Magnetic Bed for 3D printer

thingiverse

Update 9/14/14 -- Added a new version that does away with the tape and instead uses M3 screws of at least 8mm in length. SKP file also provided for customization. Installs the same way as the previous version as seen in photos of the previous version. Although mainly created for use with http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:448686 here is hoping it may be useful for other applications to justify a separate Thing page. Features -- Removable top portion secured by four magnets. Top plate removable, replaceable and held together by clips (Will look for a more elegant method to secure later). A "BuildTak" build surface makes applying "Blue" tape a thing of the past! Important Note -- The aluminum plate was from the Thing-o-Matic heat plate. It is used to support an 8x8 LEXAN sheet found at the Home Depot (The LEXAN sheet is actually bigger but is cut to be 8x8). A Countersink was used to drill enough of a hole for the six screws to be flush for a second sheet to sit on top. The build surface is installed on this second piece of LEXAN and can be removed when a print is finished to assist in the removal of the print. It may be possible to have the screws installed on just the LEXAN or print a flat surface to support the first LEXAN sheet. An alternative to those that don't have this aluminum plate readily available. Instructions Parts -- Four M3 x 50mm screws Two M3 x 10mm or longer screws (These screws should not touch the bed base). Eight Magnet Square - 0.25" from SparkFun. Sixteen M3 nuts. (Two for each M3 screw to locate screw in place and four nuts for four Thumbwheel. Eight M3 washers. (Four used before the two M3 nuts that locate plate and four one each before each Thumbwheel. Four strong springs Four M5 x 30mm screws Four M5 lock nuts. Eight spacers for the four M5 screws. Twelve M5 washers used where screw or spacer touches plastic. Optional was the use of Kapton tape to secure the magnets from pulling each other out of their holders. Thumbwheel Source: -- http://www.thingiverse.com/make:90043