Prusa i3 MK2 fan shroud nozzle camera module

thingiverse

I wanted to get a better view of what's happening at the nozzle while printing, so I started looking for a way to see inside. I found a small USB endoscopic camera module that I thought might work and when it arrived, seemed like just what I needed. It may only have 640x480 resolution, but it was sufficient as you can see in this video. You can find the camera module used here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Broaden-your-eyes-USB-90-degree-shooting-high-resolution-mini-endoscope-camera-module/925965018.html I did need to remove the cable that came with it and attach a USB cable, but that was pretty straightforward. Windows recognized it as a webcam and downloaded the necessary driver right away. I had previously downloaded a model of the Prusa i3 MK2 and used it to design a modified fan nozzle that would hold the camera module in place with just two clips, which I printed along with the rest of the fan nozzle. You can find that model here: https://grabcad.com/library/original-prusa-i3-mk2-printer-1 When trying to get the focus right, I ended up mucking up the focus ring a bit. To avoid this, I'd suggest printing the shroud without the screw in place, plugging in the camera, and then removing it each time you need to adjust the focus. Edit: Since making this setup, I've been asked to print lots of thin items that take up the whole bed with both ABS and PC. It turns out using PLA for the shroud was a mistake. The fan never comes on when printing those materials, so there's no airflow at all. What's worse is that the heat damaged the camera module, making the image hazy and basically useless. I may revisit this project sometime and see about adding a diverter to channel some of the air blowing over the hot end heatsink towards the camera module, but for now, I'll say it was successful with PLA, but not so much with anything that needs high bed temperatures unless you've got active cooling for the camera.