Show your MODS

[RobH2]

I was going to ask about the sleeves on the cables. Glad you mentioned the name of it. It looks nice.

I also see a new connection method for the Z Rods to the stepper motors. Is that a standard part for the i3v or a mod? I find that my rubber connections are prone to slipping. They do provide some protection in a head crash as they will release and push off, but as even the lightest lubrication eventually makes its way to the bottom, it discolors in the vinyl tubes, so I know it's there. They aren't as tight as they used to be.

[clough42]

I also see a new connection method for the Z Rods to the stepper motors. Is that a standard part for the i3v or a mod? I find that my rubber connections are prone to slipping. They do provide some protection in a head crash as they will release and push off, but as even the lightest lubrication eventually makes its way to the bottom, it discolors in the vinyl tubes, so I know it's there. They aren't as tight as they used to be.

I replaced the vinyl tubing with aluminum Z couplers for the reasons you mentioned. Oil was getting down into the tubes and I figured it would eventually cause a problem. Also, the tubes don't really center the threaded rod up very well, so the Z rods wobble when printing.

The coupler is designed to allow the shaft to flex as it rotates, but it also essentially suspends the weight of the X assembly on an aluminum spring, and it rings as the Z axis turns. They're really designed to be used with ball screws that have thrust bearings in the mounts. I went ahead and slid the threaded rods all the way down so they actually contact the motor shaft, and this stopped the ringing noises.

I'm not worried about a crash, because the nuts will ultimately pop out of the traps, limiting the downward force that can be applied.

[RobH2]

I replaced the vinyl tubing with aluminum Z couplers

Did you make or buy the couplers?

[clough42]

Did you make or buy the couplers?

Bought them on eBay. Just search for "5x5 flexible shaft coupler". There are lots of Chinese sources that ship worldwide and there are lots of local vendors marking them up, but with faster shipping.

[printbus]

...I sheathed everything with TechFlex braided sleeving and dressed the ends with heat shrink tubing and cable ties.

I was going to ask about the sleeves on the cables. Glad you mentioned the name of it. It looks nice.

The braided sleeving is great, but it can be a pain to work with. Unless it is cut with a hot-knife machine, the cut end on many kinds will tend to unravel as you do anything with it. TechFlex is a company name, with a wide range of products. I highly recommend searching specifically for the TechFlex Clean Cut material. It tends to unravel less when cut with just a scissor. I purchased a couple of different sizes from eBay for using in my build. I found the 1/4-inch size especially good at remaining intact.

[clough42]

The braided sleeving is great, but it can be a pain to work with. Unless it is cut with a hot-knife machine, the cut end on many kinds will tend to unravel as you do anything with it. TechFlex is a company name, with a wide range of products. I highly recommend searching specifically for the TechFlex Clean Cut material. It tends to unravel less when cut with just a scissor. I purchased a couple of different sizes from eBay for using in my build. I found the 1/4-inch size especially good at remaining intact.

Good tip. I'll have to try the clean cut.

I've been using the cheap stuff, sold on eBay by seller "furryletters". It can unravel, but I just cut it with scissors and try to be careful with it. I secure the ends with heat shrink and zip ties. Another approach is hot glue lined heat shrink. I've been known to cut a sliver off a hot glue stick and shove it in the heat shrink to help secure the sheathing so it doesn't pull out. Zip ties are easier.

One other tip: the sleeving melts very easily. Be careful when shrinking the tubing. I actually use a hot air solder rework station, which is way overkill, but really easy to control.

[printbus]

One other tip: the sleeving melts very easily. Be careful when shrinking the tubing. I actually use a hot air solder rework station, which is way overkill, but really easy to control.

Oh man, I had forgot about that and it's good you pointed that out. You definitely don't want to try and use a lighter on the heatshrink ends with this stuff. I've melted several braided sleeves that way. I think I've even melted a few using the usual paint-stripper kind of heat gun that big box stores sell when I wasn't careful with it. I forgot about it since a number of years ago I splurged for a 250W Weller 6966C hot air gun. It's specifically intended for delicate electronic stuff like working with heatshrink. That was definitely one of my smarter purchases for my electronics hobby work.