Resin 3D printers are known for creating high-precision prints. It is also a high precision machine, ensuring the printing movement is precise and stable. With the advancement of technology, consumer-grade resin printers have brought significant improvements in machine accuracy and printing accuracy. Now, there are many users who have become 3D printing enthusiasts and are exploring the future of additive manufacturing. In the process of 3D printing, the user will encounter some problems with the use and maintenance of the resin printer, and will also need to maintain or upgrade the printer he owns to improve the performance of the machine and extend its service life.
Some users have encountered the problem of z-axis of resin printers, making abnormal noise, and even affecting printing. Loose stepper motors and screw motors that need to be replaced are possible problems that can affect the normal operation of the printer. If you are having problems with your z-axis screw or motor, please read this article where we provide information on resin printer stepper motors and screws. For Anycubic Photon Mono users, we provide a detailed guide for replacing the screw motor of your printer.
What are Stepper Motors and Screw Set of Resin Printer
Resin printers typically use stepper motors for motion, such as raising and lowering the build plate. The stepper motor is equipped with a lead screw or threaded rod, which can convert the motor's rotary motion into linear motion. During the printing process, the component can realize the precise control of the vertical motion of the printer.
Stepper Motors: Stepper motors are used in both FDM printers and resin printers. They provide precise and controlled motion by converting electrical impulses into rotational motion in discrete steps. On resin printers, stepper motors control the lift and lift of the build plate in the z-axis.
Screw Set: The screw set refers to the mechanical components that incorporate threaded rods or lead screws with stepper motors. The Z-axis motion of the resin printer is controlled by a stepper motor, usually using a threaded rod or lead screw mechanism to convert the motor's rotational motion into linear motion. The stepper motor rotates the screw, which, in turn, moves the build plate based on the desired position.
The z-axis motion in a resin printer controls the precise positioning of each layer of the printed object. When there is a problem with the stepper motor or the screw set, it will affect the normal operation of the z-axis and the quality of the 3D prints. When necessary, we need to replace the Z-axis motor to maintain the normal operation of the machine and restore accurate vertical motion to ensure continued machine accuracy. Therefore we also provide a detailed step-by-step tutorial for replacing the Screw Motor, hoping to optimize the printing experience of Anycubic Photon Mono users.
How to Replace Screw Motor for Anycubic Photon Mono
Tools: New screw motor, M3 Allen key, M2.5 Allen key
Part 1: Remove the old screw motor
Step 1: Plug in the power cord, turn on the printer. Click on the screen and raise the Z-axis to the highest point.
Step 2: Then turn off the printer.
Step 3: Use an M2.5 Allen keyto unscrew the screws on the top cover, and then remove the top cover. Unscrew the screw on the anti-backlash nut with an M2.5 Allen key. After the anti-backlash nut is separated from the Z-axis support frame (it is recommended to wear gloves for operation) manually unscrew the anti-backlash nut along the screw. Note that when it is about to be unscrewed, grasp it with your hands to prevent the spring from popping out instantly. To prevent the slider from sliding out of the guide rail, re-install the top cover.
Step 4: Unscrew the screws on the bottom plate with an M3 Allen key. Pull out the cable plug connecting the screw motor and the cable plug connecting the drive cable to the motherboard by hand.
Step 5: Unscrew the screw that fixes the screw motor on the platform with an M2.5 Allen key. Remove the screw motor.
Part 2: Install the new screw motor
Step 6 :Use an M2.5 Allen key to unscrew the two screws on the old screw motor. Install the screw motor damping pad to the new screw motor, and fix it with screws. Note that the installation direction of the damping pad of the new screw motor is the same as that of the old screw motor.
Step 7: Install the new screw motor, paying attention to the direction of the screw motor terminal facing down. Tighten the screw fixing the screw motor with an M2.5 Allen key. Re-insert the cable plug connecting the screw motor.Re-insert the cable plug of the drive cable to the motherboard. Re-tighten the screws on the bottom plate with an M3 Allen key.
Step 8: Remove the top cover. Install the nut fixing piece on the screw rod, rotate it several times to fix it on the screw rod. And then place the spring and the nut spacer in order, then press the spring and nut spacers by hand.So that the upper and lower grooves of the nut fixing part and the nut spacer can be engaged, and rotate at the same time. Note the entire nut assembly can completely enter the screw (it is recommended to wear gloves for operation).
Step 9: Move the Z-axis support frame upward, the anti-backlash nut assembly enters the groove of the cantilever. And rotate the nut assembly to make the upper and lower screw holes consistent, and then re-install the screws with an M2.5 Allen key.
Step 10: Re-tighten the screws fixing the top cover with an M2.5 Allen key.
Part 3: Test for normal operation
Plug in the power cord and turn it on. Click "Tools" ---"Move Z-axis" on the home menu to move the Z-axis up and down. If it can move forward and there is no abnormal noise, the screw motor is replaced successfully.
If you still have questions about the use and maintenance of Photon Mono series printers, please feel free to contact our professional after-sales team, for any post-purchase inquiries or assistance. Our brand is dedicated to providing customer support and solving any issues you may have.
For the use and maintenance of Photon Mono series printers, please click for more video tutorials.
Video Guide: Replacement of Screw Motor for Anycubic Photon Mono