Inventor’s Positioning Axis (8 micron linear accuracy)
by Michele and Jim Gray
Optimized for product development, this is a 13″ or 21″ linear rail guided positioning axis with only 2.5 microns backlash.
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Life is made up of pieces of time. For inventors, time is of the essence. Spend your time creating the fun parts, we’ve taken care of the first step.
We’ve created the essential building block. Our axis is the critical element to allow inventors to put together a fully functional 3D development kit for about $1000, still having the accuracy normally found in more expensive commercial solutions.
What is it?
We’ve created a precise positioning axis with flexible mounting options, in both 13” and 21” travel lengths. Our prototype tests at 8 micron accuracy and 2.5 micron backlash. UPDATE: A double puck and idler system are now also available to increase accuracy for some applications.
The axis modules can be combined for 1D, 2D, or 3D applications.
What can they be used for?
Product development, inventions, or prototyping in 1D, 2D or 3D applications. Anytime you need something moved with exceptional accuracy, this is your tool to do it! For example: 3D printers (both Delta and Cartesian), routers, 6-legged walking robots, printed circuit board cutting machines, coordinate digitizing machines, etc. You can assemble multiple axis units together to have the capability to work along the X,Y, and Z axis.
Why did we invent this?
When we were building our CeramiCast 3D printer, we were disappointed in our options to purchase a pre-made linear axis. There are a few tools available, but the existing tools only fit big business budgets. We decided to construct our own, using the resources available in our pattern shop, and created the product that we had been looking for at an affordable price.
How does it work in a 3D printer configuration, for example?
The axis rails can be organized to match the configuration of your custom project. Bolt a 3D print head onto the sliding platform, and then use one of many free 3D printer programs to operate the unit!
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How accurate is this axis?
Our prototype tests at 8 micron accuracy and 2.5 micron backlash. Each unit will be inspected to be within 10 micron accuracy and 5 micron backlash. At your request, we’ve added a double puck and idler options!
Here are the drawings for the Double Puck and Idler upgrades:
How do I hook up motors to my axis, and what motors can I use?
You will have the option to pick a mounting plate that matches up with a Nema 17 motor, or a Nema 23 motor. The motors are not included in this Kickstarter, (as we did not personally manufacture them, and are therefore not allowed) but if you need them, they will be available for purchase on our website, www.cre8torindustries.com.
What we will use the Kickstarter money for:
We will use the money to make jigs and tooling to put the axis into production.
Here’s where we are so far:
We have a working prototype. We will begin production as soon as this Kickstarter passes it’s $5,000 goal. Update: The first batch is in production, thanks to our backers!
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Production Timeline
We have a reliable source for the rail, and the rest we make in-house. We will gear up for production and have the first axis coming off the line and inspected two weeks after the funding date.
Early backer axis units will ship mid-January. The following 100 will ship early February, and another 100 by late February.
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Technical Specifications
- 13” or 21” travel
- 2.5”x3”x22” or 2.5”x3”x30” outer dimension (as is, without motor)
- ¼-20 threaded holes on a 1.5”x2” hole pattern, which matches three mounting locations along the axis.
- Each unit will be inspected to be within 10 micron linear accuracy and 5 micron backlash.
- Compatible with Mach 3, Grbl, Sprinter, Marlin, and almost all 3D printer software. (Anything exporting step and direction signals).
Source :
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