Basic Linear Motion Subset
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Obsolete Page

The subsets have been replaced by kits.

Description

This subset includes components for basic 3 axis linear motion: sliding elements, lead nuts and lead screws, shaft mounts and bearings, motor mounts and couplings, pulleys and belts, mounting hardware. Leadscrews can be rotated by improvised handcranks. In combination with Dremel, the subset provides manual subtractive machining capability. To drive sliding elements from the computer, you need NEMA23 stepper motors and control electronics, for example Electronics & motors subset

Specifications

Leadscrew drive

  • Feedrate/movement speed: up to 20 IPM (8 mm/s) with Electronics & motors subset. You might get higher speeds with more powerful motors.
  • Accuracy: positional error of the mechanism: ~ 0.01", actual results may vary depending on the following factors: stage mass, movement speed, structure rigidity.

Belt drive

  • Feedrate/movement speed: up to 400 IPM (170 mm/s) with Electronics & motors subset. You might get higher speeds with more powerful motors.
  • Accuracy: positional error of the mechanism: from 0.02" to 1/16", actual results may vary depending on the following factors: belt length and tensioning, stage mass, motor coupling type, movement speed, structure rigidity.

Cost

  • DIY: $220 in parts and materials + shipping/taxes from 4 vendors
  • Fabricated kit: $250
  • Shipping weight: 7 lbs

Requires

  • Structural subset
  • For Computer Numerical Control (CNC) you need NEMA23 stepper motors and control electronics, for example Electronics & motors subset

Includes

fabbed items qty
shaft-mount angle 12
sliding-element-1 tube 4
sliding-element-2.5 tube 4
sliding-element-3.5 tube 4
sliding-elements UHMWPE side pads 32
sliding-elements UHMWPE center pads 16
lead-nut-mount 6
coupling-nut-clamp angle 6
belt-clamp angle 6
belt-clamp lug 6
belt-clamp belt pad 6
motor-mount 3
parts qty
bearing-R188 12
pulley-XL10T 6
belt-XL120 2
belt-XL280 2
belt-XL400 2
belt-XL540 2
motor-coupling-set 3
threaded-rod 1/4-20 4x3 ft
coupling nut 1/4 6
nut 1/4 24
spring lock washer 1/4 12
screw 1/4 3" 4
screw 6-32 1/4" nylon 1x100pk
screw 6-32 1/8" 50
screw 6-32 3/8" 20

Assembly

Bill of materials

item qty unit part# vendor/link notes
AL angle 1x1x1/8 1 4-ft N/A OnlineMetals.com architectural aluminum 4-ft. lengths
AL tube 1.5x1.5x1/8 1 3-ft N/A OnlineMetals.com 3-ft. lengths
bearing R188-2RS 2 10-pk kit807 VXB.com
pulley XL10T 6 ea A 6Z 3-10DF03708 SDP/SI
belt XL120 2 ea A 6B 3-060037 SDP/SI
belt XL280 2 ea A 6R 3-140037 SDP/SI
belt XL400 2 ea A 6R 3-200037 SDP/SI
belt XL540 2 ea A 6R 3-270037 SDP/SI
motor coupling hub 6 ea 6408K913 Mcmaster.com
motor coupling spider 3 ea 6408K61 Mcmaster.com
UHMWPE channel 1¼"x¾" 2 ft 8672K312 Mcmaster.com
threaded rod 1/4-20 4 3-ft 98957A633 Mcmaster.com hardware store rod not recommended
screw 6-32 1/8" 1 100-pk 91773A142 Mcmaster.com or 50ea in hardware store
screw 6-32 3/8" 1 100-pk 90279A146 Mcmaster.com or 20ea in hardware store
screw 6-32 1/4" nylon 1 100-pk 97263A144 Mcmaster.com
nut 1/4 24 ea N/A hardware store
spring lock washer 1/4 12 ea N/A hardware store
coupling nut 1/4 6 ea N/A hardware store
screw 1/4 3" 4 ea N/A hardware store

Note: the BoM is arranged and the vendors are picked to minimize the total order cost. Some vendors happen to have affiliate programs in which we participate. For us this is one of the ways to raise money for the project. For you, there is no added cost. If you come across a significantly cheaper vendor, please let us know.

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