Mk2 cable chains  

Re: Mk2 cable chains

The following is some observations about my experiences with this modification. First, you only need 21 full range chain links for the X-Carriage wire bundle. I do recommend you use 13 chain links for the heated bed cable bundle. You will want to REMOVE the zip tie holding the linear rod on the rear closest to the RAMBo. The chain links for the heat bed will rub on this zip tie and cause artifacts in your prints.

Here is an updated summary of the different parts you need to print of you want to do this:

Re: Mk2 cable chains

Is there any significant noise level increase while using the cable chains?

Re: Mk2 cable chains

Not really. Occasionally I hear a few pops when they rub on some parts of the printer, but they are mostly silent. There are no squeaks, even though I haven't done any lubrication. I've printed this entire modification in ColorFabb PLA/PHA and haven't experienced any down sides. I love that my X-Carriage wire harness doesn't rub on the heat bed anymore.

The loudest thing on my MK2 3D printer at the moment is the part cooling fan. The following is a list of mods I've applied to my machine to make it quieter:

Re: Mk2 cable chains

@ayourk, Can you make some (Closeup) photos on how you mounted it on the extruder and on the heated bed?

Re: Mk2 cable chains

@ayourk, Can you make some (Closeup) photos on how you mounted it on the extruder and on the heated bed?

Yes I would like to see those pictures as well 🙂
Is your chain interfering with the spool mount, or will it once we do the upgrade to the quad extruder?

Re: Mk2 cable chains

The chain link is good for the heated bed cable, but not in my opinion for the hotend. I have printed a chain for the heated bed out of interest. I will fit it eventually.

Re: Mk2 cable chains

So today I took the time to implement this upgrade, and it did succeed.
I do however recommend to print all the parts with 100% infill since 2 of the small parts did break when they had an infill of 40%. I reprinted them, and all is perfect now!
Besides that I have to say, great design because everything fits really well. And indeed no noise increase when using the chains.
Here are some pictures showing how I mounted it, only downside is that the spool mount is unusable now if you would do high prints, for small prints it's of course no issue. And I don't really mind, since I was already planning on making a different spool mount.

Re: Mk2 cable chains

Great work guys!

@Tom: Any chance you made your parts avaible outside tinkercad?

Cheers,
Carsten

Re: Mk2 cable chains

@carsten.w2 see ......... http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1725591

I printed them.

Re: Mk2 cable chains

Ayourk

I noticed you've linked in a mk2 X carriage part ?

Any chance on a catch up on the current optimal design ?

Any thoughts on the multi materials update effect on this ?

Thanks

G.

Re: Mk2 cable chains

Ayourk

I noticed you've linked in a mk2 X carriage part ?

Any chance on a catch up on the current optimal design ?

Any thoughts on the multi materials update effect on this ?

Thanks

G.

I've been in discussions with someone that is on the Multi Material beta team (via the Mk2 Slack, see my signature) and I'll be updating the design that includes the X-carriage because I think that the EL will have to be positioned lower because of clearance issues in the near future (when the beta is over). Also, you'll note that this new X-carriage design has 2 additional features: It doesn't need Zip Ties to hold the bearings in place and it has extra room for the entire connector for the E3D thermistor (vs the tab that Prusa cuts off because of lack of room).

Re: Mk2 cable chains

Thanks for that - I've seen some of your comments on Slack too. I'm going to wait for the MM shipping before doing anything then - I'll await you final design 🙂

J

Re: Mk2 cable chains

Modded the Prusa i3 MK2 with 'cable chains' instead of the spiral wrap bundles. The X-axis end stop works much better now, and there is no possibility of the heated bed cables and the extruder cables hitting each other again

Used ayourke's work from TinkerCAD...

I broke the two part heated bed connector taking it apart, so I kludged it with cable ties while I print another one...

Chris Shaker

Re: Mk2 cable chains

The heated bed cable chain hits the cable tie that holds the aft end of the smooth rod. I put a rubber band around the cable chain to keep it in place.

I have more links in the cable chains than ayourke specified. Not sure if that is related

Thinking of going back to the spiral wrap, now that I know how it should be run

Chris

Re: Mk2 cable chains

Ayour: can I use std chain links or I must use full range version?

Re: Mk2 cable chains

Ayour: can I use std chain links or I must use full range version?

With what I've been doing with the cable chains, you shouldn't need to use any full range chain links.

Re: Mk2 cable chains

Just printed, but chain seem to be little rigid 🙁 I expected it will bend it self, but I must use little force to bend chain 🙁

Re: Mk2 cable chains

Just printed, but chain seem to be little rigid 🙁 I expected it will bend it self, but I must use little force to bend chain 🙁

Make sure to remove any lip from the bottom of the individual links.
The extra bit from the first layer squishing a bit wider than the others.
When I printed mine out that little bit hung up and made the chain stiff like you are talking about.
I went through with a file and removed that little part and now they move nice and freely.

The area I highlighted in orange is the problem area.

Re: Mk2 cable chains

has anyone had a problem with the chain mount to the extruder assembly contacting the frame and preventing the Y axis from contacting the limit switch?

Re: Mk2 cable chains

has anyone had a problem with the chain mount to the extruder assembly contacting the frame and preventing the Y axis from contacting the limit switch?

Usually these kinds of issues are related to cable management. You do have to e careful where you put your cables to prevent this from happening. Also, the latest revision to my X-carriage is up, and as far as I am aware, it has no issues with clearance.