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Z Drive Replacement Instructions

Z Drive Replacement Instructions

These instructions are for Z Drive Replacement items SC4930902, SC4930903, and SC4930904.

SC4930902 applies to Vertex models 261, 341, and Excel models 511, 701, 901, 1301, 1701, 2500. 160 mm Z axis.

SC4930903 applies to Vertex 342 and Excel models 512, 702, 902, 1302, 1702. 250 mm Z axis.

SC4930904 applies to Excel 704, 904, 1304, 1704. Excel 400 mm Z axis.

Removing the Original Z Drive:

 

  1. Ensure the machine is powered off, then disconnect the two cables connected to the Z motor and the cable connected to the Z-axis brake.

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  1. Remove the Z-axis brake by unthreading the solenoid. Take care not to lose the plunger and spring. Once the brake is removed, manually move the stage to the bottom of its travel.

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  1. Loosen and remove the three M4 bolts securing the drive nut, and set them aside for later reinstallation.

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  1. Remove the two M6 bolts securing the drive block, then carefully lift the Z Drive Assembly up and off the machine. Retain the hardware for later reinstallation.

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  1. Set the clear drive spacer aside for later use.

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  1. Loosen the larger set screw on the coupling, specifically the one on the drive screw side.

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  1. Remove the four M4 bolts securing the drive housing, then separate the two halves of the drive assembly.

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Installing the New Z Drive:

  1. Unpack the replacement drive.

  2. Slide the motor mount onto the Z drive block and secure it using the four HSSHCM4X10H screws retained from the original assembly. Install the screws but leave them loose to allow the motor mount to slide freely relative to the Z drive block.

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  1. Tighten the coupling bolt securely.

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  1. Position the assembly vertically with the drive shaft facing downward. Support the motor block and the lead screw nut, then gently rotate the motor back and forth to allow the assembly to settle into its optimal alignment. Once aligned, tighten the four HSSHCM4X10H screws using a 3 mm T-handle.

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  1. Reinstall the drive assembly onto the machine, ensuring the clear spacer is positioned underneath it.

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  1. Loosely secure the drive housing using the M6 × 40 bolts retained earlier. Do not fully tighten the bolts at this time.

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  1. Secure the drive nut to the top of the Z-stage flexure using the three M4 × 10 bolts retained earlier.

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  1. Manually move the Z stage up and down to check for excessive friction. If excessive friction is observed, repeat the alignment steps.

  1. Move the Z-axis to the top of its travel, then tighten the two screws securing the Z drive to the Z backplate.

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  1. Reinstall the brake by aligning the plunger with the cutout, then thread the solenoid into place.

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  1. Reconnect the two motor cables and the Z-axis brake cable that were disconnected in Step 1.

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Product information is subject to change without prior notice as a result of ongoing technical development