel, such as https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5158151, that’s no longer possible. A z-axis must be installed to move the entire laser head up or down to focus the laser. MODDING A CHINESE Z-AXIS ------------------------ This project is a mod for a z-axis sold on aliexpress under the label “laser head adjustable module mounting frame" by seller TWO TREES Official Store. It’s an all-metal z-axis with little play, thanks to a linear bearing rail below the adjustment screw. The backplate of this z-axis could be installed with minimal effort directly on the acrylic laser mounting plate that came with the VG-L7 (both parts are pictured in "03 - Original parts.jpg"). However, the acrylic mounting plate is shorter than it could be – which causes flex when installed on the laser. To reduce flex and weight (a bit), I replaced these two parts with a single 3D-printed part. The printed part is lighter than the parts it replaces, 25.6g instead of 56.9g. INSTALLATION ------------ There are several ways to screw the parts of the modded z-axis together. The pictures show an example. To install the rail on the print, you will need four M3 x 10mm DIN 912 hexagon socket screws and shorten them to a length of ca. 10mm (including head; threads ca. 7.5mm long). CAVEATS ------- The added weight of this z-axis topples the one-armed VG-L7 if the laser head is driven near the end of its axis. If you must drive the head to such positions, elongate the feet of the device. 3D PRINTING ----------- The stl file is intended to be be printed at 0.05mm resolution with a resin printer. Print directly on the build plate, without supports, to achieve a perfectly flat installation surface. I recommend to use a magnetic build plate. I’ve printed the part with a Creality LD-002H and Weistek’s ABS-like white resin, mixed with 10% Monocure Flex 100. LICENSE ------- Licensed by dtmr-thingieverse@tutanota.com under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International, in short CC BY-NC-ND 4.02 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/deed.en). You are free to: * Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format * The licensor can not revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms. Under the following terms: * Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. * NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes. * NoDerivatives — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material. * No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits. EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY ---------------------- This design is provided as is, free of charge, without any warranties. Use at your own discretion. In no event shall the author be liable for any direct or indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever, even if author knew or should have known that such damages were possible.