Modular system: Modular linear and lead screw technology for 3D printers

• What was needed: drylin® linear guide; drylin® toothed belt axes; dryspin® lead screw technology; drylin® E stepper motor
• Requirements: As end customers are expected to assemble the 3D printer themselves, a modular and easy-to-install solution had to be found. The system also needed to be completely lubrication- and maintenance-free.
• Industry: 3D printers
• Success for the customer: By using the drylin® components, the assembly effort was reduced to a minimum. The maintenance-free operation of the bearing enables a long service life. And as they are completely lubrication- and maintenance-free, the bearings guarantee very high availability and reliability.

The aim of the MTplus 300D printer was to build an easy-to-produce and robust printer that could be used to produce plastic prototypes quickly and inexpensively. The 3D printing process means that no expensive moulds or special bar stock are required. The printer is therefore an ideal addition to the development process in a design office, but also for the education of pupils and students.
This technology makes it possible to create sample parts or prototypes within a very short time, so that the developer can hold and inspect his design in his hand after just a few hours.
Linear guides are used on all axes for the 3D mechanism of the Cartesian printer. These must be aligned and mounted very precisely. This usually requires complex measuring and adjustment devices. However, as the 3D printer is sent to the end customer as a kit in individual parts, such complex technology was not reasonable. A modular solution that was as easy to install as possible had to be found. In addition, lubricants can have a negative impact on the printing result, so lubricant-free operation was the aim. The absence of maintenance measures due to external lubrication also favours operation on a desk or in a design office, as there is no risk of contamination from lubricants.

User-friendliness during assembly by the end customer was solved by a supporting structure of the printer consisting of four CNC-cut aluminium sheet parts. The frame parts are connected using a plug-in system, which means that all dimensions and alignments are precisely specified and time-consuming adjustment is no longer necessary.
The motion system consists of three Cartesian linear axes, of which the X and Y axes are driven by drylin® toothed belt axes and the Z axis by trapezoidal threaded spindles. All axes are equipped with drylin® W linear guides, the threaded spindles are combined with drylin® spindle nuts.
By using the drylin® linear bearings on all three axes, the assembly work was reduced to a minimum. The maintenance-free operation of the bearings enables a long service life. They also enable lubrication- and maintenance-free operation, ensuring very high availability and reliability. A drylin® W double rail system with a compact plastic carriage is installed for the X-axis.
The Y-axis is formed by two drylin® single rails and four lead screw support blocks.
And two drylin® W single guide rails, each with two bearing blocks and two trapezoidal threaded spindles with drylin® spindle nuts form the Z-axis. They are each driven synchronously by a drylin® E stepper motor.