Home » Misc » 3D printer linear rail upgrade

3D printer linear rail upgrade


Linear Rails - 3D Distributed

MGN12-H Linear Rail

Are linear rails better?

Linear rails produce a high degree of accuracy and stability compared to round rods with linear bearings. They have better mounting, and smoother motion which improves print quality and machine reliability. 

What are linear rails used for?

Linear rails are used in different applications in industrial machine and motion system design. Linear Rails are designed to support the movement and load of a mechanical motion system.

Linear rails are used in different applications. Different levels of stiffness in different directions can have stresses on a given plane, or in some cases you may want the rail to slightly flex in one plane opposed to the other.

  • Placing the surfaces for the rollers strategically, for example in a location that is unlikely to get contaminated, or where the maximum force will be applied.
  • Curved paths, so that the carriage can move along a line that is not straight.

Accuracy of Linear Rails

Linear rails provide a high level of accuracy and stability compared to round rods with linear bearings or other methods.

Linear Rail Applications

Linear rails are used in different applications.

Different levels of stiffness in different directions can have stresses on a given plane, or in some cases you may want the rail to slightly flex in one plane opposed to the other.

Curved paths, so that the carriage can move along a line that is not straight.

Linear Rail Alignment

Linear Rail Alignment
  • Make sure the linear rails are parallel to each other to prevent binding. 
  • Check for flatness and alignment of the paired sets of rails.
  • Check the perpendicularity to the mid-plane between the two rails.
  1. Make sure the linear rails are parallel to each other to prevent binding. Check for flatness and alignment of the paired sets of rails.
  2. Check that the gantry is perpendicular to the mid-plane between the two rails. If the gantry becomes over constrained it will cause the stepper motor to skip steps.
  3. Check the Z-axis lead screws aligned and concentric to the stepper motor shafts. If not, mechanical binding may occur. The gantry can’t really tilt, so the linear rails could be damaged over time. It’s important to not over constrain the z-axis, because it can cause z banding. 

Mounting Linear Rails

Linear Rail Alignment

Linear rails can be mounted along the full length of the rail, rather than the specific area of motion, thus increasing the accuracy of their positioning and rigidity. The contact surface between the rollers and the bearings is flat, cylinders can be used instead of spheres. This minimizes mechanical stresses, and the amount of play within the system. This increases mechanical longevity and allows for increased bearing load. The bearings only allow for one degree of movement.

Linear Rail Mounting

The contact surface between the rollers and the bearings is flat, cylinders can be used instead of spheres. This in turns diminishes the mechanical stresses, and the amount of play, increases longevity and allows for more bearing capacity, among others. Linear rails can be anchored along their full length to aluminum extrusion profiles, thus increasing the accuracy of their positioning, stiffness and their bearing capacity.

Rail Parallelism

The parallelism of the linear rails or linear guide system is key for proper movement of a motion system. As the number of rails and carriage blocks used within a system increases the more important it is to ensure the rails used are parallel. Unnecessary load can result if the the linear rails or linear guide are not parallel within a manufacturer’s specified parallelism tolerance.

Linear Rails Bearings

The bearings on a linear rail provide proper constraint of movement. There must be two rods with linear bearings to provide the same results of linear rails.

Light Weight Linear Rails

Light Weight Linear Rails

Linear Rails Bearings

When it comes to applications of consumer-grade FDM 3D printers the advantage of 3d printers with linear rails is print quality and reliability.

  • The mechanical stresses involved in 3D printing are reduced.
  • The movement is constrained along a straight path.

While 3d printer designs with rods + linear bearings are cheap, effective, simpler and lightweight, all characteristics that are highly desirable in a 3D printer. In general, linear rails are preferred over rods because they offer greater precision and smoother motion which can  improve print quality and reliability. Specific machine designs benefit from use of linear rails.Depending on the mechanical arrangement of the linear guide system, movement will require rigidity and support from load or gravity.

Linear Rails vs Rods

In most applications, linear rails are prefered over rods. Although, there are specific designs that may benefit from rods. For example, a cantilever arrangement may be better due to linear rails constrain movement in all but one direction, and the orientation offers maximum rigidity against gravity.

While 3d printer designs use rods with linear bearings are cheap, effective, simpler and lightweight, all characteristics that are highly desirable in a 3D printer.

Many of the earlier 3d printers were designed around cheaper mechanical parts such as carbon rods or stainless steel smooth rods which were once commonly used and recommended. As the cost of linear rails become cheaper and cheaper due to the economy of scale and increasing number of buyers and large volume production of manufactures and suppliers. 8mm steel rods and linear bearings are slowly being somewhat phased out but still used on cheap kits found on Aliexpress. 

