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Assembly Guide

undoz edited this page Oct 27, 2024 · 164 revisions

Contents:


General Notes


Important

Please ensure you read the Safety section.

It is highly recommended to thoroughly read this guide and consult the CAD Assemblies before and during the build process.
The models have been designed to reflect a real build as close as possible and will serve as your main reference guide.

The CAD Viewer Primer contains a series of videos on how to use the Online CAD Viewer for this purpose.


Disclaimer

This is a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) experimental project. This information is provided "as is" without any guarantees or warranty, and is not certified for any commercial or critical applications. Use it at your own risk. The creator assumes no liability for damages or injuries resulting from its use, including but not limited to fire, electric shock, personal injury or property damage. By using this you agree to the terms of this disclaimer.


CAD Assemblies

Printer - Online CAD Viewer
Toolhead - Online CAD Viewer
Ebox - Online CAD Viewer
Aux Fan - Online CAD Viewer
Breakout Box - Online CAD Viewer


Additional images from the LH Stinger prototype build are available in the Build Log section.
Please feel free to join the LH Stinger Discord server to ask for advice, or to study other LH Stinger builds.


Good To Know

Before Assembly

  • This is an advanced build, so please take your time to prepare beforehand, and to get familiar with this guide and the CAD models. The process of building this printer requires a different mindset than other popular models, and you will be required to have the Online CAD Viewer opened to reference the exact hardware components needed during the assembly process.
    • It is highly recommended to view the tutorials from the Cad Viewer Primer page to learn how to use this resource most efficiently.
  • Please follow the step by step instructions where available. The order of assembly is crucial for some sub-assemblies, and failing to follow it will result in a lot of frustration and backtracking.


Kits

Must read information regarding kits will be tracked and updated on this wiki.

FYSETC: https://github.com/lhndo/LH-Stinger/wiki/FYSETC-Kit


Preloading Square T-Nuts


  • Please come back to this section whenever you permanently close both ends of an extrusion member
  • You are not required to preload all the square nuts illustrated below before starting the assembly process
  • It often easier to attach the brackets and hardware to one of the extrusion member and then sliding it into the corresponding part (as illustrated in the Frame Assembly section below)
  • Remember to insert the Z linear rails as instructed before closing the frame

Nut Preloading


Printed Guide Parts

The Other Parts.3mf file contains an additional set of parts designed to aid you during the assembly process. It is recommended to print these parts and refer to the CAD Printer assembly for instructions on their usage.
They are also provided as individual STLs if needed.


frame drill guide


Tip

Clips for holding T-nuts into position can be found among these parts, and can be positioned by inserting a hex key into the circular hole.

nut clamp


Frame


Frame Extrusions

Type Item Quantity
X Extrusion 2020 - 323mm 1
Y Extrusion 3090 - 345mm 1
Z Extrusion 3060 - 400mm 2
Top Extrusion 3030 - 400mm 1
Bottom Extrusion 3090 - 400mm 1

Assembly Order


  • Due to the modular nature of the design, you are free to build the main assemblies in any order you like.

  • My personal preference is to approach the build in the following sequence: EBox > Toolhead > Main Frame > X Axis > Y Axis.


📘 It is recommended to assemble the Y axis independent from the rest of the frame and to mount it onto the printer in the end.


assemblies


Drill and Tap Guide

  • If your extrusions did not come pre-tapped, then the following areas will have to be tapped to accommodate M8 screws.
  • The highlighted brackets are not made for M8 screws, so the holes marked in blue will have to be enlarged with a drill.

Note

If you bought a kit with extrusions and brackets pre-tapped and drilled, make sure to check their orientation before assembly. The tapping might have been done selectively and requires attention when matching them. Same with bracket selection.


frame drill guide


Frame Squareness

The printer was design to be assembled using Die-Cast metal brackets. This will add extra rigidity to the assembly, and ensure that you don't have to rely on the precision of extrusion cuts. Even so, the quality of the brackets is important, and checking for their squareness before assembly is recommended. Don't be afraid to shim parts where needed to achieve a square fit!

