SOL Z Drive Screw Replacement

Power off the machine.

Disconnect the USB cable from the camera.

Disconnect the zoom cable from the zoom board.

Remove the Z encoder by loosening the four M4 bolts with washers, and set them aside.

Remove the handle by loosening the M4 bolt inside the clamp, then pull the Z handle outward.

Remove the M6 bolt and washers from the side of the Z-stage assembly and set them aside.

While supporting the Z-stage assembly to prevent it from falling, remove the two M6 bolts and washers from the top of the Z-stage assembly.

Carefully place the Z-stage assembly on its side on a protective surface to prevent damage.

Remove the two M4 bolts and washers from the side bracket and set them aside.

Remove the two M4 bolts from the gear bracket and set them aside.

Slide the drive screw downward and out of the bearing at the end.

Remove the drive nut bracket by removing the three M3 × 10 bolts, then slide the bracket off.

Install the drive nut bracket onto the new drive assembly using the three M3 × 10 bolts. Ensure the drive nut is centered in the bracket before tightening the bolts.

Slide the new Z-drive assembly into the end bearing.

Reattach the gear bracket to the rear of the Z-stage using the two M4 bolts. Ensure the bracket is fully seated against the two reference edges while tightening the bolts (see image).

Loosely attach the nut bracket to the stage bracket using two M4 × 16 bolts with washers. Rotate the drive screw until the nut is close to the gear bracket, then tighten the bolts. Verify smooth operation by rotating the drive screw up and down to ensure it turns freely. If binding occurs, loosen and retighten the bolts on the stage bracket.

Reinstall the complete Z-stage assembly by fastening it to the machine using two M6 bolts with washers.

Reinstall the third M6 bolt with washers.

Reinstall the handle by sliding it into the clamp and tightening the bolt to secure it. Verify smooth gear meshing. If necessary, adjust the handle position slightly inward or outward within the clamp to achieve smooth gear engagement.

Loosely reinstall the encoder using the four M4 bolts with thin washers. Center the encoder within the readhead slots, then tighten the bolts evenly.

Drive the Z-axis to one end of its travel. Set the encoder end approximately 1 mm from the readhead and tighten the bolt. Drive the Z-axis to the opposite end of travel, set the encoder end approximately 1 mm from the readhead, and tighten the bolt.

Reconnect the USB cable and the zoom cable.

Redo the following adjustments/calibrations: