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Frame

The G1 is built on a welded and bolted aluminum frame that provides structural rigidity for the gantry, bed, and extruder assembly. Frame squareness directly affects print quality — a racked frame produces layer shifts and dimensional errors even with well-tuned belts.

Structure

Section titled “Structure”
  • Material: aluminum extrusion profiles + welded plates
  • The frame sits on aluminum feet (already mounted under the bottom strips) — no base pallet required
  • Corner brackets provide rigidity at all joints

Printed parts

Section titled “Printed parts”

The structural printed components on the G1 (brackets, mounts, corner pieces) are made from a polycarbonate blend. This is relevant if you need to print replacement parts — use a PC blend or high-temperature material (not PLA or standard PETG) to match the thermal and mechanical properties of the originals. Contact Ginger Additive support for the correct STL files and material recommendations.

Assembly overview (from official manual)

Section titled “Assembly overview (from official manual)”

The G1 arrives in a 170 × 170 × 65 cm pallettised wooden crate. Assembly sequence:

Complete tools and screws list included in the G1 kit

  1. Lower frame (step 1.1) — pull from crate (step 1.1.1), place on ground (step 1.1.2); can remain on the wooden platform during assembly; pay attention to FRONT label; 2 operators, 5 min
  2. Zeta axis (step 1.2) — check axle couplings at proper angles (step 1.2.1) before inserting all 4 axes into corners (step 1.2.2); axes interlock in the corner angle; 4 Z axes labeled A, B, C, D; parts needed: 8.1 (x1 set); 2 operators, 5 min
  3. Gantry (step 1.3) — pull from box, place into carriages and secure; uses V06 M8X25 CIL screws (x4, already on gantry); 4-step install: align with plates, lean with screws, insert second screws, tighten; 2 operators, 15 min
  4. Upper frame (step 1.4) — pull from box, place over axes paying attention to couplings at all 4 corners A, B, C, D; upper frame is part code 9.2; note the gantry attachment plate-and-screw assembly must look correct; 2 operators, 5 min
  5. Power chain (step 1.4B) — remove ONLY the WHITE zip ties (leave colored ones); hang chain on hooks, screw to upper frame (step 1.4B.2 position 1) then gantry (position 2) using M6X20 CIL (x2, already in the chain); 1 operator, 10 min
  6. Angle braces (step 1.5) — 14x Brace + 2x Short Brace; use M6X18 SVA (x12) + Hammer Nuts (x12); position structure parallel and tangent to bracket cut; short braces go at rear right so chain does not rub against them

Angle braces diagram — 16 braces total, 4 on each side, with FRONT orientation marked

  1. Frame tensioners (step 1.6) — skip if enclosure add-on ordered (do later, after mounting enclosure panels at step 5.3.4); uses V07 M8X50 CIL (x12), Tensor cod. 05.1; position tensioners (step 1.6.2), screw into angle brackets (step 1.6.3), tighten QS metal cable; 2 operators, 10 min

G1 frame fully erected during assembly — four vertical columns standing on base

Squareness check

Section titled “Squareness check”

If you suspect the frame is racked (after shipping, relocation, or a collision):

  1. Check the QS tensioner cable diagonals — with the tensioners (step 1.6) correctly set, each steel cable diagonal should measure exactly 209.5 mm from the outer edge of one corner fastener to the outer edge of the opposite corner fastener. Both diagonals must be 209.5 mm; if they differ, the frame is racked.
  2. If the QS diagonals are unequal: loosen the tensioners, realign the frame, re-tension — both diagonals must reach 209.5 mm symmetrically.
  3. As a secondary check, measure the diagonal of the frame opening itself (corner to corner); both frame diagonals should match within ±2 mm.
  4. Use corner alignment squares if available (the G1 ships with red corner references marked S21 and Y).

Frame bolts

Section titled “Frame bolts”

Over time (especially after shipping or moving), frame bolts can loosen. Symptoms:

  • Unusual vibration or noise during printing
  • Layer shift that cannot be fixed by belt tensioning
  • Frame visibly flexing during fast moves

Check and retighten all accessible frame bolts annually, or after any relocation.

Placement requirements

Section titled “Placement requirements”
  • Flat, stable surface — the frame has no leveling feet; surface must be level
  • Clearance: at least 50 cm on all sides for the corrugated tube and vacuum unit
  • Keep the pellet bucket close (shorter tube = better suction)
Section titled “Related notes”