Folgertech Prusa i3 2020 X-Axis Upgrade Gen-2 (Openbuilds V-Slot Rail System)

This is the Gen-2 version of my X-Axis upgrade to the Folgertech Prusa i3 2020 Variant, however it should work with any 2020 rail printer, and could be adapted to an all-thread framed printer with a few additional brackets. It replaces the cheap linear bearings and 8mm rods with an Openbuilds V-Slot Gantry and rail system.

Noise reduction is huge with this upgrade, accuracy is increased and overall stiffness of the X-Axis is also increased. This system is up and running on my printer along with a few others (although there are a few variation in the assembly).

This version of the upgrade can utilize various length of rail (with the V-7 mount). The X Stepper Motor is mounted on the X gantry and rides along with it. It is great fro a Bowden setup, but you might want to stick with Gen-1 for a direct drive extruder, although I am running DD with this setup and have seen no issues at all. Just keep in mind the gantry gets pretty heavy with two steppers attached to it. The V-8 mount added a brace to help stiffen the rail, it's a bit flimsy installed on V-7, however I am still running V-7. The V-8 mount will require the rail be cut to the proper length, as I have not cut mine done and printers may vary I suggest install the two mounts and measuring the required rail length prior to cutting it.

I have also added the Gen-1 X-mount (V-6) to the list of things, it's by far the most robust of all the mounts, and if you're switching from Gen-1 to Gen-2 you can reuse the same mounts if you want.

Gen-1 X-Axis: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1285301

As with Gen-1 I am not writing assembly instructions as it is pretty straight forward, I have provided a link to a Imgur Album showing detailed photos of the build. This is a work in progress so there are variations of the build (with-in the album) so please keep this in mind when looking through the photos.

http://imgur.com/a/1mZXH

The endstop mount comes in two version, one has a 2.3mm hole that needs to be tapped, the other has a 3mm thru and will require a 3mm nut.

there are two optiond for attaching the belt to the X-mounts (both shown in photos). the easiest way is to use the stamped M5T-nuts from OB and simply pinch the belt under the screw, make sure you install the T-nut with the threaded protrusion pointing up so the belt can slip under it. This method will have to be used if you stick with or use the V-6 mounts. Method two uses the slots provided in the V-7 & V-8 mounts. Just pull the belt through, lay it over and install two M3 Screws and washer to secure. This also requires you tap the M3 screws holes.

Direct Drive Mount for NEMA 17 Extruders

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1278168

E3d V6 Bowden Mount (w/Proximity Sensor)

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1288706

I have provided a BOM

You can checkout before and after videos here:

Bench Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpn-rzMczIo

Before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4HJPyrFLzk In this video the Y-Axis upgrade was installed, the grinding noise you hear is the X-Carraige.

After: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqzbo9MErIo

There is also a Lead Screw Mount for a M5 Nut, this will allow the stock M5 nut and All Thread to be used in-lieu-of the M8 Lead Screws. Just insert the M5 nut into the bottom of the adapter and mount like any other Lead Screw Nut (make sure the M5 nut is on the bottom). I haven't printer or tested this adapter so please let me know how it works out.

Edit: 4-9-2016

Added two lead screw nut adapters to use in-lieu-of the 8mm brass lead screw nut.

5mm plain nut (this file have been printed and fits great
8mm plain nut (this file has not been printed or tested)