Replace Z-Axis Microswitches (M2+)

Model [•] AON M2+ (CE) [•] AON M2+ (R-NZ) [•] AON M2+ [ ] AON-M2 2020 [ ] AON-M2
Category [•] Preventive [ ] Corrective
Frequency [ ] Daily [ ] Weekly [ ] Monthly [•] Yearly [ ] As Needed

For instructions on how to replace the two Z-axis microswitches found on the AON-M2 and the AON-M2 2020, refer to the Replace Z-Axis Microswitches procedure.

Summary

The procedure that follows gives the instructions on how to replace the two Z-axis microswitches found on the AON M2+.

Estimated time: 30 minutes

Tools

Qty Description Specification
1 Hex Key 2.5 mm
1 Hex Key 1.5 mm
1 Tape Non-Glossy
1 Marker Fine Tip
A/R Rags Lint-free
A/R Isopropyl Alcohol 99%

Parts Information

Qty Part Number Description
1 K-6ED0765E Z-Axis Microswitch Kit
2 .F3FC1CC3 Crouzet Snap Action Microswitch (Included in kit)
8 . HW-WASH-FLAT-PTFE-#4 No. 4 Teflon™ Washer (Included in kit)
4 . HW-WASH-SLEEVE-PTFE-#2 No. 2 Teflon™ Sleeve Washer (Included in kit)
4 . HW-CD-NUT-2/56-SS No. 2 Crush Nut (Included in kit)

Reach out to our Customer Success team at help@aon3d.com for genuine AON3D replacement part(s).

To help with machine reliability, AON3D recommends to replace the two Z-axis microswitches as a pair.

Personal Protective Equipment

Qty Description Minimum Specification
1 Safety Eyewear ANSI/ISEA Z87.1
A/R Nitrile Gloves ISO 2859-1 or ASTM D6319

Prepare the Machine

Make sure that there are no prints on the build surface. Remove print(s) before the procedure that follows is started. Failure to do so can cause a collision and cause damage to the machine component(s).

  1. Home XYZ.
  2. Lower the Z-axis by 300 mm.
  3. Move the Y-axis to the rear of the build platform.
  4. Open the build chamber door.
  5. Push the E-stop button.
  6. Turn the power OFF with the ON/OFF switch found behind the machine.
    • For AON M2+ (CE) machines: Disconnect power to the machine from the local supply disconnecting device.
    • For AON M2+ (R-NZ) and AON M2+ machines: Disconnect the main power cord from the receptacle.
  8. Wait until the build chamber, build platform and hot ends are at room temperature.

Remove the Z-Axis Microswitches

Wait until all the machine components are at room temperature before you continue. Some machine components can be hot if the machine was recently used. Failure to do so can cause injuries.

Right Cover View Right Microswitch View

To remove the left Z-axis microswitch (5), do the steps that follow:

  1. Use the 2.5 mm hex key to remove the four screws (1) found on the top of the microswitch cover (2).
  2. Remove the microswitch cover (2).
  3. Use the tape and the marker to correctly identify the two wires that connect to the Z-axis microswitch (5).
  4. Carefully disconnect the two wires from the Z-axis microswitch (5).
  5. Use the 1.5 mm hex key to remove the fastener components that follow:
    • the two washers (3)
    • the two screws (4).
  6. Remove the Z-axis microswitch (5) from the vacuum chuck frame.
  7. Discard the Z-axis microswitch (5).
  8. Do steps 1 to 7 for the Z-axis microswitch found on the adjacent side.

Install the New Z-Axis Microswitches

Make sure to install the Z-axis microswitch in the correct orientation. The microswitch actuator is not in the center of the Z-axis microswitch housing. The microswitch actuator must be offset and point to the front of the machine when installed. Failure to install the Z-axis microswitch correctly can cause damage to machine component(s).

Do the steps that follow to install the left Z-axis microswitch (5):

  1. Use a lint-free rag and isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface where the Z-axis microswitch (5) is attached on the vacuum chuck frame.
  2. Let the surface dry for two minutes.
  3. Put the new Z-axis microswitch (5) in position on the vacuum chuck frame. Make sure to install the Z-axis microswitch (5) in the correct orientation.
  4. Manually install the fasteners that follow:
    • the two washers (3)
    • the two screws (4).

      Do not tighten the Z-axis microswitch fastener components too much. Failure to do so can cause damage to the Z-axis microswitch, which can cause collisions of machine component(s).

  5. Use the 1.5 mm hex key to tighten the two screws (4). Do not tighten too much.
  6. Make sure that the Z-axis microswitch (5) is tight on the the vacuum chuck frame.
  7. Use the identification labels to correctly connect the two wires onto the Z-axis microswitch (5) terminals.
    • Remove and discard the identification labels.
  8. Put the the microswitch cover (2) onto the vacuum chuck frame.
  9. Manually install the four screws (1) through the microswitch cover (2) onto the vacuum chuck frame.
  10. Use the 2.5 mm hex key the tighten the four screws (1). Do not tighten too much.
  11. Do steps 1 to 10 for the Z-axis microswitch found on the adjacent side.

Test and Return to Service

  1. Make sure that you remove all the tools from the build chamber.
  2. Close the build chamber door.
    • For AON M2+ (CE) machines: Connect power to the machine from the local supply disconnecting device.
    • For AON M2+ (R-NZ) and AON M2+ machines: Connect the main power cord to the receptacle.
  4. Turn the power ON with the ON/OFF switch found on the rear panel of the machine.
  5. Release the E-stop button.
  6. Home XYZ.
  7. Calibrate the Z-axis.

Last modified: April 9, 2024