Makerfarm I3v Bowden X Carriage

thingiverse

This is my upgraded X carriage designed specifically for use with a Makerfarm i3v 3D printer, paired with a reliable Bowden/Hexagon setup. I constructed this new X carriage to seamlessly integrate with a bowden filament feeder similar to the one manufactured by Tech 2 C (visit http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:767951 for more details). My primary objective was to ensure that the hot end and nozzle are unobstructed from view, thanks to a clever fan design that pulls cool air in from the top of the carriage and directs it out through the front. In contrast to the standard stock carriage, where air is forced into a cramped space beneath, this improved setup allows for a more efficient cooling system. Moreover, I was determined to eliminate the frustration of not being able to easily view the filament as it feeds onto the print bed without resorting to awkward viewing angles. At present, my creation is still a work in progress and shows signs of disorder due to its early development stage; cable management will be implemented at a later time. Below you'll find detailed instructions on how I produced this project. Instructions I utilized Solidworks software to design my object and downloaded a 3D model of the Hexagon hotend from Grabcad as the foundation for my design. For printing purposes, I used ABS material with an extrusion temperature of 240 degrees Celsius, coupled with a heated bed set at 70 degrees Celsius and no active fans. For construction, I employed the standard hardware from my Makerfarm wood carriage on this new version – including M3x12 bolts, spacers, and bearings. Specifically, two of these bolt types were utilized to secure the hotend clamp while four M3x16 units fastened each fan into place. Lastly, a pair of M4x12 units was required for mounting the fan shrouds. Going forward, I will carefully consider adding cable management features as well as revising the design of the fan covers to achieve optimal performance and aesthetics.