Mini Space Invaders Carriage (Eustathios)

myminifactory

This is a redesign of the Space Invaders Carriage for Eustathios printers, aimed at maximizing usable build volume by shrinking its size. Key changes include: smaller dimensions, with XY travel measuring approximately 290mm², still below the original carriage's capacity self-aligning bushings replace graphite bushings, requiring less space a 40mm extruder fan replaces a 30mm fan to reduce noise levels the design no longer accommodates direct drive bondtech mounting Like its predecessor, this version is convertible between bowden and direct drive configurations using a Printrbot Gear Head extruder. Instead of switching, I opted for a flying extruder with a short bowden tube (more details on this setup can be found in another post). The hotend is positioned higher than standard Eustathios builds, so the bed may not reach the nozzle; however, ball-screw bed mounts should resolve this issue. Parts needed: 2 - 5015 Radial Fans* (24V version available, but 12V might be required depending on your power supply) 4 - 5x5mm magnets* for mounting the cooling duct 2 - 2W 12V LED modules* wired in series or parallel according to your power supply's requirements 1 - 40mm fan (12 or 24V, depending on your power supply) 6 - Brass M3 Press Fit Inserts 4 - Self-aligning bushings (8mm or 10mm) Various M3 screws Printer: Eustathios Filaments: Atomic Glow in the Dark PETG IAP Clear ABS *affiliate links Post-Printing: Cooling Fans The extruder employs two 50mm x 15mm blower fans for part cooling, secured by removable glue dots. Typical usage values are 60-80% for PLA and 0-20% for ABS. Cooling Duct The duct is retained by 5x5mm magnets inserted into the carriage and duct. To facilitate attachment, set the polarity of the front two magnet sets opposite to that of the back two; this will prevent the rear duct magnets from sticking to the front carriage magnets when attaching. Clamps The top and bottom clamps attach to the end of the screws, securing the hotend in place. Lights (optional) I utilize two 2W 12V LED modules* wired in series to illuminate the extruder. These are configured on a separate mosfet to indicate when the hotend is ready for extrusion; one module has an intermittent connection and awaits replacement. Brass M3 Press Fit Inserts The holes atop the extruder and fan mount accommodate brass press fit threaded inserts. Bushings Self-aligning bushings replace graphite bushings, providing improved compactness. They align easily and can be slightly misaligned if too loose; however, they are difficult to remove for reuse. Wiring I separate the heater and thermistor from the fans and lights on a distinct connector, making it easier to swap out the heater block as needed.