AM8 Reinforced!

thingiverse

Fusion 360 files are now available for everyone! Feel free to modify them as needed, guys. Take a closer look at the parametric settings and discover how easy it is to change rod spacings. Introduction Working to reinforce the AM8 mounts has been ongoing. I've noticed that my current mounts are starting to warp due to the stress exerted by the motors. Reinforcing them aims to make the printer more rigid for higher speeds and increase the life of the parts. The pieces fit snugly together, holding up well and providing excellent rigidity. Everything was printed in PETG at 70% infill with a .28 layer height. You don't have to print at such a high layer height; I did it to save time. PETG is optional, and I chose it because I had a full roll on hand. Currently, some holes require supports to prevent sagging when printing at large layer heights like mine, but for the most part, they're easy to remove and clean up the print. Concerns so far It's a tight fit. The parts were designed to be rigid, so they need to be slid into place carefully. I might release another version with tabs on one side of the extrusions instead of both. Installing them with T-nuts can be challenging, but don't give up – I managed to get mine in by lining them up and then sliding down the pieces. The good news is that everything fits together perfectly. The distance between the lead screw and smooth rods is 22.2 mm apart (middle to middle) based on the original AM8 design. I kept it the same, but my measurements suggest it should be closer to 22.3 mm... I'm sure it won't make a significant difference. If anyone can confirm, I'll update the files. No issues whatsoever! I couldn't add more material to the rod holders as desired due to space constraints so the lead screw could fit. Installing them with T-nuts can be tricky, but don't give up – I managed to get mine in by lining them up and then sliding down the pieces. The good news is that everything fits together perfectly. Changes and updates 12/10/17 - Created the Y-Motor Mount. Still working on it, but simulation results are promising. 12/20/17 - Updated the Y-Motor Mount. Added more plastic to the back for added support. Been working on some jigs to help everyone out. Will be posting those soon. Taking the work in progress tag off soon as I get more feedback from people. 12/24/2017 - A Very Jiggy Christmas update! Released the jigs. These jigs are designed for standard AM8 dimensions. If you have different length extrusions, these might not work for you. Please let me know how they work. I didn't include physical identifiers because they're meant to be one-time use items. Tested most of them and they work well, but I really appreciate people giving me feedback. 2/1/2018 - Took off the WIP tag as the feedback I'm getting tells me everything is fitting and working fine. Things may be adjusted in the future, but for now, it works great and is functional. This doesn't mean I'll stop caring about this – if issues arise, I'll fix them and upload new parts. 2/11/2018 - Did some visual updates to the rod holders thanks to ScepticalGeek's suggestions. Can be found in the file section by searching for Left Rod Holder Visual Update and Right Rod Holder Visual Update. They match the theme of the printer better 3/13/2018 - Released Rod Bearing Holders! Currently untested, so let me know how it works. As of now, the rods might stick up a bit... 7/11/2018 - Released Fusion 360 files for the community. Enjoy guys! Look at the pictures for some of the parametric features. 10/06/2018 - Created corner brackets for those who don't have aluminum brackets. Should be good to print on the sides. These will fit a bit tighter as I've increased tolerance up to .2mm for them as they are meant to be more rigid and move less. Two versions created depending on location.