Eibos Cyclopes top cover handle

Introduction

After seeing some handles for the Eibos Cyclopes, I thought that they were great as an idea, but I found the other designs lacking in printability, strength, or otherwise. This is my attempt.

Advantages of this model:

• Printable on a 180mm on a side bed.
• Screws go into heatset inserts, allowing the handle to be fitted tightly.
• Easy to print: no overhangs, only short bridges.
• Requires accessible hardware (M3 screws and heatset inserts only).
• Comfortable to hold.
• Strong by design.

What you will need

You will need to print two holders, and one handle. You will also need two M3 screws (socket head cap, 25mm length), and two heatset inserts (diameter 4.6mm, length 4mm). I have provided both STL and STEP files, so use whichever you prefer.

How to print

Given that the Cyclopes can reach 70C, PLA and PETG are not suitable materials! They are not temperature resistant to the required level, and both are subject to mechanical creep (PLA even when cold, PETG when at 40C or above). Print these in a creep-resistant material which can comfortably tolerate 70C. ABS (or ASA) are suitable, PC would be too (but it's overkill).

Use at minimum 3 perimeters, and 30 percent infill (cubic is recommended). This design is intended for a 0.4mm nozzle: while the handle could probably print OK with a 0.6, the holders are unlikely to work. You can use a brim for safety, but mouse ears should be fine, as there's only two sharp corners. The files are already in print orientation: see the attached screenshot for how they are meant to be arranged on the plate.

How to assemble

First, insert the heatset inserts: these should go in the bottom (that is, the part facing the bed). See the attached images for how they should look when done. Then, insert the screws into the handle's counterbores, then place the handle over the middle holes on top of the Cyclopes cover. After that, hold the screws in place so they don't rotate (with a key, for example), and attach the holders with the screw going in from the top (that is, the part not facing the bed). Tighten these, first by hand, then using the screws, until the fit is snug. See the attached pictures for what you want: it's usually easier to do this with the Cyclopes cover on its side.

Modifying the design

I have attached the FreeCAD source (as required by the license), so if you need it to be a bit different, please modify it to suit your needs!