Folgertech FT-5/FT-6 SOLID direct drive extruder mount

thingiverse

This project is now complete, successfully operating on my own printer without need for further adjustments; however, I am open to modifications to accommodate other components. Anyone with an FT-5 or FT-6 knows the shortcomings of the original ACM extruder mount. This piece was designed to provide a more secure mounting system for the Extruder assembly on direct-drive Folgertech FT series printers, addressing major flaws in the original design. Notably, it replaces metal nuts and bolts with plastic clips to secure the gantry board, eliminating the risk of electrical shock from arcing caused by the bottom left nut's chassis ground overlapping an unpadded hot circuit on the board. I have verified at least one instance where this occurred, so I recommend checking your printer immediately. This extruder mount also increases surface area for the Y homing switch to make contact, rendering my reverse bowden guide unnecessary when used with this setup as it was originally designed to address. I will include a new, smaller guide in my design portfolio for use without and with the parts cooler fan, which features mounting holes, along with my light. The entire assembly bolts together using M4 and M3 bolts, including the belt, which secures easily with M3 bolts instead of zip ties. Print this part with 0.2mm layer height (including bottom layer) at 8 top and bottom layers and 4 layer thick walls at a 25% infill. The design accommodates a slightly higher Y belt to accommodate stepper motor dampers and provide space for a new Y belt tensioner design. You can raise the idler gear by using a longer bolt and spacer, or flip the pulley on the stepper if you prefer not to make this adjustment. I greatly appreciate tips for parts like this, as they require significant effort.