What are linear rails made of?

Most linear rails are manufactured from hardened steel and are corrosion-resistant. Hard strength steel or stainless steel is a cold-drawn and ground down to the profile shape and assembled to a linear rail carriage block.

How do you use a linear guide rail?

Align and ensure parallelism of the linear guide for proper accuracy. 

Are linear rails worth it?

Upgrading your 3d printer to linear rails will increase the smoothness of the motion and movements along the axis mounted. Linear rails can improve print quality through smoothness and precision which will decrease artifacts found on 3d pints.

How do you repair linear rails?

Here’s the methods to repair linear rails.

  1. Clean remove the dirt and grease from the rail and carriage block.
  2. Lubricating light machine oil.
  3. Run in the carriage along the rail.
  4. Replace the stainless steel bearing balls if needed.
  5. Clean and polish the rail channels.

What is a linear rail carriage block?

The linear rail carriage block moves along the rail track groove and constrains the components of the linear slide and provides motion with the direction of a specific axis.

3D Printers With Linear Rails

  • Workhorse 3D Printer
  • Solidcore CoreXY

Buy Linear Rail Products

Buy 3D Printer Kit

Buy Linear Rails

Linear Rail Stop 2020

$10.00

Linear Stops & End Stop Mounts

Machined Hardware Parts List Machined Hardware Parts 3D Distributed Price Quantity Source Documentation Gantry Plates 2pcs w/bearings $ 80. 00 2pcs. 3D Distributed Folder X- Axis Carriages 2pcs $ 49.50 2pcs. 3D Distributed Folder Y-Axis Carriage 1pc $ 24.50 1pcs. 3D Distributed Folder Y-Axis Motor Mount 1pc $ 22.50 1pc. 3D Distributed Folder Y-Axis Idler Mount

by Shane Hooper

SolidCore 350mm x 350mm BOM 350mm x 350mm x350mm Quantity Description Source $ Each $ Total Documentation Frame Extrusions 2020 T-Slot ZylTech Frame Size List 570mm Long 6 Vertical (Tall) ZylTech Frame Size List 430mm Long 3 Vertical (Z-Axis Rail) ZylTech Frame Size List 660mm Long 4 Length (Long) ZylTech Frame Size List 500mm Long

by Shane Hooper

SLM – Selective Manufacturing

by Shane Hooper

Like this:

Like Loading. ..

MGN12 linear rail upgrade for 3d printers

Linear guides are used for linear motion by re-circulating rolling ball elements between a profiled rail and a carriage (bearing block). The friction on a linear rail is only 2% of this of a traditional slide. Linear guides can also be loaded in all directions (no matter how you mount them). These features made the linear rails a preferred solution for high-precision CNC machines. For smaller machines like 3d printers, there are smaller and low-inertia linear rails, like the stainless steel MGN12 of Hiwin.

Using linear rail in 3d printers

The linear rails can be used on all axis of a FDM 3d printer, whatever the type – cartesian or core XY. However, the biggest impact on printing quality is achieved when the movement of the print head is improved (either the X-axis or the XY-axis).

Construction of MGN series rails – rolling circulation system: rail, block, retainer and end cap.

This type of linear guides is still expensive and is only used in high-end commercial 3d printers. Enthousiast however upgrade successfuly existing printers and there are already many designs available at Thingiverse for MGN applications on low-cost popular printers, like Creality, Tevo, Anet. The rails are easy to implement, because they mount natively on the 2020 extrusion profiles of these printers.

Design of cartesian printer with MGN rails on Thingiverse

There are other more advanced designs for complete coreXY printers with linear rails. One example is the BLV printer, featuring linear rails on all axis. Its cost has dramatically improved when some companies started to offer complete kits with optimized bundle prices. Now it becomes possible to build a better mechanical solution than Ultimaker for less than 1000 USD.

Visit the page of the BLV mgn Cube on Thingiverse

Check the current price of the BLV kit.

Myself, I am fan of Voron Design DIY printers. They also feature linear rails on all axis and provide great performance to cost ratio.

The flagship – Voron 2. 4, is amazing CoreXY machine with unique fixed bed design and gantry frame on belts.
It is fully enclosed and perfect for ABS.

The cost is about 1500 USD

Visit Voron Design

Check the price of Voron 2.4 3d printer kit

My Voron 2.4 3d printerMy Voron Zero 3d printer

Voron Zero (aka Voron0) is another printer I built. It is small, portable and energy efficient secondary machine. The linear motion uses MGN07 linear rails.

Cost: in the 600 USD

Read my artcle for Voron0

Check the current price of the V0 kit.

