AM8 / Anet A8 X & Y Drag Cable Chain Mounts

thingiverse

Note: This and future projects are now available on Printables, see https://www.printables.com/model/165993-am8-anet-a8-x-y-drag-cable-chain-mounts . Why use drag chains on your 3D printer? They reduce strain on the cables and especially the ends, increasing their lifetime. They also prevent the cables from snagging somewhere, or tangling - which can lead to failed prints. Overall, they look nice and increase reliability. These drag chain mounts can be attached to an AM8 (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2263216) / Anet A8 stock X carriage, and the Y aluminium 2020 extrusion frame. The print bed has to be rotated 90°, such that the cables come out on the left side. The chain these mounts are designed for has an outer cross section of 17mm x 15mm, and an inner cross section of 10mm x 10mm. Link length is approximately 19mm, and 25mm is a comfortable bend radius. Total length is 26 links ( + end pieces) for the X chain, and 14 links ( + end pieces) for the Y chain. Nylon is prefrerred, as is slides easily and is very robust. You can also of course print your own chains if you really want to. The cable inside the drag chains should be somewhat loose, such that they do not rub against any side. The cables must be secured at both ends of the chain using zipties, to provide strain relief. A small clamp is used to guide the cable trunk down at the X motor. Additional parts required: - Drag chain(s), as specified, e.g. https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B0859BQSQW - Various cables, heatshrink and solder if you have to extend the existing wires Nuts and bolts needed: - 4 * M3 x ~30mm bolt - 8 * M3 x ~10mm countersunk bolt - 3 * M3 x ~10mm bolt - 11 * M3 nuts - 2 * M4 x ~12mm bolt - 1 * M5 x ~8mm bolt - 1 * M5 2020 slot nut - 5 * small ziptie - Some washers if you use longer bolts For assembly, refer to the photos as well as the instructions.