PiCam Print Bed Mount

youmagine

Having viewed several camera mounts for the Raspberry Pi camera (V2.1), I decided to give designing my own a shot. I wanted one that would secure to the print bed for a more stable timelapse image of prints. The mount secures to the bed via a U-shaped bracket and threaded wingnut. I have it clamped to the plate that carries the heated print bed on an Ender 3, after fitting an EZABL and removing the springs and adjusting nuts for a fixed position, but it can also be clamped directly to the bed. I left enough gap in the clamp should you use a glass plate on your bed (as I do). You may need to adjust the focus of the camera to allow for the short distance to the print area. I used this wrench to tweak the lens: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1570865, or use a sharp pair of tweezers. The U Bracket is attached to the arm with an M4 (16mm long) bolt, nut, and spring washer. I created an additional bracket (extrusion bracket) that fits onto the top aluminum extrusion of the Ender 3 so that the arm and camera assembly can be re-positioned to view the print bed from above. Update (7/6/20) I changed the wingbolt for a version using a thread and key. There were concerns over the printed wingbolt hitting the aluminum extrusion under the print bed when the mount is fitted to the print bed support. Use the key to wind the thread in and out then remove it. There should now be plenty of clearance beneath the print bed. I also did some work on the thread to create a smoother fit into the clamp thread.