FT5 Conversion Gantry

thingiverse

This is a custom motor/extruder mount designed for an ultimaker style rod setup, featuring a central motor installation rather than a traditional bowden tube configuration. After exhausting all available options, I decided to create my own design to accommodate a direct drive extruder mounted directly onto the gantry. My goal was to develop an ultimaker style gantry that would allow for a direct drive extruder to be installed on the cross bar style gantry, eliminating the bowden tube setup altogether. I have been attempting to print large prints with Ninjaflex, but consistently encountered problems with bowden tubes kinking and wrapping around the extruder motor. To resolve this issue, I chose to mount the extruder motor directly onto the cross bar style gantry while leaving space for the motor, fan, and extruder setup. This design eliminates the bowden tube problem and allows for a relatively large print volume. I have successfully converted my Folgertech FT-5 to accommodate this design, utilizing existing parts from the kit while increasing the bed plate size from 12x12x12 to 18x18x16. To complete the build, I required only bearing mounts, pulleys, and four 8mm smooth rods. Additionally, I used two 5-8mm adapters for the z-axis and repurposed existing rods from the kit to create ultimaker style rods for the gantry. This design is specifically engineered to mount onto four 15x24x8mm bore bushings, which slide onto an 8mm rod. However, you may need to slightly widen the holes with a file or sandpaper due to the screwless compression fit. Two bearings are endstopped to fit flush with the surface, allowing the rods to slide into place. The NEMA 17 motor fits snugly into the channel left for it, and I recommend epoxying the motor onto the mount to prevent it from sliding. Hot glue may also work but may soften due to heat generated by the motor. Alternatively, screws and a bracket can be used as a secure option. This mount is designed to accommodate a 40mm fan that blows perpendicular to the fan on the motor. The gantry motor is mounted to a direct drive style extruder featuring a fan, heatsink, extruder, and motor all held together with two long screws. A 40mm fan should be used for this assembly, and adjustments can be made as needed through firmware. Please note that this project requires advanced building skills, and if you are unsure about any aspect of the design, feel free to ask for assistance. I will do my best to guide you through the process. Update: I have added a 16mm notch to allow the electrical connector of the nema 17 motor to slide onto the gantry. This provides space for a 40mm fan to be installed on the back side or a bracket to secure the motor in place.