Some mechanical issues regarding the XY plotter

#1

Hello,

I have started building the XY plotter kit. I have noticed some mechanical issues:

  1. Some of the linear motion units don’t slide smoothly over the linear motion shafts. Some force is needed to make the units move. Applying oil to the units doesn’t solve this issue.
  2. The linear motion shafts of the Y-Axis are too short. I had to connect the 3x3 brackets from step 9 point 8 in the docs using the center holes and not as shown in the image.
  3. The motion of the Y-Axis is quite wobbly. This is probably due to the friction of the linear motion units (point 1 above) and the fact that the Y-Axis is pulled only on one side.

Is there a solution to the problems above?

Less of an issue is that some of the M4 screws don’t pass through the holes in the beams.

Thanks,
Amit

#2

See the older thread -> http://forum.makeblock.cc/t/xy-plotter-build-issues/250 . You might find some good suggestions there.

#3

Thank you Hakim for your reply, I am aware of this thread. I am yet to connect any electronics nor the pen. Regarding using the spacers, I think that connecting 3x3 brackets using the center holes improves the situation to the point that the spacers are not needed, or at least not the main problem.
In my case the wobbliness of the structure is mainly due the friction of the linear motion units. I have a feeling that either they are defect or there should be a way to make them slide smoothly over the shafts. I tried to oil them but it didn’t reduce the friction.
Besides the issue of the linear motion units, I will be happy to get an advice on how and which parts should I use for reinforcing the Y axis (e.g. with a set of beams).

Thanks,
Amit

#4