Motors and Movement - Printing in Plastic: Build Your Own 3D Printer - page 209

C H A P T E R 1 3
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Motors and Movement
Your 3D printer is now ready for the motors that will control movement and allow the Plastic Extruder to
“print” on the tabletop. There are three axes of movement: X, Y, and Z. The X-axis consists of the Table
that will move forwards and backwards (front to back), the Y-axis will move the Extruder left and right,
and the Z-axis will allow the Extruder to move up and down. Each of these axes has a dedicated stepper
motor that will be added to the machine. (A fourth motor will be added later that is not involved in
movement.)
There are two methods of movement that will be used; the Z-axis movement will use a lead screw
and the X and Y axes will be belt driven. Read over the chapter completely before beginning your work
and make certain you understand how all the moving parts are connected and assembled. When done,
you'll have your 3D printer (minus Extruder) ready for testing.
Required Hardware and Parts Summary
For Chapter 13, you will be using the following plywood pieces and hardware:
• 3D Printer Assembly from Chapter 12
• Part E (X-Axis Motor Mount)
• Part M (Z-Axis Motor Mount)
• Part R (Y-Axis Motor Mount)
• Qty-3 NEMA 23 stepper motors (with wires already attached)
• Qty-4 4” machine screws, 1/4” length
• Qty-4 3-1/2” machine screws, 1/4” length
• Qty-42 1/4” nuts
• Qty-6 bearings (1/4” inner diameter)
• Qty-2 1-1/2” machine screws, 1/4” length