  • Since the main frame is composed by only four extrusions, it is worth spending some extra time during assembly to ensure it is as square as possible.
  • The nature of the high preload rails require precise alignment and care. You will be able to notice small deviations during the carriage movements, and provide feedback if something is not right, or if it binds.
  • This is a by-product of the design decisions, and will ensure the printer is assembled as well as possible.

assemblies

The most valuable tool during this process is an Machinist Square.
You can find a link to the one I use in the bottom Tools section of the BOM


Frame Assembly

Side Bottom Bracket Assembly (x2)

Type Item Quantity
Bracket Cast 90 Degree Corner 3030 - 6 Slot 1
Bracket Cast 90 Degree Corner 3030 - No tabs 1
Plate Joining Plate 3030 1
Foot Hard Foam Pad 1
T-Nut - Square 3030 - M6 5
Washer M6 12x1.6mm 2
Screw Button Head M6 10mm 2
Screw Button Head M8 16mm 3
Screw Countersunk M6 14mm 1
Screw Socket Head M6 12mm 2

Top Bracket Assembly (x2)

Type Item Quantity
Bracket Cast 90 Degree Corner 3030 - 6 Slot 1
Bracket Hidden Three Way Corner 3030 1
Screw Socket Head M6 12mm 2
T-Nut Square 3030 - M6 2
Washer M6 12x1.6mm 2
Grub Screw M6 8mm 3

Preloaded T-Nuts are included in the tables above


Assembly Steps


Note

It is recommended to use Threadlocker for the screws part of the Frame assembly.

Loctite cannot touch printed parts, or they will degrade. Use it only for pulleys and large metal to metal assemblies.

Double check the squareness between each member during and after the assembly of each component.
Tightening the screws can pull things out of alignment.


  1. Start with the main bottom 3090 - 400mm extrusion and attach the left 3060 - 400mm Z extrusion.
    Check if the tapped holes at the ends match the required orientation.

Tip

If the frame members are not closed on both sides, it is then easier to pre-load the sub-assemblies that use T-nuts by loosely attaching the screws and sliding them in.

Nut Preloading


  1. After these are square and fully tightened, preload the required Square T-Nuts and attach the second Z extrusion.

  1. Proceed with the rest of the preloaded Square T-Nuts and insert the MGN 12H 250mm Z linear rails.

  1. Insert the top 3030 400mm extrusion with its set of preloaded Square T-Nuts
    • The top needs to be tightened in such a way that it keeps the previous squareness in place, and doesn't add any forces that would shift things out of alignment
    • Do not use the top extrusion to bring things into alignment

Nut Preloading


Linear Rails

X Rail:

Type Item Quantity
Linear Rail MGN 12H 300mm 1
T-Nut - Square 2020 - M3 12
Screw Socket Head M3 8mm 12

Y Rail: (x2)

Type Item Quantity
Linear Rail MGN 12H 300mm 1
T-Nut - Square 3020 - M3 12
Screw Socket Head M3 12mm 12

Z Rail (x2)

Type Item Quantity
Linear Rail MGN 12H 250mm 1
T-Nut - Square 3020 - M3 6
Screw Socket Head M3 12mm 6

*quantity per rail


Assembly Steps

Note

The Linear Rails have to be inserted prior to closing access to the extrusions t-slot!

  • Z Axis - Insert the rails before enclosing the frame with the top extrusion.
  • Y Axis - Insert the rails before adding the motor mounts at the end of the extrusion.

  1. Attach the square t-nuts loosely to the rail then slide the rail into the extrusion t-slot.

  1. Use the printed guides for alignment and spacing to position the rails
    Mirror the exact steps, movements, and guide orientation on both sides to ensure a precise alignment between the matching rails.

