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Z Carriage Assembly

This chapter focuses on the Z-axis carriage, bearings, and coupler alignment.

Assemble the X+Z Carriage

  1. Cut Ender3 2020 extrusions to 150mm x2.
  2. Tap M5 threads in both ends of the 150mm extrusions.
  3. Press in bearings if not already done.
  4. Loosely attach:
  5. Z motor coupler
  6. X motor pulley (20T)
  7. Attach both motors to their plates.
  8. Assemble the 2020 extrusions as square and parallel as possible.
  9. Mount the X motor carriage to the ZX carriage with wheels and spacers.
  10. Attach the Z bottom bearing plate and Z motor plate.
  11. Mount the MGN12 rails with carriages to the 2020 extrusions:
  12. Use a printed MGN12->2020 alignment tool to ensure straight rails.
  13. Rails can slide into cutouts if slightly too long (max 4mm overhang).
  14. Attach Z leadscrew nut to Z carriage.
  15. Mount Z carriage to MGN12H carriages:
    • Slide up and down to check for binding. Adjust rails if necessary.
  16. Cut leadscrew to size (~180mm), double-check with your setup.
  17. Screw leadscrew from bottom bearing to Z motor coupler and secure.
  18. Slide the X+Z assembly on the previously cut X extrusion.

Parts Required

Qty Item Source Notes
1pc Z Carriage Plate Printed Heatset inserts required
2pc M5 Locknuts Buy Press-fit into plate
2pc M5x16 BHSC Buy Z-axis carriage attachment
1pc Leadscrew Nut Buy M5 threaded for Z
2pc MGN12H Carriages Buy For smooth linear motion

Bearing Choice

If you dont have 608Z use the F688Z from the Ender 3 Pro X axis tensioner.

bearing_choice

Backplate Assembly

  1. Insert heatset inserts into Z carriage plate.
  2. Press-fit M5 locknuts into their designated holes.

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  1. Attach M5 Locknuts and Bolts to Z carriage plate.

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  1. Assemble X gantry motor plate

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  1. Attach X gantry motor plate to xz gantry plate

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Frontplate

  1. Attach motor to top plate
  2. Loosely attach coupler to Z motor shaft.

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  1. Attach bottom plate to extrusion
  2. Attach 2020 Extrusion to rails
  3. Attach MGN12H carriages to the 2020 extrusions if not already done.
  4. Slide Z carriage onto MGN12H carriages.

Z Carriage Assembly

  1. Attach leadscrew nut to Z carriage.
  2. Attach z top to extrusion by inserting leadscrew from bottom bearing to coupler:
  3. Ensure smooth rotation by hand.
  4. Adjust alignment if carriage binds on rails.

Z Carriage Assembly

Assembly

Attach Backplate to Extrusion and top screws

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Tips & Tricks

Tip

Test the Z-axis movement manually before wiring the motors.
Smooth motion now saves time troubleshooting later.

Warning

Avoid forcing the leadscrew; misalignment can strip threads in the coupler.

X+Z Carriage

X+Z Carriage

Tip

Ender3 aluminum spacers are 8.35mm. If using 8mm spacers from another source, use the printed lower middle spacer to maintain alignment.

Ready to Proceed?

After completing these steps, your ready for Gantry Assembly.

Continue to Gantry Assembly →