Upgrading the X-axis of Creality CR-10 from V-weels to MGN12 linear guide with direct extruder

One of the main challenges when upgrading the X-axis of a 2020 extrusion based 3d printer to MGN12 linear rail is the design of the X-carriage. The new carriage should take in account the dimensions of the MGN12 rolling block and the clearance between the fixation holes. Hopefully, Hiwin offers step files to get you started.

When upgrading the X-axis of my Creality CR-10 printer to MGN12, I decided to build a carriage for light direct extruder. I made first a 3d printed model that helped me to drill and cut a metal sheet precisely.

BMG dual drive extruder upgrade
for CR-10, Ender and Tevo printers

Now I am using this print head for over a month and I can say it worth it.

The modification is based on the BMG dual drive extruder from Trianglelab – a quality clone of the original Bondtech product.

It is a geared extruder with ratio 3:1, that delivers constant extrusion pressure wathever the filament.

Final configuration of the print head mounted on MGN12H linear rail with BMG dual drive extruder, 23 mm pancake stepper with heatsink and radial part cooling fan.

Chiron・Cults

Best 3D Printing Files

RM HD Skull Wall Art

1. 73 €

Belt adapter for Chiron 3D X-axis

Free

2 in 1 Wall Mount for LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron 42083

1.95 €

Anycubic Chiron on Bigtreetech Octopus Motor Driver Cooler Holder Plate 40mm Fan

1.90 €

Anycubic Chiron to Bigtreetech Octopus Motor Driver Cooler Holder Plate 50mm Fans

1.90 €

Anycubic Chiron holder plate for Bigtreetech Octopus FET

1 €

Anycubic Chiron holder plate for Bigtreetech Octopus motherboard

2,50 €

nine0002 Lego brick Bugatti Chiron

1 €

RM 2000 Audi TT MK1 Front diffuser

13. 80 €

Anycubic Chiron Hotbed Mosfet 24v

Free

spring-loaded stem for cuboid chiron

1 €

Anikubika Chiron Foot Damper

Free

Bugatti Chiron

3,50 €

Anycubic Chiron Blower Fan Upgrade

1.73 €

2000 Audi TT MK1 Side window covers

3.45 €

double fan hotend for anycubic chiron

3,50 €

nine0002 Anicubic light of Chiron

2,50 €

Chiron snap-on leveling knobs

Free

Anycubic Chiron Cooling Component Motherboard Pi Cover

Free

Anycubic Chiron Linear Rail MGN12H

Free

nine0002 Anycubic Chiron Fan muffler power supply cover

Free

Anycubic Chiron Level Sensor Tweak - shorter for E3D V6

Free

Anycubic Chiron Z Axis Cover Plate Open Ended

Free

Anycubic Chiron Linear MGN12H E3D Hermes Adapter

Free

nine0002 Anycubic Chiron feet replacement

Free

Chiron Z-Bracers V.

2.0.

Free

AnyCubic Chiron BLTouch Adapter

Free

Convert Anycubic Chiron BMG Bowden Extruder to Direct Drive Extruder

Free

Anycubic Chiron Straight extruder BMG+V6 Stock carriage

Free

double Y stepper motor for Chiron

Free

BIQU h3 for Anicubic Chiron

Free

any cubic chiron + scoop mini

free

Fan duct Anycubic Chiron

1 €

nine0002 RCV MOD (UPDATE 13/08/2022) ANYCUBIC CHIRON DIRECT DRIVE / BMG HOTEND / 5015 FAN / 40X40 FAN FOR EXTRUDER MOTOR / MAGNETIC PROBE HOLDER

10 € -fifty% 5 €

ANYCUBIC CHIRON Y LINEAR GUIDE

3,75 €

Direct Drive Anycubic Chiron

6 €

anycubic chiron hotend shroud remix 5015 blower

Free

Any cubic axis Chiron enhances the z-axis

1. 25 €

Filament Sensor Chiron

Free

Chiron Energy Chain

4.99 €

nine0002 Werkzeughalter Chiron

3 €

Anycubic Chiron Extruder Mod

Free

Anycubic Chiron Y Axis Linear mod

Free

Bugatti chiron 3d printable

3 €

Reversible Bowden Ender 3 / Anycubic Chiron

Free

bugatti chiron

25 €

Anycubic Chiron Micro Swiss Conversion kit, Bltouch, X-axis tensioner

26.47 €

Lego stand Bugatti Chiron + logos

Free

Elegoo novelties in LIDER-3D

We never cease to amaze you with novelties, and this time we want to share the range of Elegoo products that can be purchased in our online store. Printers, polymers and additional equipment for resin 3D printing are already waiting for you in LIDER-3D! nine0005

Elegoo is a fairly young developer and manufacturer of 3D printing equipment. Founded in 2015, Elegoo has been able to conquer not only the Chinese but also the global market. The company's equipment meets all modern requirements and offers users high quality printing for solving various problems.

