# Printing

## <mark style="color:red;">Measuring parts</mark>

We're going to measure some parts to make sure you've got the correct files to print. This is highly important to make sure pulleys and idlers move smoothly.

### <mark style="color:red;">Measure your toothed idler</mark>

We support several types of toothed idlers. To find the correct spacers, measure your idler’s height and check the next page for the corresponding spacers.

<figure><img src="https://834763357-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FXgzDoYdwl0Vuu3qB4KOp%2Fuploads%2FHGjDosoC7Lvlqwh4580C%2Ftoothed_idler_merc_measure.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8f1180fe-e3e5-4567-86d1-bb5b42119fb3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### <mark style="color:red;">Find your spacer</mark>

Print the matching spacer to your idler’s height. Each spacer has one (1) dot[^1] for 8.5mm, two (2) for 9mm, and three (3) for 10mm.

The Configurator should include the correct file for you, but we’ve also included direct links below.

{% hint style="info" %}
Once measured, the tabs below will tell you what the printed spacer should look like, if it's hard to see click the image to enlarge it.
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary><strong>10mm</strong></summary>

**You measured 10mm**

[a\_Xjoint\_10mm\_Idler\_Spacers.stl](https://github.com/ZeroGDesign/docs/blob/gh-pages/docs/assets/stl/m1_1/a_Xjoint_10mm_Idler_Spacers.stl)

Here is an example of the printed spacer you need

<img src="https://834763357-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FXgzDoYdwl0Vuu3qB4KOp%2Fuploads%2F03l64RoFOvKVVfUSvRZW%2Fmerc_spacer_10mm.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a58a1e39-8759-494e-aa64-dc1bfb9a5b5a" alt="" data-size="original">

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>9mm</strong></summary>

**You measured 9mm**

[a\_Xjoint\_9mm\_Idler\_Spacers.stl](https://github.com/ZeroGDesign/docs/blob/gh-pages/docs/assets/stl/m1_1/a_Xjoint_9mm_Idler_Spacers.stl)\
Here is an example of the printed spacer you need

<img src="https://834763357-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FXgzDoYdwl0Vuu3qB4KOp%2Fuploads%2F5jGbfh1pxBTaLe3S9olv%2Fmerc_spacer_9mm.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d51f4fb0-f7c0-417d-bfdb-edbf7fd1e8a0" alt="" data-size="original">

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>8.5mm</strong></summary>

**You measured 8.5mm**

[a\_Xjoint\_8mm\_Idler\_Spacers.stl](https://github.com/ZeroGDesign/docs/blob/gh-pages/docs/assets/stl/m1_1/a_Xjoint_8mm_Idler_Spacers.stl)

Here is an example of the printed spacer you need

<img src="https://834763357-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FXgzDoYdwl0Vuu3qB4KOp%2Fuploads%2FVgjv74CbIgZCuo7iAjHR%2Fmerc_spacer_8mm.png?alt=media&#x26;token=09bad966-37b7-46a1-bfbf-953ec0e95808" alt="" data-size="original">

</details>

## <mark style="color:red;">Recommended print settings</mark> <a href="#recommended-print-settings" id="recommended-print-settings"></a>

* First layer height: 0.25mm (This is required. Our parts have been designed for this.)
* Layer height: 0.2mm
* Extrusion width: 0.4mm, forced
* Infill percentage: 40%
* Infill type: Adaptive Cubic, grid, gyroid, honeycomb, triangle, or cubic
* Wall count: 4
* Solid top/bottom layers: 5
* Seam placement: **REAR**
  * This is important as we have seam relieve features that line up with the seam placement.
* Supports: NONE

{% hint style="info" %}
Over-extrusion leads to top layers with an inconsistent finish and/or blobbing. Check the top surfaces on the stepper towers and X joints, as these are mating faces.

Light sanding with sandpaper can help remove rough surfaces and ensure a proper fit between parts.
{% endhint %}

## <mark style="color:red;">Concepts</mark>

### <mark style="color:red;">Printed part codes</mark>

Our parts have printed codes to aid assembly. A part code identifies:

1. If the part belongs on the **left (‘L’)** or **right (‘R’)** side of the printer; and
2. The **version** of the part.

<figure><img src="https://834763357-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FXgzDoYdwl0Vuu3qB4KOp%2Fuploads%2FjycCRH6nSra3Xk9eKGoS%2Fmerc_naming_concept_example.png?alt=media&#x26;token=56a04860-1760-4959-abc3-cc8e662cde3a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### <mark style="color:red;">Flange Stacks</mark>

Flange stacks (along with 5x30mm dowel pins) are used to create smooth idlers.

{% hint style="info" %}
Quality idlers, smooth and toothed, are key for your printer's performance. We use flange stacks throughout assembly.
{% endhint %}

Single flange stacks use

* [**three (3)** shims](#user-content-fn-2)[^2] and [**two (2)** bearings](#user-content-fn-3)[^3].

Double stacks uses

* [**five (5**) shims](#user-content-fn-2)[^2] and [**four (4)** bearings](#user-content-fn-3)[^3].

<figure><img src="https://834763357-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FXgzDoYdwl0Vuu3qB4KOp%2Fuploads%2FFRkuDgFyw2p2Cki2ZuDH%2Fflange_stack_example_concept.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2067fa24-00d1-476b-9f19-036e56e7cc24" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### <mark style="color:red;">Types of Idlers</mark>

#### <mark style="color:red;">Smooth Idlers</mark>

[Smooth idlers](#user-content-fn-4)[^4] are the most common idler that we will use; they turn the belt around its smooth side.

A **single flange stack** has **one (1)** smooth idler; a **double flange stack** has **two (2)**.

<figure><img src="https://834763357-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FXgzDoYdwl0Vuu3qB4KOp%2Fuploads%2FgCFXu2QSj9GiJdgt7m0a%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e238a3f7-b56b-4cf0-9828-657c2b5a107c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### <mark style="color:red;">Toothed Idlers</mark>

**Toothed idlers** are used on the **X joints only**. These are used when the belt turns towards its toothed side.

<figure><img src="https://834763357-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FXgzDoYdwl0Vuu3qB4KOp%2Fuploads%2FvPAZZqHbvFCi0swaQFlL%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a04ba1b2-2082-482b-a9b3-8a3077ac0481" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

[^1]: The printed spacers include a small dot in the bottom that'll tell you the size so you don't lose track.

[^2]: M5X1MM

[^3]: F695 BEARING

[^4]: Revering to one step up, this is our definition of Smooth Idlers.