TronXY X3A / X3 X-Axis & Z-Axis Drag Chain Cable Management

thingiverse

The TronXY X3A / X3 comes with limited cable management options. The supplied plastic wrap does the job for some cables, but it's not ideal for the collection of cables feeding the extruder area, which are frequently pulled around the X and Z axis. I got tired of cable tied wires choking the Bowden tube, being pulled too tight, or falling onto the print bed, so I decided to add a drag chain setup to my 3D printer. Please note that this design only works when the TronXY is lifted on legs (see my other designs for these). This also involves lengthening the wires feeding the extruder fan, sensor probe, thermistor, and heater cartridge. I ran new wire to power a secondary filament cooling fan that can be plugged into the standard Melzi control board. In addition to printing the provided files (various drag chain mounts), you'll need a 7x7mm Drag Chain, like this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Redrex-Plastic-Towline-Carrier-Machines/dp/B072SPQFLM. I bought a 1m long drag chain rather than designing and printing one as it would be time-consuming and difficult for many to print successfully. The measurement quoted when choosing a drag chain is of the internal area, not the external dimensions. The models I designed were made according to the measurements of a Redrex 7x7mm Plastic Drag Chain. If you buy a different sized drag chain or one from a different manufacturer, you may need to adjust the position of the fixing holes. Once you've separated the drag chain into two lengths - one for the X-Axis (the head + 25 sections in my case) and one for the Z-Axis (the tail and 26 sections in my case), you'll need to print a new head and tail for the two ends that are now missing their connectors. Printed Parts Needed: * Print 1 each of the 5 attached models. Other Parts Needed: * 1 x 1m long 7mm x 7mm Drag Chain * 8 x M3 x 10mm Countersunk Screws * 2 x M3 x 12mm Flat Head Screws * 10 x M3 nuts * 2 x M4 x 10mm screws (to replace the top 2 original shorter ones from the X-Axis Stepper Motor when attaching one of the Drag Chain Mounts) * 2 x 2020 M4 T-Nuts * 2 x M4 x 8mm (to go with the T-Nuts in order to attach the lower mount to the frame) * PVC coated 26AWG wire to extend: + Thermistor (2 x 60mm of White) + Extruder Fan (1 x 60mm of Red and 1 x 60mm of Black) + Sensor Probe (1 x 40mm of Black, 1 x 40mm of Blue and 1 x 40mm of Brown) Optional but recommended - PVC coated 26AWG wire to run new: * Filament Cooling Fan (1 x 2m of Red and 1 x 2m of Black) PVC coated 18AWG wire to extend: * Heater Cartridge (2 x 60mm of Red) Heat shrink wrap (recommend 2mm and 4mm) If you like this model, please click the 'Like' button. I'm super happy to see photos of people's makes, so please come back and share a picture of your print. If you found my design helpful or it saved you some money, I'm always grateful for a small donation that will help fuel future designs by way of a cup of coffee. This model is not to be uploaded or sold in any form, or modified, and is intended for personal use only.