Modular system: Modular linear and lead screw technology for 3D printers

Profile

• What was needed: drylin linear guides; drylin toothed belt axes; dryspin lead screw technology; drylin E stepper motors
• Requirements: As end customers are supposed to assemble the 3D printer themselves, a modular solution that is as easy to install as possible had to be found. The system was also supposed to be completely lubrication and maintenance-free.
• Industry: 3D printer
• Success for the customer: By using drylin components, the assembly work was able to be reduced to a minimum. The maintenance-free operation of the bearings ensures a long service life. And because they are completely lubrication and maintenance-free, the bearings guarantee very high availability and reliability.

The MTplus 300D makes it possible to create sample parts or prototypes within a very short time, meaning that the developer can hold his design in his hand and examine it after just a few hours.

Problem

The aim of the MTplus 300D printer was to construct an easy-to-produce, robust printer that could be used to produce plastic prototypes quickly and inexpensively. The 3D printing process means that no expensive moulds or special semi-finished products are required. The printer is therefore an ideal addition to the development process in a design office, but also for training pupils and students.
This technology makes it possible to create sample parts or prototypes within a very short time, meaning that the developer can hold his design in his hand and examine it after just a few hours.
Linear guides are used on all axes for the 3D mechanism of the Cartesian printer. These must be aligned and assembled very precisely. This usually requires complex measuring and adjustment devices. However, as the 3D printer is sent to the end customer as a kit in individual parts, such complex technology was not reasonable. A modular and installation-friendly solution had to be found. In addition, lubricants can have a negative effect on the printing result, so the aim was to achieve a lubrication-free operation. The absence of maintenance measures due to external lubrication also favours operation on a desk or in a design office, as there is no risk of contamination from lubricants.

Solution

User-friendliness during assembly by the end customer was solved by a printer support structure consisting of four CNC-cut aluminium sheet parts. The frame parts are connected using a push-together system, which means that all dimensions and alignments are precisely predetermined and there is no need for time-consuming adjustment.
The motion apparatus consists of three Cartesian linear axes, of which the X and Y axes are driven by drylin toothed belt axes and the Z axis by trapezoidal lead screws. All axes are fitted with drylin W linear guides, whilst the lead screws were combined with drylin lead screw nuts.
By using drylin linear bearings on all three axes, the assembly work was reduced to a minimum. The maintenance-free operation of the bearings ensures a long service life. They also enable lubrication and maintenance-free operation, thereby ensuring very high availability and reliability. A drylin W double rail system with a compact plastic carriage is installed for the X-axis.
The Y-axis is formed by two drylin single rails and four lead screw support blocks.
And two drylin W single guide rails each with two lead screw support blocks and two trapezoidal lead screws with drylin lead screw nuts form the Z-axis. They are each driven synchronously by a drylin E stepper motor.

MTplus 300D from the side: The Z-axis consisting of two drylin W single guide rails, each with two lead screw support blocks and two trapezoidal lead screws with drylin lead screw nuts.

On display is a prototype of a hand eroding machine. The housing parts were produced on the MTplus 300D. The functional prototype was tested just 48 hours after the customer enquiry was received.

This prototype of a microcomputer-controlled resin dosing system also comes from the MTplus 300D. More specifically, the housing parts and functional parts such as pistons with lead screw nuts and sensor holders are 3D-printed.