Belt Driven Z-Axis - SolidCore 3D Printer. This is the z-axis design for the SolidCore CoreXY printer.
see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9B5B61Mo4k
We've been working on the SolidCore 3d printer‘s bed leveling and mounting system. The z-axis uses a 3-point kinematic bed mounting with magnetic pivot spheres on each mount This properly constrains the bed at 3 points of contact. The pivot balls that attach the Z-axis bed mounts can be held into position by the weight of the bed or magnetic force. The dowel pins ensure that there is zero lateral play on the bed. You can only move it by lifting it.
3-Point Bed Leveling
Three point bed leveling uses three independently driven lead screws to automatically level the bed and compensate for a bent or uneven plate. See Triple Independent Motors Z axis with self leveling bed or Triple Z. The Z-axis lead screws are used as the 3 points that make up a triangle, defining one plane. The advantage of a kinematic bed mount is that the defined plane of the bed, a kinematic mount, is that the aluminum plate can properly expand without bending the plate.
Bed Flatness
In a standard aluminum stock, as heat warps or cools down your aluminum build plate, it expands unevenly; this causes problems with the much needed flatness of the print bed as it will eventually bend under pressure. The bed can raise or lower without binding or twisting, keeping the bed flat.
Cast Aluminum Tool Plate
Cast Aluminum tool plate is a good solution because it has good thermal conductivity and heats up evenly without warp or twist. The bed needs to be flat and remain level In three point bed leveling, the three z-axis lead screws are used as the three points that make up a triangle and define a plane.
Three Points Define A Plane
Since 3 points define a plain, 3 screws, evenly placed in a triangle will raise and lower that plain without imparting any twisting forces so the bed will stay flat.
Advantages of The Kinematic Mount
A mechanical bind can cause the bed to tilt over time. The advantage of a kinematic bed mount is the aluminum plate to expand and to be set in tram with the XY plane of the printer without causing anything to bend or flex.
Lead Screw Synchronization
3 points define a plane, therefore 3 screws need to be in synchronization. So the best way to achieve that is to drive them via a single motor and continuous belt. If designed correctly so that none of the screw or bed mounts can warp or twist, then the bed will remain level.
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