Creality Ender 3 Pi Cam Mount

thingiverse

Version 2.0 Beta Released! Due to a popular uprising, I've re-designed the PiCam 2 case with reduced critical tolerances and used magic numbers for easier printing. Your feedback is crucial! Please let me know how it works out. Use CHEP's Cura profiles linked below. I no longer use Simplify 3D; just set layer height and speed. ### Important Notice! Test fit the case before installing the camera to avoid damage. The cover should slide on with some resistance. If it's too hard, you may need to calibrate your printer. Remove and reinstall the cover 3-4 times for proper fitment. The case has many small features; tolerances must be tight. Some users have reported difficulties due to tight tolerances and difficult fitment. I've included a few recommendations below. Your printer must be properly calibrated for proper fitment. In most cases, this involves adjusting the flow rate in your slicer. A full calibration is recommended but can be challenging, especially on an Ender 3. You may need to adjust the flow rate for every filament brand you use, as widths can vary wildly. One roll I used varied from 1.6 to 1.9; this caused issues with prints until I measured it multiple times. ### How to Calibrate Your Flow Rate If you don't have digital callipers, start by reducing your flow rate to 90% (or .9 in S3D) and see how that works. This Ender 3 guide is a great resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yIebnVjADM ### Introduction The Ender 3 features a new molded plastic cap for the X-axis stepper motor, replacing the previous acrylic one. This obsoletes previous mounts, so I designed a new one with the following goals: 1. Create a solid mount that is easy to attach and remove. 2. Minimize printing time. 3. Keep hardware requirements to a minimum. 4. Design a solid Pi Cam housing that allows for focus adjustment without damaging the base. ### Hardware Required 1. Pi Cam 1, 2, or 2.1 (use proper camera housing) 2. M3 15mm housing mounting bolt 3. M3 15mm arm locking bolt (optional) ### Building Attach the mount by hooking the right corner first and then clipping the left one on. You can slide the assembly up and down to adjust height; I installed mine in the middle. The fit should be very tight, but I've included a 15mm M4 bolt hole in the spring arm for securing it if needed. #### Mounting the Pi Cam Pi Cam sensors are attached with glue, set to infinity focus at the factory. Be patient and remove any obvious glue between the lens and square lens mount; then fit it securely in the housing. Use a focusing tool like this one: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1570865 to turn it clockwise. Make a quarter turn, test, repeat until happy. I recommend having the head in the middle of the bed and holding the camera at the edge for tests. ### Comments Dimensions may vary due to clones and vendors; I used official Pi Cam 1 & 2 mechanical drawings. If your design doesn't fit, please let me know. I'll try to come up with a relaxed fit design. ### Files Bracket - Version 1 of the mount Bracket Style 2 - A special version for extra clearance Housing Front - PiCam 1 front housing Housing Back - PiCam 1 rear housing P2 Front housing - Fits standard PiCam 2 P2 Rear housing flipped - For a strange version of the PiCam with front camera flipped 180 degrees PiCam 2 rear housing - Rear housing for PiCam 2 and PiCam 2 flipped #### Raspberry Pi & Touchscreen If you have an RPi with touch screen mounted on the left and need more clearance, try this derivative mount by Tronnic: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3030160. I've specifically allowed this derivative and exempted it from my creative commons license restrictions.