I3 MEGA CABLE CHAIN for Side Extruder mod

thingiverse

This is the first complete mod for I3 with SIDE EXTRUDER mod. Before you start printing this mod and putting your extruder on the side, print the following: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2448418 This will give you perfect access to your extruder and an easy way to change filament. This mod is a must-have for every I3 Mega. Trust me. Next, print this filament spool holder: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3249140 I have tested many projects, but this one is the best. It works perfectly with the side extruder, saves space, and is strong enough to hold your spools in place. I use 80mm wide spools and all other projects were too short. With this mod, I was able to print a few millimeters longer by scaling it in Cura. To complete this mod, you will need one meter of 15x20 open cable chain with two sets of end connectors. You can also use smaller types like 15x15, but then you'll need to remove the plastic cover from your cables. Since there are many different types of holes in cable chains, I made two sets of holes (horizontal and vertical). If they don't fit one you buy, it's best to drill new holes. Remember to print parts with at least 50% infill if you plan to drill new holes. For the X-axis, you'll need 16 cable chain sections, and for the Z-axis, you'll need 21 sections. Now let's begin! First, print the hot end head. This part doesn't require any screws; it fits on top of the metal plate from the hot end. Print with support to hold the hotend cable and filament tube in place so you don't need any other mods to secure these elements. This mod limits your Z-axis to around 180-190mm. Next, choose whether you want only a horizontal cable chain on the X-axis or also on the Z-axis like I have. Then print all three parts and put them together with the cable chain as shown in my photos. If you assemble everything correctly, your I3 Mega will look like a beast!