Dust Protector for Prusa I3 Mk3 Z-Motors

prusaprinters

<p>A little bit, the Z-motor mounts of the I3 Mk3 remind me of a meat grinder's funnel... dust, debris, tiny ooze strings and whatever else fits in there may occasionally fall in and pile up to dimensions that handicaps proper Z axis operation (especially in somewhat dusty environments). So I made this little accessory that minimizes that risk. I suspect it will fit the Mk2 as well, but since i can't try that, I depend on feedback concerning this.</p><p>I used medium-hard TPU filament to print mine - they fit in place like a cork, and as the two halves keep each other in position just by pressure, they can be applied or removed without tools and without having to disassemble any part of the printer first.<br>It should be possible to use "hard" filament like PLA or PETG as well, but in that case you'd have to have a fussy eye on dimensions, as the parts need to fit the holes quite exactly with a <i>little</i> bit of friction (remember, you stick an FDM printed part into an FDM printed part). Scaling the objects by some zero dot something percent will not affect their function, but obviously, using a flexible filament makes things easier.</p><p>The STL can be printed without brim, without support, and with whatever infill you prefer. I recommend to print one first and check if it fits. If it doesn't, check your extrusion factor settings (or simply scale the object).<br>To equip one printer you'll have to print two sets in total. Mounting should be self-explaining (just look at the photo).</p><p>Obviously, as I have no control nor idea what you do with these files, use them at your own risk and responsibility. However, I'd like to warn you not to use force to put the parts into place - if they don't fit in easily due to whatever reason, it will be a real pain to ever get them out again.</p><p><strong>Update:</strong><br>Due to popular request I added a “tight” variant with a smaller opening. This reduces the risk of even the smallest dust particles entering the hole, but if you want to print this file, be sure to have your printer well calibrated since over-extrusion may cause the edge to touch the spindle. I myself prefer the regular variant, but it's your choice now.</p>