Anycubic I3 Mega - Top Frame extruder support + Spool Holder

thingiverse

The Anycubic I3M Z-carriages are engineering marvels in terms of cost efficiency but at the same time they are the key features that affect Ai3M printing quality. Any direct drive solution and high-end hardware installed on Ai3M cannot compensate for the flimsy and wobbly Z-X axis, which impacts printing quality significantly. The RHS Z-carriage is particularly affected by the large stepper+extruder weight, mounted in an extreme off-axis position. The X-Z axis is visually deflected and all vibrations during printing are amplified by the RHS off-axis weight. A minor modification - relocating the stepper+extruder to the top of the main frame - consistently improves printing quality. Most of the time filament deviation in the Bowden tube is reduced by half, reducing filament compression and friction. The introduction of filament into the top horizontal extruder becomes comfortable, easy, and less straining on the spine. As a bonus, a sleek hex spool holder can be used for a very short filament path using the default natural filament curvature. Additionally, there is a small storage provision in the support - perfect for removed screws, springs, nuts, etc. Installation involves removing the stepper and extruder (any model) from the RHS axis, the metal bracket too; remove the top two screws keeping the clamp of the guiding rod; install the printed support, put back the two screws; install the motor with the extruder on it on the new support. The cables are long enough, use ties to achieve a clean look. You might need a few longer M3 screws as well. Edit1: A spool holder that might work with ball bearings 608 (Ø22mm outer diameter) has been added. Edit2: Last two pictures and two models have been added for a specific case: extruder support fitting that might work with the RHS modified Z axis top fitting (included too). The models added per edit are based on ideas from different users - see comments for more information; not printed, nor tested, no feedback received for them.