  1. Tighten the screws to a consistent torque starting with the middle ones and progressing towards the edges


Z


Z Mount Assembly


  • Z Bearing Stack Assembly Diagram



Left Z Drive Part List:

Type Item Quantity
Motor Nema 17 LDO-42STH40-1684AC 1
Pulley 2GT-20T 6mm 2
Pulley 80T 6mm 1
Bearing 625 2RS 3
Shim 10 x 5 x 1mm 4
Shaft D Shape - 72mm x 5mm 1
Belt 2mgt 6mm 188mm Closed Loop 1
Heat Insert M3 Long 4.6x5.7 6
T-Nut Drop In 3030 - M3 3
Washer M4 9 x 0.5mm 1
Washer M3 7x0.5mm 6
Screw Socket Head M3 12mm 4
Screw Socket Head M3 22mm 2
Screw Socket Head M3 30mm 6


Left Z Drive Assembly Video

z_left.mp4

Right Z Drive Part List:

Type Item Quantity
Motor Nema 17 LDO-42STH40-1684AC 1
Pulley 2GT-20T 6mm 2
Pulley 80T 6mm 1
Bearing 625 2RS 2
Shim 10 x 5 x 1mm 4
Shaft D Shape - 50mm x 5mm 1
Belt 2mgt 6mm 188mm Closed Loop 1
Heat Insert M3 Long 4.6x5.7 4
T-Nut Drop In 3030 - M3 3
Washer M4 9 x 0.5mm 1
Washer M3 7x0.5mm 6
Screw Socket Head M3 12mm 4
Screw Socket Head M3 22mm 2
Screw Socket Head M3 30mm 4


Tip

Due to the nature of the design it is not possible to insert both T-nuts together.
The best strategy in this case is the following: attach the right motor mount without the highlighted T-nut, secure the right one and then slide the second T-nut into its final location from the side.


Right Z Drive Assembly Video

z.right.mp4

Z Tensioners


Z Tensioner Part List (x2)

Type Item Quantity
Idler Toothed 2GT-20T - 6mm 1
Shaft Round 25mm x 5mm 1
Heat Insert M3 Short 5x4 1
T-Nut Square 3030 - M3 3
Hex Nut M3 1
Screw Button Head M3 10mm 2
Screw Button Head M3 20mm 1
Screw Socket Head M3 14mm 1

Note

The printed parts have markings to help alignment and installation.


Assembly Cross Section

Tip

Add touch of glue to permanently lock the tensioning screw to the retaining hex nut.


Z Tensioner Assembly Video:

Note: mounts have been updated to use built-in spacers and don't require shims anymore.

Z.Tensioner.Left.v2.mp4

Animation by MakerMylo


Y


Y Motor Mount Assembly


Y Drive Part List (x2)

Type Item Quantity
Motor LDO Nema_17_42STH48-2504AC 1
Pulley 2GT-20T - for 9mm Belt 1
Idler Toothed 2GT-20T - 9mm Belt - 5mm Bore 1
Shaft Round 30mm x 5mm 1
Bearing 625 2RS 1
Heat Insert M3 Long 4.6x5.7 3
Screw Button Head M3 6mm 1
Screw Button Head M8 16mm 2
Screw Socket Head M3 30mm 3
Screw Socket Head M3 35mm 2
Screw Socket Head M3 45mm 1


Y Motor Mount Assembly Video

Note: mounts have been updated to use built-in spacers and don't require shims anymore.

Y.Motor.Mount.mp4

Tip

For ease of installation, you can pre-insert the small screw that attaches the stepper and secure it temporarily with a hex nut. This is later tightened into the stepper motor though the side access hole.



Motor Pulley Setup

  1. Insert the bearing into the mount

  2. Attach the pulley to the shaft and leave a very small gap not to rub with the stepper motor's face

  3. Make a mark with a Sharpie at the end of the motor shaft to indicate the flat D slot location. This will be needed for the next step.


  1. Insert the stepper with the pulley attached into the mount and bearing
    • The front motor needs to have the pulley attached with the grub screws secured on the round/smooth side of the shaft. This is required to sync the AWD Y steppers.

Tip

  • You can print (or make) a 0.2mm thin washer that mates with the inner ring of the outer bearing to help with this.
    If you de-flange the pulley as described in the Y Pulley Mod, the the end of the pulley can touch the bearing.

  • If the bearing is too loose into the mount, you can attach a piece of tape to decrease the tolerance.
    The same can be done on the stepper motor inner face plate to change the alignment if necessary.



