Extruder Mount for 3D Printer

thingiverse

I built this device with a removable x-carriage for my 3D printer to make installing bowden extrusion easy. I also wanted to create a method of having interchangeable heads. This way, when I repurpose my 3D printer as a CNC/laser cutter, I can simply design a new mounting plate and attach it to the existing carriage. It functions by gripping your hotend with a plate clamp and then your custom plate mounts to the carriage. It was designed as an alternative x-axis mount for the PrintTable. Instructions: 1) To begin, measure (preferably using calipers) the diameter of the collar where the mounting plate will grip (in my case it was 9.3mm) 2) Measure the thickness of this area (mine was 2mm) 3) With these measurements, open the attached mountPlateRight.scad and mountPlateLeft.scad files and adjust the variables to create your custom mounting plate. 4) Print the parts. You will need one of each file except for the end caps, which you will need two. Assembly: 1) Insert LM8LUU bearings (two) into the sockets on the xAxisCarriage part 2) If the bearings are loose, attach the endcaps. This can be done either by using the screw holes (two per cap) or melting the parts together with a soldering iron. I prefer to use the screw method as it is less permanent. 3) Slide carriage onto your rods 4) Place hotend between the two halves and if you want a more permanent solution, melt the two halves together with a soldering iron. If not, use the mountPlateBrace part 5) Secure the mounting plate to the carriage via the screw holes. Without the mountPlateBrace, the well depth is 10mm plus your plate thickness (you measured earlier). With the brace, it's 2mm thicker.