Adjustment Screw for 3d Printer Table?

They may not just be overkill they might be too delicate for the forces allied causing a loss of precision. Remember optical components typically just sit in one place, never moving once set in place.

I would just purchase an X Y table with some locking hand cranks. If you insist on doing it yourself there are plenty of tutorials.

Rolled threads? Here is a very recent blog that explains threads and their manufacturing style!

• Optical stage platforms may be overkill, what tolerances do you want to keep?
• Are you building this from scratch?
• Take a look on eBay.
• Look at the product and supplier link at the top of the page!

Good luck!

Stages with micrometer type threads will need a lot of turning to move a small distance. Another option is to have a coarser thread, maybe a standard metric/unified size, but have a large diameter handwheel. This way you get faster travel but get precision by way of the bigger circumference of the handwheel.

II don't understand. 3-4 inches of total travel isn't that much.

You only need to adjust.the table relative to the head once per run.

Why can't you set the table where zero is and start?

Maybe I'm just dumb.

There are disengageable nuts that, by pressing a button, can be slid long the screw to a nearly correct position. Releasing the button engages the threads for final precise positioning.

It depends on the precision (accuracy and resolution) that you require. If you want micron level precision (.0001 inch) you might consider the method used to position early jig borer tables. This consisted of a standard micrometer head with 1 inch travel mounted on a fixed member and aligned with a stop a on the moving member. A set of 1 in, 2 inch, and 3 inch precision rods that set into a v-groove tray provided the full range of travel.

As for rolled threads, that is how the standard "all-thread rods" are manufactured. they are the least expensive, but the least precise. Precision threads are ground in hardened steel.

What kind of precision do you need? Do you need the movement to be motorized?

Check the Edmund Optics catalog. They carry a wide variety of linear positioners with varying degrees of precision, X, Y, Z, and rotary movement, manual and motorized.

http://www.edmundoptics.com/optomechanics/translation-stages-slides/

Not sure why you would need this feature, as 'adjustment' can easily be done in software. Lots of examples on the net, places like 'instructables.com', element 14.com, you tube and others that give a complete breakdown on hardware and software for 3d printing, plasma cutting, laser cutting, router cutting, milling, etc.

25 years ago I built some computer controlled coin inspection tables using 1/2 inch, 'rolled' threads on (if my memory is correct) L60 shaft, a high lead steel, with a custom 'delrin' follower, and I believe they are still in use.

For heavier duty use (weld head positioning) I use 5/8 ball screw stock as it is the most common and readily available, and also the cheapest precision ground stock.

The only application that comes to my mind is if the existing 3D printing table was too small to build a widget in one cycle. Moving the whole piece precisely but manually to the next part of the printing stage would be my guess. However, if your going to go to that length then replace the small table with the larger table and be done with it.

As the OP has not commented on here since posting we may never know the reasons.

You have all given me great food for thought. It is obvious I need to rethink my approach.Many thanks!