Bed clamps for glass print plate

thingiverse

I examined several different clamping mechanisms as a viable alternative to using binder clips. The binder clips took up too much space and occasionally got hit by the print head on larger jobs. I couldn't find ones that worked with the glass I was using, so I borrowed ideas from others and created my own. I was greatly inspired by this one in particular, and I would like to extend a special thank you to https://www.thingiverse.com/runswithscissors95/about for his brilliant design at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2313925. I attempted to use the knurled knob and the threaded stud from the above "thing," but found they were not strong enough to provide a good hold on the glass. The threaded bolt kept breaking. Instead, I created my own threaded parts out of 1/4-20 bolts and cut their heads off. I made a hole jig out of an old long nut I had around (pictured). This way I could ensure the holes were consistent between the studs and the bit wouldn't slip off when drilling. The studs should be approximately 40mm long. The cross holes are drilled to 1/8" to allow the 3mm bed height adjustment screws to pass through. The installation process is a bit tricky because you have to have the printed clip, the 3mm bolt, the 3mm nut, and the stud all installed at the same time. The 3mm bolt passes through the clip top, through the stud hole, then the 3mm nut is put on. I recommend doing this on all four corners first. Then, attach the springs, and pass the 3mm bolts down through the Y carriage mount. A picture is included that shows the first step assembly with the Y carriage portion cut away so you can see the nut (yellow) in place. The glass this design is intended for measures 213x200x3mm. I purchased mine on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B015R1UOKW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I printed this with full supports because it needs to be accurate and any bridging would make it not fit quite right. It's a bit of work in post-processing to get the supports out, but it's kind of necessary. I printed this in ABS because I print a lot in ABS and therefore print at higher bed temperatures (90 degrees). I think that doing this in PLA will not be good as it would soften too much with a heated bed and allow the glass to shift in a job. Not sure about PETG. The clamp1.stl and clamp2.stl are mirrors of each other, so make sure to print two of each. Refer to the photo above for how to install the clamps oriented to each other.