Anti backlash nut adapter for the Ender 3

thingiverse

This is a custom adapter for the Ender 3 that replaces the standard mounting holes with ones suitable for a cheap two-piece brass anti-backlash nut featuring a round flange and holes for attachment. To find this type of nut, search for "T8 8mm Anti-backlash Spring Loaded Nut Screw" on Ebay or buy it on Amazon, where prices range from $2 to $7. **This design will clash with the stock extruder; use only if you have relocated it.** There is insufficient space for the adapter and the anti-backlash nut if the stepper motor is mounted next to them. You can find parts on Thingiverse that allow you to move the stepper, such as this one: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3027783. This part requires four to six M3 locknuts (depending on how many holes you want to use), and you will need to determine the required screw sizes. I used a couple of m3x16mm screws for the anti-backlash nut side and m3x12mm screws for the printer side, which was what I had available. The total height of the adapter is 11.1mm, so be sure to factor that into your design as well. Some washers may be needed if the screws are too long since this design requires them to be fully enclosed. It has been pointed out (thanks Pastera) that I mounted this upside down (LOL). For optimal function of the anti-backlash nut, it should be facing up, with the top follower pressing against the bottom of the screw threads and the bottom follower/mount pressing on the top of the screw threads (due to gravity). I initially mounted it the other way because I thought that if I mounted it facing up, I would have lost about 10-13mm of z-height. However, swapping it fixed my issues with adjusting the stock brass z-nut. It may be better to drill some holes and mount the nut directly to the carriage without this adapter for optimal function. The model has hole spacing (center to center) of 16mm (diagonal) or about 11.3mm between holes if hopping from one hole to another. The mounting hole spacing on the Ender 3 side is 18mm (thanks to nwright91 and Loosiu for pointing that out). The old v5 model had the Ender 3 side holes at 17.74mm, but the new v6 design has updated them to 18mm to match the dimensions of the Ender 3 better.