Bed camera mount for Makergear M2

thingiverse

This is a versatile bed camera mount designed to work with the Makergear M2. Originally created to pair with a Raspberry Pi camera inside Exclusive's (Austin Trulove) case from Thingiverse (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1646474), I redesigned it for broader use by incorporating a tripod-screw mount and threaded ball mount for the Pi camera case. As a result, you can now utilize this mount with any camera featuring a tripod mount. However, using the low-mass Pi camera is still recommended. If handled carefully, you can attach the camera directly to the bed mount, as I did initially. Nevertheless, be aware that the part-cooling fan may collide with whatever is mounted there if your printer moves the hot end near Z0,Y0,X200. A quickly designed extension arm will help safeguard the camera by keeping it out of harm's way. This arm features serrations matching the bed mount and secures the camera at your chosen position. To install the camera mount, remove the rubber corner piece shown in one of the photos, then slide the camera mount over the aluminum foot of the bed – it should fit snugly. Replace the M3 screws with the existing ones. Next, select the parts for your desired configuration and assemble them. Remember that the bed will move up by 250mm, so ensure there's enough slack in the camera cable. If using the Pi camera, you can use the cable hangers to manage the ribbon cable more effectively. One of the cable hangers has nubs to restrict cable movement, preventing it from shifting the camera. There are three lengths of screws available – the longer one will come in handy if you decide to use the ribbon cable hangers. An STL file containing a plate with the complete set (including an extra nut) is included for convenience. However, printing only what's needed for your specific configuration might be more practical. Credits: I used mike_mattala's Nut Job from Thingiverse (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:193647) to create the screws and nuts, making slight modifications to produce a knurled screw. This tool is excellent for generating nuts and bolts, and its thread generation makes it easy to slice and print successfully. I originally used Exclusive's Pi camera mount and case (link above) with my Prusa i3 Mk2 and was impressed by how well it worked. When it came time to upgrade my M2, this was the only case I considered. Disclaimer: The mount was designed based on my M2 printer specs, which is an early model featuring a 3-point bed leveling system. My mount wraps around the front-right aluminum bed foot – if subsequent M2 versions have modified this foot, please let me know. Print Settings: Printer Brand: MakerGear Printer: MakerGear M2 Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: .2 max for good threads Infill: 20% for most applications – you may want more for screws Notes: There's a one-layer support printed in the two bed mount screw holes to allow the recessed head area to be printed flat. Remove this layer after printing. The small openings where the M3 screw heads are recessed are normal and should not contact the glass. The cable hangers should face your part-cooling fan, aiding in a clean print of the curved "neck."