Hot new for 2022 is the upgraded Saturn 2 8K. Thanks to the improvements that the manufacturer has made to this model, the printer can be considered an ideal choice for amateur and professional printing. nine0005

The main change, of course, is the new 8K sensor, due to which the printable area has also increased - now it is 219 × 123 × 250 mm. High resolution allows you to create not only single large objects with high accuracy, but also batches of small detailed objects.

Powerful UV light source and FCL lens system ensure even coverage of each layer. The printing platform of the printer, processed in a special way, provides improved adhesion of the first layers. nine0222

Another update of Elegoo Mars 3 Pro 4K may please users with improvements that make printing better. The Elegoo Mars 3 Pro 4K 3D printer is equipped with a new UV light source that distributes light more efficiently over the work surface.

Another important upgrade is the built-in air purification system. The filtration system provides a comfortable working environment, which is especially important when working at home or in an educational institution. nine0005

The Elegoo Mars 3 Pro 4K features a 4K monochrome sensor, the current standard for photopolymer printers. Convenient operation, standard PC connection interface and compatibility with free slicers make this device an excellent choice for beginners and advanced users.

Specifications:

  • Print material: Photopolymer resin
  • Print technology: MSLA

    Of course, such a large printer has a powerful design. The metal frame is made of a durable material that is resistant to corrosion and scratches, giving you the necessary stability for printing large items. The improved Z-axis screw design ensures not only smooth platform movement, but also quieter operation than comparable printers.

    One nice and expected improvement is the automatic resin supply. You can not worry about the need to fill the material during the printing process. Resin reservoir allows you to provide the necessary supply of resin for the entire printing process. nine0005

    Elegoo Jupiter 12.8” also comes with an improved illumination unit, which, together with other advantages, improves print quality.

    When it comes to ease of use, the Jupiter 12.8” retains everything users love: a large touchscreen for adjusting and tracking print progress, a built-in charcoal-filtered air purification system, and workspace illumination.

    Free annual support for the Pro license in the Chitubox slicer will be a great purchase bonus. nine0216 5448x3064 px

Curing chamber (UV chamber) and Washing Elegoo Mercury XS Bundle Washing and Curing Machine are indispensable devices for obtaining high-quality products from photopolymer. The set of equipment consists of a UV chamber and a washer, which allow for a complete post-processing of printed objects.

Sufficiently large sink with 7 liter tank suitable for rinsing items on the platform as well as cleaning parts removed from the platform. The sink is suitable for all Elegoo printers, the print area of ​​which does not exceed 201x124x255 mm (when working with parts removed) and 180x121x153 mm (when washing parts on the printing platform). nine0005

The polymerization chamber has a volume of 200x200x260 mm and provides uniform illumination of printed products. Thanks to the rotating platform and the L-shaped light source, the product is illuminated from all sides, which gives the part the declared physical characteristics.

Equipment kit includes everything you need to get the job done - accessories, tools and adapters.

A selection of articles from the section "Knowledge Base" from the site of the company LIDER-3D: 1) Introduction to coordinate metrology. Part 1 • 2) Everything you ever wanted to know about 3D printing • 3) Guide: 3D printing figurines

Photopolymers

In LIDER-3D you can buy everything you need for printing on photopolymer printers. Elegoo offers low cost resins suitable for hobby printing as well as specially formulated safe resins for education.

The base resin that is available from each manufacturer is suitable for printing miniatures and prototypes. A wide palette of colors allows you to choose the right shade for the implementation of any of your projects. The resin is comfortable to work with, has low shrinkage and comes in a convenient package. nine0216 36-53 mPa

  • Shrinkage: 7.1%

    • Elegoo's new formula of standard photopolymer allows higher quality printing on photopolymer 3D printers. The material is suitable for both home use and professional use - making prototypes and detailed objects. The photopolymer is presented in one shade, which gives excellent visualization of even small elements, and, if necessary, is easily painted.

    Specifications:

    • Resin Type: Standard
    • Printer illumination technology: DLP/LCD/LED
    • Illumination spectrum: 405 nm

    Do you want to get more durable parts on a photopolymer printer? Products made of ABS-Like have high strength and mechanical stability, and in terms of their characteristics, they resemble ABS plastic. The resin is available in several basic shades to suit almost any application. nine0005

    Specifications: