Black V-Slot linear actuator end plate – 20 series

The V-Slot linear actuator end plate is a lightweight and functional structural component designed for building linear axes, belt-driven actuators and sliding mechanisms made from 20-series V-Slot aluminium profiles. The plate makes it possible to form the end of a linear module and mount a NEMA 17 stepper motor or a guide or tensioning roller.

The product can be mounted directly in the slots of structural V-Slot aluminium profiles. The hole pattern is matched to a 20 mm grid, allowing the plate to work with, among others, 20x20, 20x40 and 20x60 mm profiles from the 20 series.

The plate is suitable for building a linear drive using a timing belt. At one end of the axis, it can serve as a mount for a NEMA 17 stepper motor, while at the other end it can serve as a mount for a guide or tensioning roller. This makes it possible to build a module in which the belt is guided along the V-Slot profile and works with a moving carriage.

End plate for a linear axis made from V-Slot profiles

The V-Slot end plate forms the end of a structure made from 20-series aluminium profiles. It can be used as a load-bearing component for the drive or as the opposite end of the axis with a guide roller.

Two identical plates can be used in a typical linear axis:

• the first plate on the drive side – for mounting a NEMA 17 stepper motor,
• the second plate on the opposite side – for mounting a guide roller or a belt tensioning roller.

This solution makes it possible to adapt the length of the mechanism to the project by selecting a V-Slot profile of the appropriate length. The plate is a structural component and does not constitute a complete linear actuator. The motor, roller, belt, pulleys, carriage and other parts of the mechanism must be selected according to the requirements of the designed axis.

Mounting a NEMA 17 stepper motor

The main surface of the plate has a hole pattern designed for mounting a NEMA 17 stepper motor. Four mounting holes with a diameter of 3.6 mm, positioned around the central opening, make it possible to align the motor with the profile axis and the drive mechanism.

The central opening with a diameter of Ø6 mm provides space for the motor shaft or a cooperating drive component. Before finally tightening the motor, check its position in relation to the pulley, timing belt and guide.

The plate can serve as a motor mount in, among others:

• timing-belt-driven linear axes,
• 3D printers,
• small CNC machines,
• laser and drawing plotters,
• automatic positioning modules,
• sliding tables and guides,
• custom mechatronic structures.

The screws required to mount the NEMA 17 motor itself must be matched to the threads in its housing, the thickness of the plate and the design of the drive used. These are not the same components used to attach the plate to the V-Slot profiles.

Mounting a guide or tensioning roller

The same plate can be used on the opposite side of the axis as a holder for a guide or tensioning roller. A correctly selected roller makes it possible to redirect the timing belt and maintain its correct position in relation to the profile and linear carriage.

When building the tensioning side, the following must be selected:

• a roller or pulley suitable for the belt used,
• a shaft or screw matched to the roller opening and bearing,
• washers or spacer bushings for setting the position of the roller,
• components that make it possible to set the correct belt tension.

Before starting the mechanism, check that the roller rotates freely, does not rub against the plate and is aligned with the pulley mounted on the motor shaft.

Compatibility with 20-series V-Slot profiles

The plate is designed for structures made from 20-series V-Slot aluminium profiles with a slot width of 6 mm.

It can work with, among others:

• V-Slot 2020 aluminium profile,
• V-Slot 2040 aluminium profile,
• V-Slot 2060 aluminium profile,
• black anodised 20-series profiles,
• silver anodised 20-series profiles,
• carriages and gantry plates compatible with the V-Slot system.

The mounting holes are arranged on a 20 mm grid, characteristic of 20-series profiles. This makes it possible to screw the plate to the appropriate slots and maintain the correct position of the end plate in relation to the profile axis.

Hole pattern of the V-Slot end plate

The plate has several groups of holes designed for mounting the individual components of the mechanism:

• 4 holes Ø3.6 mm – mounting pattern for a NEMA 17 stepper motor,
• central opening Ø6 mm – passage for the motor shaft or the shaft of a cooperating component,
• Ø5 mm holes on a 20 mm grid – for connecting the plate to V-Slot profiles or guiding components,
• holes in the side, bent sections of the plate – allowing the component to be securely fastened to the slots of the structure.

Before installation, compare the hole pattern with the planned configuration of the profiles, motor, roller and carriage. Not all holes need to be used for mounting the same component.

Mounting the end plate to 20-series profiles

To mount the plate in the slots of 20-series aluminium profiles according to the specified mounting configuration, eight M5 screws, eight washers and eight T-slot nuts must be used.

Recommended mounting components:

• 8× ISO 7380-M5x8 or 8× ISO 7380-M5x8 black
• 8× DIN 125-M5
• 8× 6-4-M5

The ISO 7380-M5x8 screws have a low, rounded head with a hexagon socket. They provide a compact and clean mounting solution without large components protruding beyond the surface of the plate.

The DIN 125-M5 washers must be placed under the screw heads. They help distribute the pressure over a larger area of the thin aluminium plate and reduce the local load on its holes during tightening.

The 6-4-M5 T-slot nuts are designed for 20-series aluminium profiles with a 6 mm slot. The ball design helps hold the T-slot nut in the selected position in the slot while positioning the plate and inserting the screws.

The specified set of M5 components is used to attach the end plate to the V-Slot profiles. The components required to mount the NEMA 17 motor, guide roller, belt, pulley and the remaining parts of the drive must be selected separately for the components used.

Installation instructions for the V-Slot end plate

1. Prepare the profiles: check that the profiles used belong to the 20 series and have a compatible slot with a width of 6 mm.

2. Determine the axis configuration: decide whether the plate will serve as a NEMA 17 motor mount or as an end plate with a guide roller.

3. Check the profile ends: make sure that the profiles have been cut square and that their edges have been cleaned of larger burrs.

4. Place the T-slot nuts in the slots: insert eight 6-4-M5 T-slot nuts into the appropriate profile slots and position them according to the hole pattern of the plate.

5. Position the plate: place the end plate at the end of the structure and align its holes with the M5 threads in the T-slot nuts.

6. Fit the washers: place one DIN 125-M5 washer under the head of each ISO 7380-M5x8 screw.

7. Insert the screws: pass the eight screws through the holes in the plate and screw them into the T-slot nuts without fully tightening them yet.

8. Check the alignment: check that the plate is perpendicular to the profiles, that all components are correctly positioned in relation to one another and that the planned belt path is properly aligned.

9. Tighten the mounting: tighten the screws gradually and alternately, pressing the plate evenly against the profiles.

10. Mount the motor or roller: use mounting components suitable for the selected NEMA 17 motor or guide roller assembly.

11. Set up the drive: check the position of the pulley, roller, belt and linear carriage and correct their alignment if necessary.

12. Perform a movement test: before starting the motor, manually move the carriage along the entire length of the axis and make sure that the mechanism does not bind or exhibit abnormal resistance.

The screws should be tightened evenly and with care. Excessive tightening may place unnecessary stress on the aluminium plate, washers or profile slots.

The black V-Slot linear actuator end plate is a versatile component for building modular sliding axes from 20-series aluminium profiles. The ability to mount a NEMA 17 stepper motor or guide roller, the compact aluminium construction and direct installation in the profile slots make it easier to build a drive adapted to an individual project.