Replace the Carriage Slider

How to Replace the Carriage Slider (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Removing and Preparing the Slider

  • Move the old slider to the right side and take it out.
  • Take out the new slider. Before installing, carefully check if the bearing balls inside are intact. Please handle it gently during installation.

Step 2: Installing the New Slider & Carriage

  • Align the new slider into position and slide it in gently.
  • Move the carriage back into place and position the metal plate. Insert the screws, but do not tighten them yet.
  • Observe and make sure the direction is correct and the metal plate is aligned with the front beam. Once aligned, tighten the screws diagonally.
  • Crucial Step: When moving the carriage, make sure the optical encoder properly slots into the encoder strip (optical grating). Please observe this closely from the side. Once it is slotted in correctly, push the slider in completely.
  • Insert the screws to lock the slider from the carriage side. Again, do not tighten them immediately; wait until they are in position, then tighten them diagonally.

Step 3: Installing and Adjusting the Belt

  • Loop the carriage belt into position. Insert the screws for the belt adjustment but do not tighten them yet.
  • Adjust the belt tension. Ensure that the driven wheel (idler pulley) remains vertical during this adjustment.
  • Test the tension by pressing the belt with your finger: it should spring back immediately when pressed, but the belt itself shouldn’t be too loose. Once you reach this optimal tension, firmly tighten the two screws.

Step 4: Final Testing & Assembly

  • Lightly move the carriage left and right to check if it glides smoothly.
  • Check the optical encoder and the strip again from a side angle to ensure there is no friction or jamming.
  • While the machine is powered OFF, move the carriage again to ensure it moves smoothly without any abnormal noises.
  • Reinstall the printhead (install the inner part first, then the outer part) and reconnect the ink dampers/tubes.
  • Finally, after confirming everything works well, reinstall the anti-collision block (guard block).