Elegoo Neptune 4 Max Build Plate Guide & Right Angle Strain Relief

thingiverse

Compared to other printers I own, one thing I really missed on my N4Max was alignment tabs to where I could always get the PEI spring steel plate exactly where it needs to be. I also discovered when I first set it up that the bed cable strain relief stuck out so far that it would impact the wall behind it when I had the printer on the same table that my similarly sized Chiron was on. So, I found a design on Printables by Jacob Scutzlas (655765-elegoo-neptune-4-max-build-plate-alignment-tabs) that had potential and initially started remixing it, but eventually just copied a lot of the measurements and started over from scratch. The end result is a set of build plate guides that are designed to mount to the frame that incorporate a right angled strain relief that allows the printer to be placed about 2-3" closer to the wall. Additionally, I tweaked these guides specifically to where they do not interfere with or hit the blower fan. I also adjusted the original measurements to make sure that the bottom retention clip for the strain relief lines up exactly and pops into the provided recess holes. Three cable ties are used for securing the strain relief and should be connected on the underside, otherwise they will stick up high enough for the blower fan assembly to potentially hit it.For printing, I used ABS, as these will be in direct contact with the bed and the strain relief may sag over time if printed in anything with lower temperature resistance. Most blends of PETG would probably also work as well, as long as you are keeping your bed temperature no higher than 80-85C. PLA most definitely is NOT suited for printing these.As far as print orientation goes, print them both flat and with support. The left side requires a little post processing for support removal afterwards, but that surface will be hidden. The right side will require support removal and a bit of sanding on the bottom to COMPLETELY remove the support interface. Depending on your printer the entire insert area may require a bit of sanding to be able to slide into the rail for mounting and may require a bit of gentle tapping to get it to seat fully. It should be a tight fit, but if it doesn't want to go at all, sand it more rather than trying to force it. If it ends up snapping off, there is plenty of room to simply take something like a small long Allen wrench and tap the piece that broke off deeper into the channel past the screw opening and out of the way. Do NOT try printing the right side guide vertically. This orientation LOOKS like it would be the best and not require support, but printing it this way puts the layer lines in the axis where strength is needed and even after testing it with both ABS and PETG at high temperatures, it ends up too weak and tends to snap off. So, print it flat, use supports, and sand it well afterwards