How to guideUpdated: April 12th, 2021

Mechanical Assembly Checklist

Overview

The mechanical assembly checklist should be used as a final check once the system is assembled.

Use the following checks to ensure that your system is assembled correctly.


General assembly

1. Extrusions

  Extrusions are assembled according to CAD design.
  • Check that the right profile type and length are used in each location.

2. Gussets

 High-precision (HP) and general-precision (GP) gussets are installed in correct locations.

3. Plates

 Assembly plates are properly mounted; no fasteners are missing.

4. Frame

  Base frame can support more than enough weight.
  • Inspect entire assembly, starting from the bottom and moving up.
  • Use a framing square if necessary to attain the correct perpendicularity.

For details, see the assembly guide .

5. Screws

 Screws are securely tightened.
  • Torque all fasteners to 13–16 Nm.
  • For systems exposed to vibrations, consider applying Loctite 2760 to critical screws.

For details, see the anti-vibration products guide .

6. Level

 System is leveled.
  • Check using a level.
  • Adjust feet as needed to obtain desired results.

7. Cables and tubes

 Cables and tubes are sufficiently long and run along clear paths.
  • If you have any moving parts or are using drag chains, check that cables are long enough to move from one end to another.
  • Cables and tubes should be easy to identify and access.

For details, see the cable management guide .

8. Hinges

 Hinges move smoothly.

9. Safety interlock

 Safety interlocks are adjusted and fully engaged.

10. Custom parts

 Custom parts are deburred and have no sharp edges.

Rack and pinion

11. Rack spacing

  Gear rack sections are properly joined.
  • Place the rack installation tool over the joint of two rack segments to check that teeth are spaced correctly.

For details, see the rack and pinion actuator guide .

12. End-stop brackets

 End sensor brackets are tightened on rack.

13. Housing

 Bearings and/or rollers are securely mounted on housing.

Alignment

14. Rails

  Linear rails are leveled and parallel.
 Rail brackets are securely tightened on extrusions.
 Gantry moves fluidly on the rails, traveling from end to end without any resistance.

For details, see the linear axis alignment guide .

15. Shaft

 If system has butt-jointed rails: Butt-joints have no chamfer, gaps, or misalignment.
  • After alignment, double-check that shaft brackets are securely tightened.

16. Roller wheels

  Eccentric rollers are all on one side and properly adjusted; concentric rollers are all on the opposite side.

For details, see the linear guides datasheet .

Lubrication and maintenance

Find step-by-step instructions for these components in the maintenance guide.

17. Linear ball bearings

  Installation: Ball bearings lubricated.
 Maintenance plan: Linear ball bearings lubricated once a year or after every 100 km of travel, whichever comes first.

18. Plain bearings

  Installation (recommended): Shaft cleaned with 3-in-1 oil.

No lubrication required for installation or maintenance.

19. Ball screws

  Installation: Ball screws lubricated.
 Maintenance plan: Ball screws lubricated every six months or after 500,000 revolutions, whichever comes first.

20. Rack and pinion

  Installation: Gear racks lubricated.
 Maintenance plan: Gear racks lubricated every six months or after 500,000 revolutions, whichever comes first.

21. Enclosed timing belt actuator

  Installation: N/A (ships pre-lubricated).
 Maintenance plan: Bearings and cover strips lubricated once a year or after every 100 km of travel, whichever comes first.

22. Rotary actuator

  Installation: N/A (ships pre-lubricated).
 Maintenance plan: Gears lubricated every six months or after 10,000 revolutions, whichever comes first.

Sensors

23. End-stop sensor

  If using an actuator: End-stop sensors are functioning (to detect when gantry reaches end of travel).

24. End-stop bumper

  Sensor has sufficient clearance from plate at end-stop position.
  • Use jam nuts to adjust sensor position.
  • Leave 2-3 mm of clearance between sensor and plate at end-stop position, to ensure gantry hits the bumper and not the end-stop sensor.

25. Sensor mounting

 Sensors have enough clearance and are not intercepted by the movement of other components.

Motors

26. Motor

  Before installation: Shaft has key installed on it.

27. Power transmission devices

 Before installation: Design follows proper order of motor, gearbox, and brake.
 If using a gearbox: The input clamping mechanism is properly secured through ports on the gearbox's side.