Fourth iteration of Z-Axis was mounted expediently for the pen plotter test, where we found the ball screw was bent but everything else looked good enough to proceed. Following that success, I will make a better mount for this linear actuator to solve some problems with the quick test configuration we had used.

Zv4 mounted by vertical extrusion with old bracket

Problem #1: the test mount was a 3D printed plastic bracket. The best thing that can be said about the rigidity of the mount was that it is better than tape.

Problem #2: old mount leaves long Z-axis mechanism in place, moving the small carriage. Fine for plotters, but for a small vertical CNC mill we want the Z-axis mechanism to move out of the way of the work piece. This means flipping the mechanism around, mounting it by the small carriage so motor moves the entire assembly out of the way.

Zv4 aluminum mounting board in progress

A scrap piece of aluminum was drafted for this purpose. Holes were drilled by hand for fasteners. The accuracy leaves something to be desired, but the hope is that the machine will eventually get to a point where it can make a superior replacement for itself.

Zv4 aluminum mounting board almost ready

Because the carriage aluminum extrusion beam does not have the same spacing as the gantry aluminum extrusion beam, this plate allows us to bolt them together. Here it is almost ready for installation.

Zv4 mounted by aluminum sheet

Installation complete. Now when the tool moves up, the rest of the Z-axis moves up and out of the way with it. It is now ready for a CNC spindle.