An optional pulley mod is available here: Y-Pulley-Mod


Y Feet Assembly


Part List (x4)

Type Item Quantity
Foot Rubber 1
T-Nut Square 3030 - M5 1
Washer M5 14.8x1.2mm 1
Hex Nut M5 2
Screw Socket Head M5 35mm 1

🚸 The Square nuts in the assembly below have to be pre-loaded into the Y extrusion prior to attaching the Y stepper mounts.
The feet are then attached after installing the Y Motor Mounts.

It is recommended to use larger "fender" type washers than the ones in the image below.


Y Carriage


🚸 The recommended order of assembly is the following: Cart Mounts > Carriage > Belts > Bed

▶️ For the Carbon Fiber Bed Carriage assembly instructions please check out the CF-Carriage-Assembly guide.


Y Cart Mounts


Cart Mount Part List (x2)

Type Item Quantity
Heat Insert M3 Long 4.6x5.7 3
Washer M3 7x0.5mm 3
Screw Button Head M3 12mm 4
Screw Button Head M3 30mm 2
Screw Button Head M3 35mm 1

Y Carriage Mounting

  1. Sand flat the mating side the Y cart mounts. Be careful to keep things flat and not change the 90 degree angle between the cart and the bed carriage planes. Try not to remove too much material.


  1. Attach the mounts to the Linear Rail Carts
    • Push down while tightening to make sure they both have the same alignment against the top plane

  1. Place the carriage onto the cart mounts
    • Make sure the tensioner side of the carriage faces the front motor mount. (The front is the side opposite to the Y endstop, and has a 25mm spacing between the end of the rail and the end of the extrusion)

  1. Tighten the CF carriage assembly to the mount by tensioning the screws progressively, while tightening the middle screw a bit more each time so that the carriage won't bow
    • Move the carriage back and forth on the rails throughout the process to make sure the carriage and the mounts align themselves

  1. Proceed with the adjustment section below if the motion is not smooth and the carriage binds

Adjustment

  1. Loosen the three right side screws of the carriage to the cart mount just enough so things can self adjust (not totally loose or free). Move the carriage back and forth gently a few times.
  2. Tighten the right side again, as recommended in the first step
  3. Loosen the right side screws between the cart mount and the cart (linear rail bearing) just enough to self adjust. Move the carriage back and forth
  4. Tighten the mount back to the cart
  5. Repeat if needed

If the binding is still very noticeable, then you can try the following procedure:

  1. With the carriage and cart mounts tightened, loosen up all the right rail screws just enough so it can self adjust. Move the carriage front and back to align the linear rail to the opposite one.
  2. Tighten it back using the same amount of torque/turns for every screw and do not over tighten it.
  3. Move the cart and notice if there are individual binding spots. Adjust the torque of the screw in that location and see if the binding improves.

Y Belt Installation


➡️ For the belt installation instructions please check out the Belt Installation Y Axis guide.


Note: In the images below, the Y axis has a printed test carriage installed instead of the real one.



Y Frame Mounting

Y Bracket Assembly (x4)

Type Item Quantity
Bracket Cast 90 Degree Corner 3030 - No tabs 1
T-Nut - Square 3030 - M6 2
Screw Countersunk M6 14mm 2

  1. Measure the distance or use the printed positioning guide part (the Y extrusion is positioned 185mm from the outer Z pillars)

  2. Leave a 1mm gap between the rear motor mount and the rear brackets to avoid any potential vibrations between parts.


  1. Ensure the Y-axis is exactly perpendicular (90 degrees) to the rest of the frame. This alignment directly affects the X/Y skew of the printed parts.


Bed


Bed Mount

Type Item Quantity
Spacer CFRP Spacer 10x4x3mm 4
Washer M4 9 x 0.5mm 8
Hex Nut M3 Locking 4
Screw Countersunk M3 18mm 3
Screw Countersunk M3 22mm 1


➡️ For the bed heater installation instructions please check the Bed Heater guide.


Caution

Double check if there is enough clearance between the bed and the heater. Insert spacers or washers to increase the distance to a safe margin where there is no chance for the heater to rub with the screws.
If the screws come into contact with the bed heater, they will damage the polyimide layer, cause a short and start a fire!


  • At minimum use one 3mm CF spacer + 1mm washer and check for clearance. For extra safety you can use 2x 3mm CF spacers.


