AM8 - Z 12mm upgrade by DruckiMCDruck

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

Note: This is only a tiny part of my AM8 upgrades. You can find the links to the other parts at the bottom of the description.
About
This Z rework intends to reduce ringing and wobble on tall parts. It is designed as drop-in replacement and fully compatible with the original AM8 X arrangement. It's also meant to be a cheaper (and still rigid) alternative to the MGN upgrade. To keep the compatibility, two options of this upgrade are available:
a) 12mm linear rod upgrade with sinter or igus bushings
This option keeps the outer bearing diameter of LM8UU/LM8LUU while using 12mm rods and thus allows for a plug'n'play upgrade while keeping compatibility to the A8 and AM8 X axis or whichever other option your're using.
b) 8mm linear rod upgrade with "just" reinforced printed parts
This option does benefit from the reinforced printed parts, but you still keep the downsides of the weak 8mm rods. I'd only use this when high-quality Z rods were already purchased.
I recommend to go with option a), as this is the by far more rigid solution.
The leadscrew and linear rods are 22.2mm apart, just like on the standard AM8 and A8 to keep compatibility.
BOM
24x slot nut
24x screw for slot nut (for example M5x10)
8x M3x16 ISO 4762
2x M3x20 ISO 4762
8x M3 DIN 125 washer
2x M3 DIN 934 nut
If you choose the 12mm rod option, you will additionally need IGUS or sinter bearings:
4x bushing 12mm ID, 15mm OD, length 10mm (length isn’t crucial and can be longer)
If you choose to mount the top brackets with M6x60 screws, you’ll additionally need:
4x M6x60 ISO 4762 screws (M6x55 will also do)
Remix & Sources
There are STEP sources available in the files section. Happy to see improvements and remixes of this Z upgrade :)
Assembly Instructions
Instructions are available as PDF in the files section
You might also want to have a look at my Y rework with horizontal belt:https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2970681
Version History
-none yet-
You might also want to have a look at:
my Y axis 12mm upgradehttps://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3016011
my horizontal Y belt upgradehttps://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2970681
my SC8UU compatible 12mm housings for sinter bearings:https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3016075
The upgraded X axis with 12mm rodshttps://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3016379
The reinforced X tensioner using proper bearings and a motor pulley:https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3016345