This is a Core XZ upgrade for the popular AM8 frame inspired by the Voron Switchwire, which also makes the AM8 compatible with VORON Afterburner.
In case you don't know about the Voron Project, check it out at https://www.vorondesign.com/. They design outstanding open-source 3D printers, and if you're looking for a real upgrade, I'd suggest you build a Voron instead. It probably won't get any better. But if you enjoy tinkering on your cheap 3D printer just like me, this mod could be something for you.
CAUTION!
3D printers make fast movements, so it is a great advantage if moving parts have the lowest possible mass. This is why the Core XY architecture was developed, where two stepper motors can move the print head in two directions through a sophisticated belt drive without having to move themselves. Well-known DIY Core XY printers are, for example, the Voron 0, Voron Trident and Voron 2, or the very popular Hypercube and Hypercube Evolution. However, a Core XY motion system requires a cube-shaped frame, which we do not have with the AM8. Converting the frame would contradict the sense of an "upgrade" and would rather be a completely new printer. Therefore, the Voron Switchwire gave me the idea to implement the Core XY architecture rotated by 90 degrees as Core XZ architecture on the AM8. This has the following advantages:
This mod is using the same aluminium extrusions as the AM8 mod. Extrusions used for designing the parts are Misumi HFSB5-2040, but any 2020 B-type nut 6 extrusions will work. Make sure your extrusions have these lenghts:
A few mm more or less will work too, as long as the deviations are consistent (f.e. 3 313mm is fine, but 2 310mm and 1 * 313mm is not).
This mod assumes that the original linear rods of the Anet A8 are used. Their lengths are:
The required length of the X axis rods is the length of your shortest extrusion + 115mm. So for the spec 310mm extrusions, rods of 425mm in length are required. Longer rods will stick out on the sides, but that's ok.
[A]
tag at the beginning of a file name means that this is an accent part. You can print it in an accent color if you like.This sections contains some tips for firmware configuration. Note that the firmware directory contains some configurations.
M84
) after prints. Print head would fall down on print or bed.
There are two versions of the Anet A8, one with 45mm spacing between the linear rods of the X-axis, and one with 46mm spacing. This also means that the ball bearings on the print head are either 45mm or 46mm apart. You need to find out which version of the Anet A8 you have, and print the appropriate version of the rod mounts. The 40mm rod mounts are needed for the VORON Afterburner.
The following lists specify which additional parts you'll need to upgrade your existing printer to this mod. Note that there are alternative standards for each DIN standard (for example, the corresponding ISO standard). These are just the standards I used to design the parts. If you decide to use other nuts and bolts, check the dimensions beforehand. This is especially important for nuts and countersunk screws, less so for button head screws and cylindrical head screws.
Item | Amount | Comment |
---|---|---|
DIN 934 M2 nut | 4 | Only 2 if you're not using the Z endstop |
DIN 912 M2x10 screw | 4 | Only 2 if you're not using the Z endstop |
ISO 7380 M3x25 screw | 4 | |
ISO 7380 M3x30 screw | 18 | |
DIN 912 M3x30 screw or any other M3 screw with 30-40mm in length | 1 | Only if you ARE using the Z endstop |
ISO 7380 M5x10 screw | 17 | Only 16 if you're not using the Z endstop |
DIN 912 M5x30 screw | 4 | |
M5 T-Nut for 2020 | 21 | Only 20 if you're not using the Z endstop |
DIN 988 6x3x0.5 precision shim ring | 16 | YES, measurements are important, and NO, you can't just use cheap M3 washers |
GT2 16T timing pulley | 1 | 3 needed in total, but 2 are already included with Anet A8 |
GT2 timing belt with 6mm width | ~5m | Glassfiber belt recommended, and it's highly recommended to replace the Y axis belt too |
F623 ball bearing | 16 | |
Threaded heat insert M3x5x4 | 15 | The ones VORON printers use; Only 14 if you're not using the Z endstop |
Item | Amount | Comment |
---|---|---|
DIN 912 M2x14 screw | 2 | |
DIN 934 M2 nut | 2 | |
DIN 934 M3 nut | 1 | |
ISO 7380 M3x16 screw | 1 | DIN 912 or other button head would work too, length should be 16-18mm |
ISO 7380 M3x30 screw | 4 | |
ISO 7380 M5x10 screw | 10 | You may already have these from your AM8 |
DIN 912 M5x30 screw | 2 | |
M5 T-Nut for 2020 | 12 | You may already have these from your AM8 |
DIN 988 6x3x0.5 precision shim ring | 2 | Again, measurements are important |
F623 ball bearing | 2 | Came with A8 |
Item | Amount |
---|---|
DIN 934 M3 nut | 2 |
DIN 912 M3x12 screw | 2 |
For the adapter and belt clamp, you need (some may also be listed in the official sourcing guide): | Item | Amount | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
DIN 934 M3 nut | 2 | ||
DIN 912 M3x12 screw | 4 | ||
DIN 912 M3x20 screw | 2 | Only if you are using the PL-08N probe | |
DIN 912 M3x30 screw | 2 | ||
DIN 912 M3x40 screw | 3 | ||
Threaded heat insert M3x5x4 | 9 | Only 7 if you're NOT using the PL-08N probe | |
LM8LUU linear bearing | 2 | Misumi recommended. Short LM8UU bearings of Anet A8 print head NOT compatible. |
For the rest of the items, please refer to the official VORON sourcing guide: https://www.vorondesign.com/sourcing_guide (select 'VORON Afterburner' at the bottom).
For the printed parts, you can download Switchwire's repository: https://github.com/VoronDesign/Voron-Switchwire (click on Code -> Download ZIP). You will find the STLs under STL/Gantry/XZ_Axis/X_Carriage
.
Print the following:
[a]_blower_housing_front.stl
blower_housing_rear.stl
hotend_fan_mount.stl
Direct_Feed/[a]_connector_cover.stl
(If you like, but it isn't really compatible)Direct_Feed/[a]_guidler.stl
Direct_Feed/[a]_latch.stl
Direct_Feed/[a]_latch_shuttle.stl
Direct Feed/extruder_body.stl
Direct_Feed/extruder_motor_plate.stl
Printheads/X
for print head X of your choiceRequired parts for optional accessories.
Item | Amount |
---|---|
ISO 7380 M5x10 screw | 1 |
M5 T-Nut for 2020 | 1 |
Zip tie | 3 |
Item | Amount |
---|---|
ISO 7380 M5x10 screw | 4 |
M5 T-Nut for 2020 | 4 |
Item | Amount |
---|---|
ISO 7380 M3x10 screw | 2 |
ISO 7380 or DIN 912 M3x12 screw | 4 |
ISO 7380 M5x10 screw | 1 |
M5 T-Nut for 2020 | 1 |
Threaded heat insert M3x5x4 | 2 |
From the VORON Switchwire repository (link above), print everything...
STL/Electronics/LCD/2004 (Prusa)
for LCD 2004 controllerSTL/Electronics/LCD/Mini12864
for Mini 12864 LCD controllerItem | Amount | Comment |
---|---|---|
DIN 934 M4 nut | 4 | Per block |
ISO 7380 M4x8 screw | 4 | Per block; Different screw heads are fine too (no countersunk) |
STL/Electronics/skr_mini_e3_mount.stl
to mount the recommended SKR Mini E3 boardSTL/Electronics/raspberry_pi_mount.stl
to mount a Raspberry PiSTL/Electronics/raspberry_pi_zero_shelf
to mount a Raspberry Pi Zero on the SKR Mini E3, which results in a cheap and compact control unit. There's a great video about how to connect them.