Prusa i3 MK3 antivibration feet

myminifactory

A new design is being created for the Prusa I3 Mk3 feet with the aim of being printed in flex material to reduce vibrations. These new feet have a greater contact surface than the original ones and spread the stress throughout all the foot by using different thicknesses. The base of the feet is slightly taller than the originals, has a 15mm diameter, and is round so additional hemispheres can be installed. To print and install these new feet, follow these steps: Print some pairs of prusa_Mk3_foot_A.stl and prusa_Mk3_foot_B.stl (use gyroid infill) in addition to some 3030 t-nuts. Prepare M3x12 or M3x14 countersunk screws and M3 nyloc nuts, which can be found in the "Spares" bag. Insert the nuts into the plastic t-nuts using an M3x10 cap screw if needed. Check that the nuts work properly on one of the side channels of the extrusions. Connect the printer, autohome, and move the Z axis up and the X axis full right. Turn off the printer, unplug it, turn it over to the PSU side, and install the feet. Alternate the pairs so the forces balance out. Do not overtighten, as the steel screws may bite into the aluminum extrusion. Just tighten enough so the feet do not move, leaving fixing to gravity. Put the printer upright, plug it in, connect it, and enjoy! For additional overengineering points, make sure the first layer of gyroid infill is parallel with the extrusions. In your slicer, note if this first gyroid infill is either parallel or perpendicular to the base (circle) linear top infill, and install accordingly. Give the base (circle) of the feet a slight sanding for improved adhesion. For overkill points, use 10 feet, alternating them as instructed, and concentrating them around the gravity center of your Prusa. Be careful not to damage any wiring or loose Allen keys. If everything goes well, you'll notice that the rattling in gap fill and high-speed gyroid infill is almost completely gone, and your Prusa "sings" in a deeper voice, meaning the higher frequencies are absorbed. Some variations include printing the "mixed" feet model (prusa_Mk3_foot_AB.stl), which combines both feet into one. This does not require alternating pairs. Another option is to print 3030_t_nut_selfthread.stl without room for the nyloc nut, but tapping plastic may have its own set of challenges.