Ultimately it depends on what you want to do with them. (They are also pre-drilled specifically for NEMA 23 mounting but that is easily overcome.)
What I would really like to do is use two of these c-beam actuator setups for my y-axis. Then instead of a stepper on each I would like to attach a gt2 pulley to the end of the lead screws. A single nema 23 in the base of the 3d printer will drive a belt that drives both lead screws at the same time... Is this going to be of a PITA or should I just stick with a stepper on each actuator? How do you synchronize two steppers to drive opposite side of an axis so you dont have any problems?
Sounds reasonable. The next question would be size of the machine as gantry weight and travel distance/speed also affect workability. But mainly what I would suggest is working up a quick Sketchup model (or any other visual representation) and posting the question in the 3d printer section of the forum. That's where you will find the best help on the subject.
I will have to sketch something up after work...im hoping build platform will be 500mm x 1000mm...I was aiming for a 24" x 24" x 36" build volume but 500 x 500 x 1000mm was far more budget friendly. .. Im also hoping for dual extrusion...one will mainly be support material only, but obviously can be different options. E3D-V6 is what hot end I will be using.
You can still use the Threaded Rod Plate for Nema 17 Stepper Motor on both sides. the build is almost the same; just leave the 2x 1 mm shims on each wheel out and it will work. This gives you a 2 mm distance between C-beam and the C-Beam Gantry Plate. The Threaded Rod Plate for Nema 17 Stepper Motor will stick out 4 mm at the back of the C-Beam. The only problem is that you need to reduce the length of the 4x 30 mm screws used for the wheels to 28 mm. -Ronald
