Step 1: Prepare the cable carrier

Remove all of the snap-in tabs from the y-axis cable carrier. The y-axis cable carrier is the middle length cable carrier in the kit. It has 80 links in it (1600mm) + end pieces. Note that this cable carrier is very similar in size to the x-axis cable carrier. Make sure you choose the correct one.

Step 2: Orient the cable carrier

There is only one orientation that the y-axis cable carrier mounts to the cross-slide and gantry, and it is determined by the orientation of the end pieces. Lay the cable carrier onto the gantry’s horizontal cable carrier supports but do not attach it at this time.

y axis cc empty.png

Step 3: Add the y-axis motor and encoder cables

Feed the y-axis motor and encoder cables through the slot in the cross-slide plate such that there is enough cable length so that they can be comfortably connected to the motor and encoder. However, do not plug them in at this as they can be damaged if pulled on.

y motor cable.png

Step 4: Lay out the tubing and wiring

Lay the y-axis motor and encoder cables and all of the cables and tubes coming from the z-axis cable carrier (UTM cable, the two liquid/gas tubes, the camera cable, and the z-axis motor and encoder cables) into the open y-axis cable carrier.

Organization is important!

When laying the cables and tubing in the carrier, ensure that none of the cables or tubes criss-cross over each other. If they do, you will have trouble snapping in the tabs and you risk compressing the tubes and preventing air/water flow.

Step 5: Snap in some tabs

Snap in three cable carrier tabs at both ends of the cable carrier, and ten more spread throughout the middle of the cable carrier so that as you mount the assembly, the cables and tubing will stay in place. You do not want to snap in all of the tabs at this time because that will make it difficult to adjust any of the tubes or cables if needed.

Step 6: Mount the cable carrier to the cross-slide

Carefully flip over the end of the cable carrier such that the end piece is positioned on the long cable carrier mount. Make sure you maintain organization of the cables and tubing when doing this.

Reduce the amount of extra tubing and wiring between the end of the y-axis cable carrier and the z-axis cable carrier by gently pulling the extra length through the y-axis cable carrier. It can be difficult to coax the contents around the bend of the cable carrier, so take your time and ensure that you are not pulling anything too hard. Never pull anything by the connector.

Attach the y-axis cable carrier to the long cable carrier mount using two M5 x 16mm screws, M5 washers, and M5 locknuts.

y cc cross slide mount.png

Step 7: Mount the cable carrier to the gantry

Attach the y-axis cable carrier to the horizontal cable carrier support nearest the gantry using two M5 x 16mm screws, M5 washers, and M5 locknuts.

y axis cc gantry mount.png

Step 8: Snap in the remaining tabs

Once everything is situated well, snap-in the remaining cable carrier tabs, ensuring that you maintain organization of the cables and tubing.

Not easy to adjust

Once you snap-in the remaining tabs, it will become impossible to adjust any of the cables and tubing without removing the majority of the tabs first. Make sure everything is in place before you make a bunch of extra work for yourself.

What’s next?