Prusa i3 Bear Half Upgrade v1.0

thingiverse

## /!\ Version 2.0 is out : https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2808408 _ _ # Prusa i3 Bear Edition v1.0 This is an aluminum frame conversion for the Prusa i3 MK2, MK2s and MK2.5. Josef PRŮŠA has created numerous of incredible 3D printers and its Prusa i3 MK2/MK2s/MK2.5 is capable of very impressive print quality for a very low price. A huge thanks to him and all its team! Unfortunately, the frame is the weakest point of the machine. It is very difficult to square, it is not rigid enough on the Z axis and finally the frame might move a bit when you do some maintenance. A very good project has solved those problems by using 3030 extrusion aluminum : Prusa 3030 Haribo Edition. ## Why another conversion build? * To reduce the number of parts to update from Prusa i3 MK2/MK2s/MK2.5 kit (no need to print a new RAMBo cover nor change any cable, rods or firmware from the original Prusa i3 MK2/MK2s/MK2.5) * Use more aluminum and less printed parts to build the frame (3D printed parts can crack if tighten too strongly, they are less reliable, less precise and might cost more) * Use Openbuilds hardware: * To have a single high quality platform of multitude compatible hardware parts (extrusion, plates, brackets, low profile screws...) * V shape gives more possibilities to orientate the printed part (45° angle is more than manageable, with T-Slots you might need to add support) * Open source * Easy to square and build * Worldwide shipping plus several other shops selling these parts * Powerful community * Easily customizable * Limited number of measurements needed during the build phase (and no need for a caliper bigger than 150mm) * Fully open source by providing STL files, STEP files and Autodesk Fusion 360 project file ## Bill of materials Here is the list of all needed files : [bom.md](https://github.com/gregsaun/prusa_i3_bear_upgrade/blob/v1.0/manual/bom.md) ## Modify original aluminum frame With this upgrade you will need to drill the original frame of your Prusa i3 MK2, MK2s or MK2.5. There is a 3D print part to help you place the holes accurately : [drilling_helper.stl](https://github.com/gregsaun/prusa_i3_bear_upgrade/blob/v1.0/printed_parts/stl/drilling_helper.stl) . You can double check the positions with this PDF : [frame_drilling_dimensions.pdf](https://github.com/gregsaun/prusa_i3_bear_upgrade/blob/v1.0/doc/frame_drilling_dimensions.pdf) As you will see in the bill of material, the recommended drill bit is a 5.3mm. If you break the frame, you can send an email to Prusa support to get a new one. You will find few in the Chinese market as well. If you have access to a CNC machine, you can get the DXF here : [alu_frame.dxf](https://github.com/gregsaun/prusa_i3_bear_upgrade/tree/v1.0/optional_parts/alu_frame) ## Where can I purchase the hardware? **RatRig** [RatRig](http://www.ratrig.com/) is the official kit distributor for the Prusa Bear Upgrade. In addition to standard Openbuilds components, RatRig offers its own style with all parts in deep black (including joining plates). [Click here for more information](http://www.ratrig.com/3d-printing-cnc/3d-printer-kits/prusa-i3-bear-upgrade-v2-0-frame-kit.html) **Openbuilds distributors** You can also purchase parts separately worldwide. Checkout my list of distributors here : [Openbuilds stores list](https://github.com/gregsaun/prusa_i3_bear_upgrade/blob/master/doc/openbuilds_stores_list.md) ## Manual and assembly instructions Available [here](https://github.com/gregsaun/prusa_i3_bear_upgrade/tree/v1.0/manual). ## Current status Finish assembly instructions ## Links * All project data and sources are available on my github : [github.com/gregsaun/prusa_i3_bear_upgrade](https://github.com/gregsaun/prusa_i3_bear_upgrade) * [Openbuilds build page](http://www.openbuilds.org/builds/prusa-i3-bear-upgrade.5661/) * [Openbuilds forum page](http://www.openbuilds.org/threads/prusa-i3-bear-edition.10274/) * [Thingiverse page](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2562174) ## Sources Here are a list of sources I used to build this project : * Prusa : http://www.prusa3d.com * Prusa 3030 Haribo Edition : https://github.com/PrusaMK2Users/3030_Haribo_Edition * Openbuilds : https://www.openbuilds.org Huge thanks to these projects, without them this project can not exist!