Tip

  • It is not recommended to perform the bed tramming procedure until everything under the bed is tested, set, and stable (such as the belt tension)
  • Do not installing a bed surface until finishing the bed tramming procedure. If you do so you will have to cut access screw access holes into it

Cable Relief

Type Item Quantity
Arm CFRP Short Arm 1
Hex Nut M3 2
Screw Button Head M3 6mm 2

Tip: To help dampening stray resonances originating from the bed cable you can use a some PVC tape to cover the arm surface that contacts the bed carriage.


X

X Belt Installation


Note

Do not attach the toolhead belt tensioning module to the toolhead until after finishing assembling the X gantry.


The following steps are done off the printer

  1. Fold the belt and roughly measure or mark the length of the loop that would go inside the tensioner (the belt loop around the screw depicted in the image below). This will let you know when it's inserted all the way though.

  2. If the belt insertion is difficult you can try coating the belt loop with water (and soap) to make it slide a bit easier. (Try it dry first)

  3. Push it in using pliers if it doesn't go in easily. Be careful not to damage the belt

  4. When you think you are done, you can insert a hex key into the hole and pull the belt to check if it's looped all the way into the cavity.

  5. Insert the belt loop retaining screw that threads directly into the plastic

  6. Leave the other side of the belt free until instructed to do otherwise

Tip

To make threading and setup process easier, it is recommended to carefully follow the mounting process described in the X Gantry section below.


X Mounts


X Right Mount

Type Item Quantity
Idler Toothed for 2GT-20T - 6mm Belt 1
Shaft Round 25mm x 5mm 1
Shim 7 x 5 x 0.5mm 1
Shim 10 x 5 x 1 1
T-Nut Square 2020 - M5 2
Hex Nut M3 1
Screw Socket Head M5 10mm Low Head 1
Screw Socket Head M5 12mm 1
Screw Button Head M3 12mm 1
Screw Socket Head M3 12mm 2
Screw Socket Head M3 22mm 2


Assembly Steps


  1. Insert the the idler shaft and the toothed idler

  2. Thread the X belt in behind the idler

  3. Screw the mount to the cart

  4. Attach the belt


The M5 screws and the t-nuts depicted in the image below should be attached only when instructed during the final X gantry assembly procedure.



X Left Mount

Type Item Quantity
Motor LDO Nema_17_42STH48-2504AC 1
Pulley 2GT-20T - For 6mm Belt 1
Bearing 625 2RS 1
Heat Insert M3 Short 5x4 1
T-Nut - Square 2020 - M5 2
Hex Nut M3 1
Shim 7 x 5 x 0.5mm 1
Shim 10 x 5 x 1mm 1
Screw Socket Head M3 14mm 2
Screw Socket Head M3 12mm 1
Screw Button Head M3 10mm 3
Screw Socket Head M3 22mm 1
Screw Socket Head M3 35mm 2
Screw Button Head M3 12mm 1
Screw Socket Head M5 10mm Low Head 1
Screw Socket Head M5 12mm 1

Assembly Steps


Note

Do not attach the X stepper motor before securing the Z belt to the left mount.


  1. Preload the four rail cart screws thought the round opening.
  2. Screw the mount to the cart by using the hex key access holes from the right side.
  3. Insert the hex nut into the side opening of the Z belt clamp
  4. Attach the Z belt and tighten the securing screw that goes into the hex nut.
    • This screw is only intended for extra safety. Tensioning it at a high torque will crack the part.
    • At this step of the process you might need to trim the Z belt precisely
  5. Insert the X belt loop into the mount
  6. Insert the stepper motor with the pulley while keeping the belt in the right place
    • The X motor pulley requires a 1.7mm offset from the stepper face, with the middle of the belt sitting at a 13mm offset
  7. Secure the screws of the stepper motor
  8. Temporarily insert the X extrusion into the mount and check for clearance between the pulley and the extrusion end
  9. Attach the Double Shear insert while making sure it clears all the inner components and tighten it

The M5 screws and the t-nuts depicted in the image below should be attached only when instructed during the final X gantry assembly procedure.


