Camera Mount Clamp and Arm for MakerBot/FlashForge/MonoPrice Printers

thingiverse

I love the GorillaPod, but every time I tried to position my camera on my printer, it would fall apart just before I got the camera into the right position. There are tons of camera mounts and arms and whatnot for the other printers, but couldn't find one for the Makerbot clones out there. I have the Monoprice variant, so the dimensions of this clamp may be better suited to it than others. I'm including the 123dx files so you can modify as needed. This design relies on a few pieces of hardware: 6 x #6 screws (optimally, you'll find some that are the right length. I think 1" will do. I only had 1.25", so I screwed them in and trimmed them to fit) 6 x #6 nuts (this allows you to tighten the arms as they loosen over time. Off the print bed, everything is tight) 2 x small expansion springs (These aren't totally necessary honestly because everything press fits together. I may make a version that just uses a screw to hold things in place. Over time though, I assume things will loosen up, and the springs will provide a little holding power) The camera housing and hinge I've included are for a version of the raspberry pi camera that I got on Amazon (product link. It does NOT match the specs for the official raspberry pi camera. Up next: I like where my camera sits now, but it could be cool to have an even wider shot. I'm going to create a hinge that allows for more arms. I'll likely need to have another expansion spring added from the top of the frame to the new arm hinge to help deal with any added weight. Print Settings Printer: Monoprice Dual Extruder Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: I went with .20 Infill: 20% or more Notes: If your camera is heavier, you may want to increase the infill. Everything was designed so it prints flat on the surface with no overhangs. As such, no supports are needed. Post-Printing 1 - Attach a short expansion spring to each of the two frame parts you printed. 2 - Using a #6 screw, screw the two halves of the frame together. There are three holes for screws, but you really only need the outer two. 3 - Slide the top and bottom claws into position, and hook up the expansion springs. You'll need some small pliers for this probably. You COULD attach the spring, and THEN slide the claw onto the frame, but you're going to stretch out your spring and then what's the point, right? 4 - Attach the two arms to the bottom claw using two #6 screws. 5 - Attach the camera mount using two #6 screws. 6 - Mount your camera and take pictures.