Camera Mount for Thing-o-Matic

thingiverse

Attach a webcam (like the Microsoft Lifecam VX-3000) to the X carriage for filming prints. Watch an example video here: http://youtu.be/KM6d3yrotqw. Note that the camera quality is poor, and there's some sway due to the moving carriage. In future attempts, consider attaching the camera to the Z carriage instead. To install the webcam, follow these steps: 1) Detach the X carriage from your Thing-o-Matic printer; 2) Mark drill locations on the outside of the carriage by placing the mount against it (see photo for reference); 3) Drill 1/8" holes at the marked locations; 4) Secure the mount using M3 16 (or so) bolts and nuts; 5) Detach the webcam's cheap base, then use the same screw to attach it to the mount; 6) Loop the USB cable around the mount to minimize pull; 7) Replace the X carriage on your printer (this step could be done before step 6 as well); and finally, 8) Connect the camera to your preferred recording software and start printing!