Printing

Which parts do you NEED to print to get started?

Measuring parts

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.

Measure your toothed idler

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.

Find your spacer

Print the matching spacer to your idler’s height. Each spacer has one (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.

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.

10mm

You measured 10mm

a_Xjoint_10mm_Idler_Spacers.stl

Here is an example of the printed spacer you need

9mm

You measured 9mm

a_Xjoint_9mm_Idler_Spacers.stl Here is an example of the printed spacer you need

8.5mm

You measured 8.5mm

a_Xjoint_8mm_Idler_Spacers.stl

Here is an example of the printed spacer you need

Recommended print settings

• 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

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.

Concepts

Printed part codes

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.

Flange Stacks

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

Quality idlers, smooth and toothed, are key for your printer's performance. We use flange stacks throughout assembly.

Single flange stacks use

• and .

Double stacks uses

• and .

Types of Idlers

Smooth Idlers

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).

Toothed Idlers

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