One-piece Ormerod bed support.

thingiverse

The MDF bed provided with the Ormerod is too floppy and is better replaced with an aluminium one. The problem is the complex cut-outs required (usually laser cut) to fit this on the bed support means that normal people cannot cut this. Therefore I have produced a one-piece bed support with a flat top enabling you to use any bed you wish with only simple drilling which can be more easily done at home. You can even use this support with the original MDF bed if you like by drilling 3 mount holes as shown in the photos and it does support the floppy MDF better. I have done this as I found my aluminium bed too heavy so I am drilling chunks out of it to reduce weight. By making a the bed a single piece I have reduced manufacture time, increased rigidity, eliminated beam/back alignment problems and eliminated connecting screws. Instructions Simply print the component; it has been through 4 iterations to ensure a perfect fit. The bearing mount is tight; this is intentional to ensure it does not slip off. It also covers more than 180 degrees of the bearing so it cannot slip around vertically and change the bed level during a print like the original plywood part does. The holes in the rear plate are elongated to allow perfect bed support alignment relative to the Z post. To attach the belt, simply overlap, tension and slide/press into the groove as you do with the original part. This should be sufficient but if you do get slippage problems, there are two holes under the belt position which you can tap using an M3 screw and use a pair of nylon M3 screws to secure the belt. To secure your bed to the support, drill 3 x 4mm holes to line up with the 3 holes in the support. If using a bed of the original dimensions (215 x 215) then the third hole should be located 27.5mm from the centre of the front edge of the bed. This is a guide only, please confirm the before you drill. Countersink your holes. The holes in the support will need to be tapped using an M3 screw. The original countersunk M3 screws then work to attach the bed.