Wanhao Duplicator i3 Noise/Vibration-Cancelling Spikes for AzzA's Z Braces

thingiverse

This project is an attempt to create a better noise and vibration dampener for the Wanhao Duplicator i3 and it's re-branded counterparts (Monoprice Maker Select V2 & Cocoon Create). The Wanhao i3 produces a very noticeable "hum" after installing AzzA's Z-brace mod. The hum seems to emanate from printer vibrations that are amplified by a desk or countertop. In an attempt to remedy the issue, I downloaded "Wanhao Duplicator i3 (Plus) dampeners" by docpayce: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1572655. While fixing the issue of excessive noise, it introduced another unforeseen problem, "printer bounce". However subtle, it manifested itself by producing small waves on my prints. This may be a design flaw, or I simply could have printed them wrong? Taking a cue from high-end audio equipment and speakers, I created these printer spikes to solve two problems. The first is to cut the amount of vibration making it's way back to a surface. The second was to eliminate the bounce introduced by docpayce's dampeners. NOTE: These are not as quiet as docpayce's dampeners but provide a much more stable platform with zero bounce. Print Settings Printer: Wanhao Duplicator i3 Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: .2 Infill: 100% Notes: To produce a nice heavy spike I printed these at .2 with 100% infill using a .4 diameter nozzle. The disk was also printed using the same settings. Pictured above are the small spheres, but I also included medium and large sizes. I used PLA but you might get better results from ABS or PETG as they would be able to support a finer point. Spikes point up when printing. Make sure to use supports! Post-Printing Installation To make sure these didn't slip out from under the printer, I used double-sided tape under each foot of the Z-brace. I used 3M heavy duty double-sided tape which provides some cushion. I used these but in 25lb hold: http://amzn.to/2cpQ4tV I also used anti-skid pads under each disk. I had originally used the stiff plastic type (as pictured), but switched to a thicker foam type and this reduced the noise substantially. I used these: http://amzn.to/2cW2lIL But these might be even better as they are slightly thicker: http://amzn.to/2cxO06l