⬢Take the LONGER aluminum extrusions and place them next to the frame.
Make sure the engraved PRUSA logo on the frame (top left) IS VISIBLE!
Note: screws are inserted from the opposite side of the frame. If you need to manipulate with the frame, make sure the extrusions are on the correct side.
⬢Ensure you are using the correct holes, see the second picture. Use the M5 screws to connect extrusions to the frame. Tighten the screws with the Allen key just slightly!
⬢Now, tighten the screws fully, but ON A DIAGONAL, see the last picture. As soon as you finish the first, tighten the second pair. Then proceed to the second long extrusion.
⬢Take the SHORTER aluminum extrusions and place them next to the frame.
Short extrusions must be placed on the side, where engraved PRUSA logo on the frame (top left) IS NOT VISIBLE.
Note: screws are inserted from the opposite side of the frame. If you need to manipulate with the frame, make sure the extrusions are on the correct side.
⬢Ensure you are using the correct holes, see the second picture. Use the M5x16 screws to connect extrusions to the frame. Tighten the screws just slightly!
⬢Now, tighten the screws fully, but ON A DIAGONAL, see the last picture. As soon as you finish the first, tighten the second pair. Then proceed to the second short extrusion.
⬢Rotate the frame with longer extrusions towards you.
⬢Place the front plate on the extrusions and secure it with M5x16r screws, DON'T TIGHTEN them yet!
⬢Now, tighten the screws fully, but ON A DIAGONAL, see the second picture. As soon as you finish the first, tighten the second pair. Then proceed to the second long extrusion.
⬢Ensure the frame with shorter extrusions is rotated towards you.
⬢Place the rear plate on the extrusions and secure it with M5x16r screws, DON'T TIGHTEN them yet!
⬢Now, tighten the screws fully, but ON A DIAGONAL, see the second picture. As soon as you finish the first, tighten the second pair. Then proceed to the second short extrusion.
Before you proceed further, please place the frame on a FLAT SURFACE (this is crucial).
⬢All the components are cut or drilled by machine for highest precision, but with uneven tightening, it is possible to warp the frame.
⬢Using your hand, try to wiggle with the frame sides and check, whether some corners are lifting up or not.
⬢In case you find some imperfections, release the screws, press the extrusions against the FLAT SURFACE and tighten them again.
IMPORTANT INFO: the printer is capable of self-correcting a certain amount of the frame skew. Try getting the geometry as best as possible, however, if one of the corner still keeps lifting up with values up to 2 mm (0.08 inch) you can proceed.
Note this step is optional for now. We recommend mounting the feet now to protect the surface on your table (workbench). However, you need to lift the frame up before each turn.
There will be extra step at the end of the assembly to remind you of the antivibration feet.
Note there are two designs of the feet, your package will have either the new version (marked orange) or the old version (marked red).
⬢For this step, please prepare:
⬢New antivibration foot (4x)
⬢Old antivibration foot (4x)
⬢Turn the YZ frame on the side and insert the antivibration foot. For the new design, insert and turn 90 degrees to lock it in place. For the old design insert inclined, then rotate the foot until you squish the rim inside the extrusion.
⬢Repeat this process on all 4 feet. Place them 2-3 cm from the end of each extrusion.
⬢Take the first pair of Y-rod-holders and place them on the longer extrusions, openings for screws must be facing up.
⬢Rotate the 3D printed parts towards the front plate.
⬢Secure each front holder with two M3x10 screws. Tighten both screws equally, but not completely. We will tighten them fully later on.
⬢Take the second pair of the Y-rod-holders and secure them with M3x10 screws on the rear plate (with shorter extrusions). Tighten both screws equally, but not completely. We will tighten them fully later on.
In case the M3nS nuts keep falling out, please flip the frame upside down. Tighten both printed parts and then return the frame to the previous position.
⬢Take the Y-belt-idler and insert two M3n nuts from the top.
⬢Turn the idler to the other side and insert the M3nN nyloc nut. The rubber inside the nut must be facing towards you. BE CAREFUL, don't over tighten the screw, you can break the part!
⬢Make sure all three nuts are all the way in.
