Make: Projects
The MakerGear Mosaic 3D Printer – Part IV: The Z-Axis
Finishing up the Cartesian robot.
This is the fourth of eight guides in a series documenting my build of MakerGear’s Mosaic desktop FDM/FFF 3D printer kit.
- the frame,
- the Y-axis,
- the X-axis,
- the Z-axis,
- the extruder,
- the build platform,
- the electronics, and
- the first print.
This part covers assembly of the Z-axis systems, including installation of the two hardened, precision ground steel shafts that guide the build platform along its vertical path of travel, the Teflon-coated lead screw that drives it, and the stepper motor that turns the lead screw. The Z-axis limit switch is also installed at this stage.
Steps
Step #1: Prep work
Next



- Remove the four factory bolts from the stepper motor with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Don't worry, the motor will not come apart when you do this. You may want to save the factory bolts, just in case, but they are not needed in the finished printer.
- Press the white fused-filament handle over the geared end of the lead screw.
- Turn an M4x20mm socket cap bolt through the fused-filament clamp on the Z-axis stop switch assembly. Start an M4 nylock on the bolt shaft, but don't tighten anything down yet.
- I put the Z-axis stop switch assembly in place before starting the bolt and locking nut into the clamp, which made it much harder than it needed to be. Go ahead and put the bolt and nylock in place, now, and save yourself some trouble.
Conclusion
Next up: Mounting the extruder!





















































