Anet A8 Motor Mount Replacement (with Z Axis REAL Fix)

thingiverse

The most effective solution to eliminating Z Axis wobble, errors, travel issues, etc. on the Anet A8 is to straighten up those wild Z threaded rods! Binding the top, center or any other part of the Z axis will not provide as much improvement as making the two rods on each side parallel to one another. I adapted Simhopp's Replacement Motor Mount by adjusting it so that it has slotted (oval) screw holes for the four motor screws. I also adjusted the motor hole so that it is also slotted (oval). Each Z Axis motor can be slid left or right, allowing for a smooth up and down motion of the Z carriages. It's possible to reprint the carriages on either side to straighten up the Z threaded rod as well. These modified carriages can still be used with this mod to tweak it just right. Replacing that fragile acrylic is always a good idea (I keep mine as spares). To ensure accuracy, I measured the center of the threaded rod to the center of the non-threaded rod on each side. I now have 23mm on top and bottom for BOTH sides, confirming they are pretty parallel. This print was created using PLA with 60 infill, allowing them to bear weight if tilting the printer. The top plate was pounded onto each side plate with a rubber mallet, and then screwed together (tight parts fit = no vibration). Each mount box slid right into the frame without any issues or complications. This is an easy replacement, but it did take some fiddling to get the axis perfect straight. I also installed a cork gasket over each motor to help with vibration. Each mount was three separate pieces (rather than one single piece), and this was done for two reasons: 1) Strength of materials - long thin layers on the side walls are more brittle than a large layered area. 2) If your Z Axis is really bad BUT at least can print under about 10mm (probably closer to 8mm), you can print this (still need good X and Y axis). I am not going to mark this as a work in progress as the initial prints fitted together nicely and worked as expected. It's currently on my Anet A8. Here is a link to the motor gaskets so that you know what I am talking about: http://www.makergeeks.com/ne17stga4pa.html The original motor mount can be found here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1474131 A big thanks to Simhopp for doing this! Please note, the included side plate is the exact side plate Simhopp had, I just re-added it here for completeness. I like having everything all together. UPDATE October 10, 2017 Added the other side plate as a mirror to the side plate. Print one "side plate" and one "other side plate" for each motor mount. Print Settings Printer: Anet A8 Infill: 60