AM8 H-Plate Evolution - lightweight + reinforced

thingiverse

Human: *Note: This is just a small part of my AM8 upgrades. You can find the links to the other parts at the bottom of this description.* About ===== I designed and manufactured my own h-plates for the A8/AM8 because I couldn't find any lightweight and rigid options available. My goal was to increase stiffness while lowering weight, and I exceeded my expectations. This h-plate consists of three parts (two side plates and a main plate) made from 2.5mm thick material. You can choose between aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon. I used 2K epoxy to glue the parts together. The h-plate supports common 220x220 heatbeds with a 209x209mm bore pattern (M3 holes). The bore pattern for belt mounting is 12x20mm. You can mount SC8UU compatible housings or LM8UU/LM12UU bearings using zipties. *Note: There's also a special "extra wide" middle plate available which you can use for up to 16mm in diameter silicone dampers instead of springs. It's 5mm wider than the normal version (230x220mm instead of 225x220mm).* What to Expect (Weight + Stiffness) ========================== The stock h-plate weighs about 240 grams. My version made from 2.5mm carbon fiber (density 1,5g/cm³) weighs in at just below 70grams. If you fabricate this from fiberglass (density ~1,8g/cm³) you can expect around 85g, and in aluminum it should weigh around 125 grams. In carbon, it's far more rigid than the stock plate. I expect fiberglass and aluminum to behave accordingly. BOM / Materials ============ You will need three pieces of the chosen material. The middle plate is 225 by 220mm in size, while the sides are 220 by 25mm in size. So everything will fit on a plate which is 225x275mm plus a bit of material to allow for cutting. It's strongly recommended to use either a laser cutter or a milling machine for this. The files are available as STEP, STL, and DXF. Remix & Sources ============== There are STEP sources available in the files section. I'm happy to see improvements and remixes of this plate :). Version History ============ None yet. You might also want to have a look at: my reinforced Z axis with 12mm linear rods https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2971922 my Y axis 12mm upgrade https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3016011 my horizontal Y belt upgrade https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2970681 my SC8UU compatible 12mm housings for sinter bearings: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3016075 The reinforced X tensioner using proper bearings and a motor pulley: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3016345