Cable Management - MK2
My MK2 has had nearly every cable to the hot end/extruder fail while I have owned it. I have spliced and replaced them, but when I got the MK3 with its much improved cable management, I decided to see if I could incorporate it into the MK2. After some testing, the solution I have is a modified MK3 X-Carriage, stock X-Carriage back, and a new design for the cable support. The stock MK3 X-Carriage doesn't trigger the X limit switch, so I had to add the limit switch trigger. The stock cable support is too wide for the MK2, so I designed a new version. The first iteration used cable ties and it was OK, but messy. The final version of the cable support is designed to be printed in nylon or hard TPU so that the cable channel arms can be flexed out during cable installation. The one shown is Taulman Alloy 910.
Since the main break point was where the cable tie ran across the cables in the MK2 version, I kept that area free so the bend isn't forced. The cables are packed into the cable support, holding them in place. The cable tie doesn't seem to be needed but doesn't seem to cause a problem either.
I can post STL files if anyone would like them.
Re: Cable Management - MK2
Hi Ben,
could you please provide to us the modified files? I´m having trouble with broken wires too.
Thank you 😉
Re: Cable Management - MK2
Hi Ben,
I'am very interested, because I want to mount the Noctua fan on my MK2.
Can you publish the stl files, please
Thanks in advance
Frans
Frans Krau
Europe, Holland, Apeldoorn
Re: Cable Management - MK2
For the Mk2 I re enforced the back of the extruder carriage with a screw similar to the Mk2S, then I used a nylon filament support as notmal, full length of the cable bundle, and a second nlyon filament firmly attached at the extruder carriage, running about 4 inches into the cable bundle, to give extra support immediately behind the rigid screw support, to prevent spot flexing...
I suggest you try to graduate the bending after the new support, or you will suffer failure at the transition between rigid and flexible cabling sections.
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
Re: Cable Management - MK2
The files are attached. There is the actual cable holder which is a direct replacement on the MK3, and the modified X-Carriage for the MK2. For the MK2/MK2S you need to print the MK3 backplate, the modified X-Carriage bearing plate, and the cable holder.
These are provided without warranty. They worked on mine but I take no responsibility for your printer.
The original nylon filament takes care of the transition. There is little to no bending possible directly at the transition and nothing that would cause damage over time unless Prusa is making these parts out of really crappy wire, which I would not be surprised at considering the number of failures I have seen.