Wanhao Duplicator 9 D9 300 Z axis braces support brace against vibration

thingiverse

Bracing is a breeze with the Z-axis of the Wanhao D9, all thanks to M10 threaded rods. I've seen other braces around, but they're made for imperial rods! Unfortunately, those aren't readily available in the UK, and besides, they didn't seem sturdy enough to me. These single-piece prints are designed for the 300 version - I'm not sure if they'll fit the 400/500 models, so be sure to check! Probably won't be an issue though. The base is printed with a built-in M10 thread, and you'll almost certainly need to use an M10 tap to clean it up. A cheap way to make your own tap is to take a spare section of rod, and use a Dremel or whatever to cut multiple slots into it. Then try threading it in - might take a while though! A real tap attached to an electric screwdriver will be much easier! You'll likely have spare rod left over, I cut both of mine down from 1m pieces bought at the local hardware store (needs about 69cm each, recommend you measure anyway). Pretty cheap. You'll need 5x M5x15mm screws to clamp it down on each side, along with suitable nut bits underneath. I had spares hanging around from a previous project, but if you don't have anything then just do a search for T-slot nuts. Also two M10 nuts per side to hold the rod - obviously. The base section print orientation is obvious, but the upper part should be printed on its side. As per ThingiView, but the other way up - look at the holes, you'll see little roofs added to them to aid printing with overhang issues. These should face up. Designed such that the top brace shouldn't "need" support, although one area did get a bit messy (see final pic, just below the top nut). If you can add support just to this section, might help, or support up to a certain level layer maybe - not a big deal. Also see the ribbon cable, wrapped around the threaded rod. Seemed like the best way to do it to me! Finally, suggest using a set square to get right angles when doing everything up. It's a bit of a pain, as there are no easy surfaces to just press it up against, but still a good idea. If you don't have one, a sheet of A4 paper would probably work to give you a right angle. In fact, this might be easier.... Other D9 upgrades I've done: * Fan housing / part cooling that actually (gasp!) works: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3906069 * Openbuild style gantry plates addon for y axis - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3906204 * X axis carriage bracket to stiffen up the lower wheel axis - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3914066