Help wanted design laser X-axis

[gavztheouch]

I also think block and rail, belt and servo is the way to go, with the possibility of moving to a stepper to reduce costs.

On my current setup I am using a hiwin HGR15 Rail. I have learned from this setup that a smaller rail with a much lower overall height would be better than the HG15. The lower the height of the rail the smaller the pulley you need to make a loop of belt around the rail, connecting the belt ends at the front ethier side of the carriage.

Hiwin MG Linear Guideway is available in sizes (Rail Width) 5, 7, 9, 12, 15 (mm) and the height of the rails start at 3.6mm and go up to 10mm. In comparison the RG rail 15mm pitch has a height of 16.5mm so even at the 15mm pitch size the MG rail is significatly lower in profile.

I also found that only the lowest preload option gave a free moving carriage.

Another main issue I had was securing the pulley to the shaft of the motor. I have tried grub screws but the high acceleration rates and sudden change of direction when rastering work them loose in no time at all. A few possible solutions would be using an anerobic glue like locite bearing fit or a roll pin through the pulley and shaft. I like the look of these keyless bushing for small pulleys from CMT though, but they look expensive.