Anycubic Prusa i3 Acrylic Z-Height Expander by Quas7

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

UPDATE 6:
added photo of final assembly
UPDATE 5:
adjusted screw channel for easier mounting of the long version (not perfect, but it works).
UPDATE 4:
I uploaded a STEP file of the model for others to optimize where needed.
UPDATE 3:
Bridged version for increased stability.
UPDATE 2:
I uploaded a corrected model with 100mm extensions. The previous model will not fit! Do not use it!
The next update will include a massive bridge between the extensions to increase lateral support of the printer.
UPDATE:
After testing the 60mm extension, I will provide a Z-expander for +100mm featuring a bridge between both poles to increase rigidity.
It will be a three-part design to make it printable on 200x200mm print area.
I exchanged the Y-rods for 10cm longer ones to use the 300x200mm bed upgrade.
The old Y-rods are now free to expand the Z-height.
Bigger Bed Upgrade:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Funssor-MK3-MK2A-300x200mm-Aluminum-Heated-Bed-Wiring-Thermistor-Kit-for-Prusa-i3-or-other-RepRap/32811347891.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.ic8gNVhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/3D-Printer-heat-bed-Ultimaker-2-UM2-Y-Carriage-Aluminum-Anodized-Upgrade-Plate-for-RepRap-Prusa/32816212249.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.LU8vA1
two longer smooth rods and M12 rods to extend Y range.
Mechanical stability must be checked but the main force on this Z-expander is the lateral movement/acceleration of the X-carriage and this should be properly compensated with the additional surface area to the frame.
Should be used with the no-Z-loading X-belt tensioner to not load the Z-rods with the X-belt tension.
BTW, it is not a good idea, to double fix the T8 rod as this can lead to increased Z-wobble and friction, if the T8 rod is not perfectly straight or the X-distance of the Z-carriage is not aligned to the lower Z-mount. Just use only the smooth rods to fixate.
Thanks jdonegan for measuring the Z-Axis stabilizer. This was used as a template for this Z-expander.