Ender 5 Plus top mount direct drive with BL Touch mount

thingiverse

<h3>Update 20200503</h3> I have been using the MG Chemicals version for two months with very active printing (covid masks and shields). It is holding up well, but I noticed one problem - the extruder motor pushes down when feeding, and up when retracting. This shifts the bracket by a millimeter up and down respectively because it is only attached at one end. There's no noticeable effect on print quality, but movement is bad. Need to figure out a way to lock down both ends of the bracket. <h3>Update 20191227</h3> I stuck my finger where I shouldn't have while it was printing and broke the BL Touch bracket (instead of my finger). Was going to print another one with the same filament (3DSolutech PETG) but based on what I've read online, it isn't really PETG? Switched to Hatchbox PETG which actually behaves like PETG - a sticky, gooey mess that won't print supports or overhangs. Remodeled almost from scratch with overhangs that are PETG-friendly, and only one section that needs support, which is now modeled in as a 0.5mm wall. This is easily removed - cut vertically until you reach the wedge, then the wall snaps off at the layer interface. Also used a 1-line wide (0.25mm) wall to support holes instead of external support. This printed wonderfully. Updated all print settings below. Blue is with Hatchbox (Thingiverse stretched the photo, argh); black is with MG Chemicals. <h3>Update 20191216</h3> After three days of non-stop printing, it's holding up well. But it's obvious I need to make a few changes: <ul> <li>The stepper motor tilts back when extruding and tilts retracting, though print quality doesn't seem to be affected. I suspect movement is being constrained by the PTFE tube between the two pneumatic fittings. Need to add more reinforcement so it doesn't wobble. The stepper motor does become quite warm but knock on wood, the adapter is holding.</li> <li>Really need a cable tie. The E5P has a very long wiring harness and there's nothing to hold it. I wrapped a wire hanger around the extruder stepper with about 6" going into the wire loom, and taped it tight, works great. However, that means I now need 6" of clearance on the right side of the printer. Thinking of a better design - wondering if going up would be better.</li> </ul> <h1>Modifications</h1> <ul> <li>Added BL Touch mount</li> <li>Added reinforcements and support shelf for extruder motor mount</li> <li>Added column with a 2.7mm hole that fits a wire hanger for cable harness support</li> </ul> <b>Be sure to recalibrate!</b> Refer to Post-printing section below.