K40 Laser Z Table

My take on a motorized Z Table for the ubiquitous K40 chinese laser.

This one is a low profile design to take advantage of the confined space in the laser. Min/Max heights (as built) are 1.5" and 4" respectively. It is also easily removed, to allow the user to switch out to a rotary Z axis if desired.

Two 608ZZ skate board bearings (or similar) are pressed into each corner. A small arbor press or a drill press is needed to seat the bearings. The bottom end of the lead screw is tapped for 8-32 low profile Phillips head screws to retain the shaft/sprocket assembly in the bearings. A little preload removes play, preventing any any side to side movement in the table.

Drive sprockets are 20 and 40 tooth GT2 and the belt is a 1350mm long, 6mm wide 675 tooth. 8mm lead screw and matching brass nuts are used.

Stepper is the standard issue 90oz torque NEMA 17 Bipolar model.

I designed the corner parts mounting holes so they could be Heli-coiled with 8-32 x .188" inserts for