Emergency Stop button for Printrbot Play

thingiverse

This is an instant stop button for my PrintrBot play that screws into the four screw holes located at the bottom right-hand corner of the printer using existing screws. You can utilize a "Push to Break" switch on Amazon, and some cables to run the negative wire through the switch back to the Printrbot. This provides a nice emergency stop button, allowing the Printrbot to lose power immediately when pressed. Caution is advised: you can break your printer, PSU, or other components if the wiring isn't handled properly. Ensure that you're knowledgeable about what you're doing before attempting this project. The information provided here is "as-is" and merely documents my own endeavors. I will not be held liable for any damage or destruction resulting from attempting to replicate these actions. This modification comes in handy when observing a critical issue with the hot end slamming into the print bed, necessitating an immediate shutdown of the printer. Unlike the system halting when Octoprint stops sending instructions, this button brings the Printrbot to a complete standstill, depriving it of power and giving it no choice. Since I've been running my PrintrBot off an ATX PSU, I had to ditch my convenient inline 12v switch, which allowed me to also power my Octoprint Raspberry Pi and some dazzling LED lights from the same supply. However, killing power to the Raspberry Pi unexpectedly could potentially be detrimental to its lifespan. Consequently, this hack offers a hassle-free means of shutting off power to the Play without turning off any other components. Be aware that this approach won't function with the Heated Bed upgrade as it relies on connecting to the PCI-E connector originating from the PSU and requires breaking multiple connections coming from that connector. It's inadvisable to power the play using the standard 12v supply and then power the heated bed as well since it will most certainly lead to wiring damage or even a fire. To execute this mod, I employed an ATX power supply with a Molex extension cable and basic connectors. Everything was sourced from Amazon and is linked below. Keep in mind that you may need to modify the provided model slightly to ensure it fits your specific PrintrBot play, as mine required some slight adjustments to fit comfortably due to irregular screw placement. It's also worth noting that I still use a connector mounted through the side to power the Play instead of tapping into the PCI-E connector for both the print head and the heated bed. The STL file you'll receive contains two parts: the lid and the base. Split them apart using Cura's "Split Objects" feature, then delete one model before printing to prevent fitting issues. Make sure to attach the part with text printed correctly, along with supports, for a smooth finish. For optimal results, I suggest removing supports altogether on the second piece (the base). Don't forget to use brims on both pieces to prevent warping while printing. Be prepared to fine-tune the inner edge of the lid slightly using sandpaper or perhaps file it down as needed to secure a snug fit, especially if your cable sizes differ from mine.