"Hulk" Frame Brace for the Anet A8

thingiverse

Story One of the biggest challenges with the Anet A8 is its tendency to lack stability in the X-axis, causing layers to shift or waves to occur on printed objects as you print higher. To address this issue, I created a design for popular brackets that reduce motion in the X-axis: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1872162 However, they do not completely eliminate the problem. To achieve a more effective solution, I came up with a new approach to reducing and eliminating X-axis motion on the printer. Goals / Highlights Eliminates all motion in the x-axis direction. Is adjustable to fit any frame misalignment. Can always be readjusted to compensate for a loosening frame due to vibrations. Uses less filament compared to other designs. Easy fits on a print bed. Parts selection Select files "Hulk_Right_Top_Arm_wBracket_Leo_N.stl" and "Hulk_Left_Top_Arm_wBracket_Leo_N.stl" if you have my "Brackets" (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1872162) installed on your printer. The "Brackets" are not required for the "Hulk" braces if you haven't already printed them. You will want to open the holes by using a sharp knife. After the braces have been mounted, use a 3.5mm drill and then secure the part with screw, washer, and nut (see picture). If you're not using the Brackets, use files "Hulk_Right_Top_Arm_Leo_N.stl" and "Hulk_Left_Top_Arm_Leo_N.stl" for assembly. Files "Hulk_Right_Bottom_Support_Leo_N.stl" and "Hulk_Left_Bottom_Support_Leo_N.stl" will be needed in either case. Installation You will need the following: 2 x M3x20 - 22mm screws MAX! 2 x M3 nuts 2 x 3mm washers To install each brace, insert the nut into the upper brace and then place it into the lower holder. Next, take the washer and screw and insert them into the assembly. Remove the top screw on the lower acrylic support part on each side. Now, take the complete brace and start at the top by lodging the part to the acrylic frame, and then push the lower frame brace onto the lower acrylic part. It should snap in. Take the screws you removed earlier, optionally add washers, and insert both screws into the lower acrylic supports. The next step is to slowly and carefully turn the screw until the brace has a snug fit and the upper portion of the printer frame is no longer moving in X-axis. Be very careful not to put too much force on the frame by over tightening the screw!! Please let me know if you have any issues with the design so I can improve it if necessary, or what new features you'd like to see added. Also, please post a picture with comments if you've made one. Thanks, Leo Update 2017.05.25 Updated file "Hulk_Left_Bottom_Support_Leo_N" due to very little gap between the bottom support and the x-carriage stepper motor on some Anet frames. Update 2017.05.28 Lengthened both Bottom_Support's by 0.2mm. Update 2017.05.30 Removed holes on the bottom supports to avoid contact with the stepper motor if users selected screws that are too long. Update 2017.07.22 Updated both lower supports by reducing height of the mount that supports the top braces by -2.0mm. Use the appropriate plates (1mm, 1.5mm or 2mm) included in the file section if your braces are still too loose. Place the plate inside the bottom support (picture #4) for height adjustment. Print Settings Printer: Anet A8 Supports: Yes Resolution: Your choice Infill: 15% Notes: For ease of print, I would recommend printing with PLA. If you're setting up your printer in an enclosure, you'll need to select another filament material like ABS. Use 0.8mm wall thickness. You might need to use "Rafts" to avoid warping depending on your printer setup. Rotate the upper braces by 25° to fit the build plate and make sure you set your Slicer to 100% scale. Here is a wonderfully made video about the Hulk braces and how to install them.