In case you can't press the nuts in, don't use excessive force. Take M3 screw thread it from the opposite side of the printed part, as you tighten the screw, it will pull the nut in. Be careful not to break the idler during tightening.
⬢Take the Y-motor-holder and place it on the rear plate (short extrusions).
⬢Ensure the correct orientation, the motor shaft must be facing towards the aluminium extrusion with the PSU holders. Note that their position in the extrusion differs based on the Black PSU (holders are on the side) or Silver PSU (holders are on the top).
⬢The printer's package contains a lubricant, which is intended for maintenance. No need to use it now the bearings are lubricated. There is a dedicated online manual on how to clean the printer and apply the lubricant. See help.prusa3d.com/maintenance-tips
For MK2/S owners, the Y-carriage is now symmetrical in one direction, therefore the dot (countersink, marker) orientation for bearing insertion doesn't matter.
⬢The correct orientation: When placing bearings onto the Y-carriage, make sure that they are oriented as shown in both pictures. The tracks (rows of balls) have to be on the sides.
The incorrect orientation: Avoid placing the bearing like in the last picture! This orientation with a single row of balls in the center of the hole will later increase the wear of the smooth rod, possibly creating a groove in it.
The printed version of this manual (v3.14 and older) suggests a different approach, please follow the online version instead.
This is VERY IMPORTANT part of the assembly, which can significantly influence printer's behaviour. PLEASE read following lines carefully!
⬢Place the Y-carriage on a flat surface. Orientation doesn't matter.
⬢Insert linear bearing in the cutout and secure it by U-bolt.
⬢Hold thumb on the U-bolt and turn the carriage. Place nyloc nuts on both ends of the U-bolt.
⬢Start tightening the nuts, BUT ENSURE you are tightening both nuts equally and AS SOON AS EACH NUT REACHES THE SURFACE OF THE Y-CARRIAGE STOP TIGHTENING!!! We will finish tightening the nuts in the next step.
⬢Repeat these steps for the remaining two linear bearings.
Over tightening nuts leads to deformation of the bearing and all the issues connected with it. Please follow the instructions.
Ensure again the nuts are tightened just to the surface and equally.
⬢Check if the bearing is centered in both directions, if not slightly release the nuts and adjust its position. Then retighten the nuts to the previous state.
⬢When you are ready, using pliers rotate each nut, but only 90°. This is enough to fix the bearing without deforming it.
⬢Repeat these steps for remaining two linear bearings.
⬢Take all the smooth rods and compare their lengths. For Y-carriage you need mid-sized rods (330 mm).
NOW, PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL! Gently insert the rod straight into the bearings, do not apply too much force and do not tilt the rod!
⬢If you can't slide the smooth rod easily, check the two bearings are aligned properly.
In case you manage to push out balls from the bearings, please count them. One or two balls are ok, if there are more of them, please consider ordering new bearings.
⬢Using M3x10 screw fix the Y-belt-holder to the Y-carriage. Tighten the screw and ensure the printed part is parallel with the "axis" between the Y-motor and Y-belt-idler.
⬢Use the hole on the left, see the picture.
⬢Guide the belt along the Y-axis, around the pulley on the Y-motor and back.
⬢Make sure the belt is inside the frame, not under!
⬢Push the belt through the Y-belt-idler and back to the "center" of the Y-carriage.
⬢Using a finger on your left hand push the belt down. Some force should be needed for bending the belt, BUT don't try to overstretch the belt as you might damage the printer.
⬢You can change the tension in the belt by adjusting the M3x30 screw below the Y-carriage.
⬢Tighten the screw, bring the parts closer and thus increase the overall tension.
⬢Release the screw, parts will move apart, the overall tension will decrease.
⬢Use the technique described below to test if the belt is properly stretched.
⬢Use pliers to hold the Y-axis motor shaft.
⬢Move the Y-carriage with your hand towards the Y-axis motor. Don't use excessive force.
⬢If the belt is stretched properly, you should feel a resistance and the Y-carriage won't move at all. If the belt is too loose, it will deform (create a "wave") and jump over the teeth on the pulley.
⬢After the proper tension is set, tighten the M3x10 screw.
If you have a question about something that isn't covered here, check out our additional resources. And if that doesn't do the trick, you can send an inquiry to [email protected] or through the button below.