Y‑Axis Gantry Assembly

The Y‑axis gantry converts your base frame into a moving system. In this stage you’ll install wheels, spacers, and fasteners on mirrored gantry plates, and confirm smooth preload on the 2040 extrusion.

Install Lower Wheels and Spacers

Begin by attaching the two bottom wheels to the gantry plates. While plastic spacers can be used, metal spacers are strongly recommended for durability. (Our reference build used plastic spacers.)

Lower wheel installation on gantry plate

Tip: Slide the wheel + spacer onto an M5 bolt, then thread the bolt through the gantry plate for easier alignment.

Using M5 bolt to seat wheel and spacer

Place the bottom wheels flush against the underside of the 2040 extrusion and verify free rotation.

If wheels bind or wobble, re‑check the spacer stack and ensure bearings are fully seated.

Mount Wheels to the 2040 Extrusion

With both bottom wheels installed, slide the gantry plate onto the 2040. The wheels should contact the underside and roll smoothly.

Gantry plate sliding onto 2040 extrusion

At this stage your setup should resemble the example below, with the gantry plate moving freely but without play.

Gantry plate after initial fit

Mirror for Opposite Side

Repeat the same steps on the opposite side of the machine and mirror the assembly so both gantry plates oppose each other correctly. When complete, the build should match the configuration shown here.

Mirrored gantry plate installation complete

Target a slight preload: the gantry should roll smoothly with no lateral slop, but not feel gritty or over‑tight. When uncertain, favor a bit more tension rather than less.

Summary

You should now have:

Two mirrored Y‑gantry plates installed on the 2040 extrusion
Lower wheels and spacers fitted and running smoothly
Correct baseline tension with no visible play