Ender 3v2 Bondtech DDX v3 Chain Link Mounting Brackets

Background

This is my first attempt at using a cable chain, and also my first experience with using Onshape.  Usually I use OpenSCAD but I was uncertain I could measure and model the wire cutouts on the back of the DDX with my current skill level.

It turns out that Bondtech has STEP models of its products on their website.  I found the DDX model to be very close except for the ziptie cuts, which were omitted.  Anyway, I was able to make a plate that matched the back very easily with that file.

So if you're looking to make a model for a Bondtech extruder, check out their site.

How I Made This

Prusa Slicer 2.6 (presently at Alpha 5) has a new measuring tool.  I know you can do this in other programs (Blender comes to mind) but PS loads very fast on my machine and I am more familiar with its interface.  I grabbed required dimensions from the standard regular-sized link model.

The DDX mount was basically a trace of the STEP model of the DDX. This was a personal challenge but it was worth it to learn Onshape and creating sketches in general.

The mount for the stepper plate was all my original measurements but I got the idea from this model.

Finally, I also did the 2040 mount from scratch but this model inspired me.

Comments

I hope someone else can use these models.

To use the DDX mount, you need to slide in the slim m3 square nuts into the DDX.   The image shows three blue arrows  that point to where the square nuts should be pressed in.  Bondtech provides the nuts in the kit, but you can find them elsewhere if you have lost yours.  You will probably need a small flathead screwdriver as they are a tight fit.

NOTE:  Zoom in on the image.  There are two dark blue arrows on the left half that point to the slots.  They are by that left curved wire slot next to the two holes.  They are hard to see over the black plastic.  The third one can be seen in the right half, where the third dark blue arrow points.  I had to look at this a few times to figure it out!

At first, I had shorter socket-head screws, perhaps M3x10 or so, and they connected fine to the left two screws but did not reach the right one.  I would try a slightly longer screw for that hole.

At the moment, I only have the .3MF files here.  If you need more than that or you see a problem, let me know in the comments below so others can benefit.

I know the Onshape models can be exported.  I actually filled out a lot of parameters for the dimensions of the models for easier remixing.  Let me know if anyone wants these files.

With my OpenSCAD code, I'm more confident that things will scale because I can link variables tightly together.  I have found that changing models in other CAD programs can leave you with a bowl of spaghetti.

So pick up your forks and dig in.

Change Log

• February 13, 2023
  • Initial Draft Upload with Slim Links
• February 15, 2023
  • Changed some hole tolerances
  • Added zip tie holes to the 2040 mounts
  • Added Regular link mounts (johnniewhiskey
• March 23, 2023
  • Revised documentation
  • Fixed DDX mount for better vertical alignment with extruder plate mount
• April 11, 2023
  • Clarified square nut locations