Linear rail and quick toolhead change system for the Sprite

thingiverse

[UPDATE: 6 Feb '24]I have made the following changes in this update (now v1.1)(1) Parts are sturdier(2) Bolt holes are now recessed for CAP head bolts. (Easier to source)(3) Changed the belt attach design(4) Added link to a part to help you align the linear rail on the 2020 extrusionThis started life as a customisation of Jon's excellent Simple Tool Changer https://properprinting.pro/product/creality-ender3s1-simpletoolchanger/ but morphed into a tool changer besed on an x-axis linear rail.Basically, once the MGN12H linear rail is mounted(1) Bolt the Carriage Plate to the MGN12H carriage (four M3 bolts)(2) Bolt the Slider to this Carriage Plate (2x M3 bolts)(3) Bolt the Sprite Plate to the rear of the Sprite extruder itself (3x M3 bolts)And that's it. Slide the extruder onto the mounting plate, wait for the click of the snap lock, and start printing.Also - please note that on AliExpress, there are a number of different versions of the supposedly "standard" MGN12H rail/carriage. Ensure you order a carriage which has the standard 20mm x 20mm square mounting holes. Many of them have 20mm x 15mm spacing. The ones I used are perfect, and inexpensive.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32806622073.htmlFinally, I've included a screenshot of the correct print orientation. Note that the supports are minor, and very easy to remove.And add a little lubricant to the sliders to facilitate easier movement if required. Mine printed fine, and didn't need any lubricant.To align the linear rail on the 2020 extrusion - use this excellent designhttps://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2368837I have included the STEP file so that you can adjust/change or otherwise customise the design.HARDWARE required:M3.5 x 8mm (x10) - to secure rail to 2020 extrusionM3 x 6mm (x4) - to secure Timing Belt Mount - (ie RED piece) to linear carriage (GREEN)M3 x 8mm (x2) - to secure the Slider (YELLOW) to the red pieceM2 x 12mm (x2) - to secure the Sprite Plate (ORANGE) to the extruder. The existing bolts are too short.M3 x 35mm (x1) - for the bottom bolt of the Sprite Plate. This screws directly into the extruder, and you may well be able to re-use the existing bolt, but it might be too short.Assembly(1) Loosen the X-carriage belt(2) Remove the wheeled carriage(3) Bolt the MGN12H rail to the 2020 extrusion (ensuring it is centred)(4) Bolt the carriage plate to the MGN12H carriage and re-attach the x-belt. Tighten belt. At this point, slide the cariage back and forth and check for free movement. Check that the X-endstop is triggered by the carriage plate as expected.(5) Before attaching the Slide the Sprite plate onto the Slider, check for fit. Fit should be cosy, with maybe some gentle encouragement required to move it back and forth. A dab of lubricant may be necessary to provide smooth movement. Mine didn't need any though.(6) Screw the slider onto the Carriage Plate. Do not over-tighten, or you risk stripping the holes. The cap heads should not protrude into the sliding channel.(7) Screw the Sprite Plate to the Sprite extruder (3 screws)(8) Finally, slide the Sprite Plate (with the extruder now attached) onto the Slider again, and make sure the securing clip is firmly secured.You're done.