Prusa i3 MK2 fan shroud nozzle camera module

thingiverse

I wanted to better see what was happening at the nozzle while printing. I found a small side on USB endoscopic camera module that I hoped would work and when it was delivered, seemed to be appropriate. It's only 640x480 but it's sufficient (as seen in the video) A link to the camera module used: (I got mine from another seller but this one looks to be identical!) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Broaden-your-eyes-USB-90-degree-shooting-high-resolution-mini-endoscope-camera-module/925965018.html I did have to desolder the cable that came with it and attach a USB cable but that's fairly simple. Windows noticed it was a webcam and got the relevant driver as soon as it was plugged in. I had previously downloaded a model of the Prusa i3 MK2 and used this to arrange and create a modified fan nozzle that would hold the camera module with only a couple of clips, printed as part of the fan nozzle. You can get that model here: https://grabcad.com/library/original-prusa-i3-mk2-printer-1 I did mangle the focus ring somewhat when trying to focus it in place. I'd suggest placing the shroud on the printer without the screw in, with the camera plugged in and remove it to alter the focus, replacing it each time until you get it to the right point. Edit: Since making this, I was asked to print many thin items that filled the whole bed out of both ABS and PC. Turns out, making the shroud from PLA was a mistake. The fan never turns on for either of those so there is no air flow. Even worse, the heat damaged the camera module which made the image hazy and not useful. I may look at this again some time, maybe adding a diverter to funnel some of the air blowing over the hot end heatsink toward the camera module but for now, I'll say it was a success for PLA but a failure for anything that needs a high bed temperature unless active cooling is provided for the camera.