X Gantry


Note

The X Gantry requires a series of special steps to ensure a proper installation.
Please read them carefully.

Make sure to leave a gap in the following places so it permits movement during the Z tilt procedure.


Assembly Steps

  1. Preload the extrusion with two 2020 M5 square nuts on each side.
  2. Slide in the toolhead cart onto the rail, but do not attach it to the belt module
  3. Insert the X extrusion into the mounts
  4. Push the X belt into the bottom extrusion groove
  5. Check the left and right spacings to make sure they are even
  6. Press down the extrusion to ensure that it sits flat, then pull it towards the front so it's aligned against with mount's front wall
  7. Loosely attach the screws. We want the extrusion to be able to tilt freely
  8. Attach the endstop mount. Leave a small gap on the left side to account for the extrusion tilt motion
  9. Ensure that the screws sit on washers, and then tighten them in the following order: 1,4,2,3
    • ❗ The front 1,2 screws require a medium-low torque, while the rear ones, 3, 4, require a low torque. This is to ensure that the gantry can tilt freely without putting a lot of stress on the mounts
  10. Insert the loose side of the belt into the tensioner module and make sure the recommended tension can be achieved using the tensioning screw
  11. Attach the belt module to the toolhead with the two long screws


When you have the printer setup and running, please repeat the following procedure:

  1. Run a Home and Z tilt procedure in Klipper (QD HOME TILT macro)
  2. After the Z tilt has been set and the gantry is aligned to the bed, keep the steppers engaged.
  3. Loosen the screws securing the X gantry and redo the extrusion setting by following the installation and tightening steps described above.

Note

Please check the torque of the screws from time to time. It is possible that they will tighten themselves due to the gantry tilt motion.


➡️ For more information please consult the Toolhead guide.


Belt Tension


➡️ Pease refer to the following guide for setting up the belt tension: Belt Tension


Endstops


Cart Stop (x6)

Type Item Quantity
T-Nut Drop 3030 - M3 1
Screw Socket Head M3 12mm 1

X Endstop

Type Item Quantity
MicroSwitch With Lever 1
T-Nut Drop 2020 - M3 1
Screw Socket Head M3 12mm 1

Y Endstop

Type Item Quantity
MicroSwitch With Lever 1
T-Nut Drop 3030 - M3 1
Screw Button Head M2 8mm 2
Screw Socket Head M3 12mm 1

Z Endstop

Type Item Quantity
MicroSwitch With Lever 1
Heat Insert M3 Short 5x4 2
T-Nut Drop 3030 - M3 1
Washer M3 7x0.5mm 2
Screw Button Head M2 8mm 2
Screw Button Head M3 12mm 2
Screw Socket Head M3 12mm 1

Microswitch installation:

Note: The printed microswitch mounts have sacrificial bridges on the backside M2 screw holes. Break those before installation.

  1. Test if the microswitch fits into the mount. If stuck, there are backside holes built into the mounts to push the microswitch back out.
  2. Insert two cables though the mount channels (I did it though the cable exit towards the microswitch socket)
  3. Solder the outside pins of the microswitch to the cable
  4. Insert the microswitch into the mount and attach the M2 screws (if the mount has holes and your microswitch holes are 2mm diameter)
  5. Zip tie the cable to the mount


Probe Dock

Probe Dock

Type Item Quantity
Magnet 6x3mm 4
T-Nut Drop In 3030 - M3 1
Screw Button Head M3 12mm 1
Washer M3 7x0.5mm 1
Hex Nut M3 1
Screw Button Head M3 6mm 1

The following steps will ensure that the probe dock is properly set to work with the default parameters set in the configuration (quickdrawprobe.cfg)

  1. Install the probe dock 97mm from the Z pillar (1)
  2. Move the toolhead over the probe location, and lower the X gantry until the point where it touches the Z endswitch (3)
  3. Adjust the dock height (2) so that the probe magnets engage with the Toolhead dock (4)


  • Please see the following guide for the Probe installation on the Toolhead side: Toolhead#probe

Cable Routing

➡️ Please check the Printer CAD assembly for the latest recommended cable routing setup. The addition of the breakout box changed things a bit.