FireSlide 20T - firepick1/FireSlide GitHub Wiki

FireSlide™ Maximus GT2 20T

The FireSlide™ Maximus trades precision for speed by using larger GT2 pulleys. It also sports a wider 20x80mm work platform extrusion.

Maximus will run about 25% faster than FireSlide-16T Precise with a light load. Heavier loads may require lower speeds. In addition to being potentially faster, the FireSlide-20T may also handle longer slide MakerSlides (25% longer) according to your software. With 20-tooth pulleys you will get a theoretical resolution of 0.0125mm/microstep with 200-step motors and 16-microsteps, which supplies more than enough precision for most applications. Be sure to use a NEMA11 high-torque stepper to move the higher mass of the 20x80mm work platform extrusion.

See video

For more information, consult the FirePick newsgroup

Components

• MakerSlide Rail (choose your length)
• 3DP 20x80 Wide Carriage with 4 V-wheels
• Universal Work Platform 20x80mm aluminum extrusion compatible with M5 fasteners
• 3DP Optical Endstop flag for common RepRap optical endstops
• 3DP Nema 11 (20T) Stepper Mount for larger pulleys
• 3DP Idler tensions belt with slotted screwdriver
• GT2 6mm Synchronous Belt Drive with two 16T pulleys
• 3DP PCB Clamp

Electronics

There are many ways to drive FireSlide. The video demonstrates FireSlide using the following:

• Arduino Mega 2560
• RAMPS1.4
• DRV8834 low-voltage stepper driver
• FireStep smooth motion controller {"systv":0.3, "sysmv":8000}
• NEMA11 high-torque stepper
• 5V motor power supply to RAMPS 5A pins (11A pins disconnected)

Assembly

FireSlide assembly presents a puzzle and a paradox. Although the pieces fit together as shown, you may find yourself wondering how to fasten the extrusion to the carriage AND tighten the GT2 belt. It's easy to tighten either separately, but the carriage blocks the access to the GT2 belt attachment points. For those of you not interested in solving fun puzzles, here's a hint:

1. Insert the M5x50mm idler screw through only one (1) of the idler screw holes so that it will tilt and give you room to tighten the GT2 belt
2. Take out the slack in the GT2 belt so that it is not floppy AND not tight. Excess tensioning or looseness at this point will just frustrate you later.
3. Tighten M3 screws that fix the GT2 belt. Don't worry about GT2 belt stray ends sticking up--they go right into the work platform extrusion channels.
4. Complete idler assembly by using a screwdriver to lever the M5x50 idler screw into position. This is why you don't want excess tightness in the GT2 belt. If you have done the previous steps "just right", you'll find that no other belt tensioning is required. However, if the GT2 belt is still too loose, use the screwdriver slots on to slide the idler away from the extrusion and thereby tighten the belt.
5. Add the V-Wheel M5 nuts to the carriage
6. Slide the 20x80 work platform extrusion onto the extrusion and tighten the M5 screws on the bottom of the carriage to fix the work platform in place.
7. Attach the V-wheels one pair at a time to the carriage and Makerslide. Leave nuts loose until all four are in place.

Once you get the knack of FireSlide assembly, you'll be able to assemble them quickly. For amusement you can keep a disassembled one on hand to torture your friends. "Hey, can you put this together like THAT?"