Spring Bed Leveling System (Kossel Clear, OpenBeam Printers)

Inspired by two friends who got PowerSpec Pros (replicator clones) printers with spring loaded beds, I decided to design my own system for leveling the heated build platform on my Kossel Clear delta style printer.

I tried to solve for three things with this system, mainly:

1. Improve my ability it level the bed quickly and easily
2. Making removing the bed easier since I won't have to try to find the exact spot the nuts are in the open beam every time I remove the bed

3. Raise the bed enough to get some airflow to the electronics so they stop over heating (a problem since updating to an aluminum build plate instead of glass). The only caveat over using this system instead of the standoffs that came with my printer is losing about 15mm of build height, but I've never even come close to the max build height on this printer, and my z-max is still ~275mm.

   You'll need some hardware:

• M3 nut x 4 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#90591a121)
• M3 washer (http://www.mcmaster.com/#98269a420/)
• M3x10 screw x 4 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#91290a115)
• M3x30 screw x 4 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#91290a130)

• Spring x 4 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#9657k288) I'm sure there's lots of other springs that will work, but before you ask, just see if it matches the specs of that spring since that's what I designed this part around. Shorter spring? Longer Spring? Other hardware? Seriously, just check the specs on McMaster-Carr links.

  Check the photos & notes for assembly instructions. This would obviously work with non-Kossel Clear printers, it should work on any printer built on OpenBeam or Misumi just print however many feet & knobs.

  Special thanks to NeatherBot and the awesome Bed Leveling Thumb Screw (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:261309) which I modified slightly. You're free to use whatever knob you'd like, I just picked this one because it looks/feels great. Thanks NeatherBot!

  Print Settings

Rafts:

Doesn't Matter

Supports:

Yes

Resolution:

.2mm layer height

Infill:

30%

Notes:

Prints with supports (sorry!).

For the Kossel Clear, you'll need to print four (4) of the bed_leveler_foot and four (4) of the bed_leveler_knob.

Post-Printing

What you'll need

You'll need one of each of the following per bed platform connection point. My Kossel Clear has 4 points of connection, so I needed four of everything.

Step 1

Insert the M3 nut into the bed leveling knob.

Step 2

Insert the M3x30 with M3 washer into the underside of the bed leveling foot. Once inserted, place the spring in the bed leveler foot, the M3x30 screw should be running up through the middle of the spring now.

Here's what the completed system looks like attached to the build platform. I used a clear piece of acrylic here for demonstration purposes.

Step 3

Attach the bed leveling foot to the OpenBeam rail, then place the bed on top of the springs, and screw the bed leveling knob on the top.

All Done!

I recommend using this part for leveling once installed: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:97151

Category: 3D Printer Parts