Seeking information for new printer project

[fcwilt]

Hi,

I've look other places but cannot find what I seek.

I'm putting together a new printer based on the E3D Motion System. I purchased the basic setup, the one without the tools, electronics, etc.

What I am trying to find is the dimensions of the metal strips used to support the wiring.

My best guess, based on pictures, is 5-6mm wide by 0.5mm thick.

Does anyone know for sure?

Thanks much.

Frederick

[rjenkinsgb]

I bought a batch of them from E3D while getting other parts for my custom toolchanger, they are only £1 each.

Just measuring one, they are about 4.6 x 0.2mm section.

https://e3d-online.com/products/toolchanger-cable-group-support-brace

[T3P3Tony]

@fcwilt pretty sure they are steel zip ties

[fcwilt]

@rjenkinsgb said in Seeking information for new printer project:

I bought a batch of them from E3D while getting other parts for my custom toolchanger, they are only £1 each.

Just measuring one, they are about 4.6 x 0.2mm section.

https://e3d-online.com/products/toolchanger-cable-group-support-brace

Thanks very much. Just what I needed to know.

Frederick

[fcwilt]

@t3p3tony said in Seeking information for new printer project:

@fcwilt pretty sure they are steel zip ties

Never heard of them before.

Interesting.

Frederick

[fcwilt]

@t3p3tony said in Seeking information for new printer project:

@fcwilt pretty sure they are steel zip ties

I think you are correct.

A quick check of a vendor of such things shows a product that is 4.6mm by .25mm - just about what the other poster measured.

Frederick

[fcwilt]

@rjenkinsgb

Sorry to bother you again.

How long is the strip from the rear of the frame to the X carriage?

I have some spring steel strip that might work - just need to have some idea how long to cut the pieces.

Thanks.

Frederick

[rjenkinsgb]

Going on fcwilt's suggestion that they are cable ties, I've done a bit of digging.

They are 680mm long; I believe they are this exact item:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-ties/7436162

RS also do an 840mm version:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-ties/1834234

(I'm an electronics engineer & use large quantities of cable ties, but I'd never before seen anything like these - I was trying to figure out what the end attachment was for! Unfolding and flattening the end allows it to be removed, to keep the strip full length)

[JoergS5]

@rjenkinsgb said in Seeking information for new printer project:

figure out what the end attachment was for!

in the description of the 840mm version below is a description "The secure ball locking mechanisms allow them to be securely fastened at any length, whilst ensuring they remain firmly in place in the toughest of conditions"

[fcwilt]

@rjenkinsgb said in Seeking information for new printer project:

Going on fcwilt's suggestion that they are cable ties, I've done a bit of digging.

They are 680mm long; I believe they are this exact item:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-ties/7436162

RS also do an 840mm version:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-ties/1834234

(I'm an electronics engineer & use large quantities of cable ties, but I'd never before seen anything like these - I was trying to figure out what the end attachment was for! Unfolding and flattening the end allows it to be removed, to keep the strip full length)

Good detective work.

My only question would be about the characteristics of the metal used for such devices.

The spring metal strip material I have is designed to be flexed and has the specifications relevant to that sort of use.

The product comes with a certificate with information like below, but I don't know if it is really meaningful for this sort of applicaiton.

[o_lampe]

@fcwilt I used to use both: round spring-steel and stainless steel rods for servo connections in RC-airplanes. The spring steel rods were more elastic, but the stainless steel rods didn't rust over time and they never locked in their guide-tubes.
For wiring-loom support I'd choose round rods over flat banded. (just my gutt talking)

[fcwilt]

@o_lampe said in Seeking information for new printer project:

@fcwilt I used to use both: round spring-steel and stainless steel rods for servo connections in RC-airplanes. The spring steel rods were more elastic, but the stainless steel rods didn't rust over time and they never locked in their guide-tubes.
For wiring-loom support I'd choose round rods over flat banded. (just my gutt talking)

I agree but I happened to have the strip material on hand. The supplier of that doesn't have a round equivalent. I should look around to other vendors.

Frederick

[rjenkinsgb]

@o_lampe said in Seeking information for new printer project:

For wiring-loom support I'd choose round rods over flat banded. (just my gutt talking)

Sticking with the flat strips/bands allows everything to be compatible with the E3D cable attachments etc., which is very convenient for building the tools and cable assemblies.

If you are not using E3D tools / toolchanger, then it makes no difference.