Knobs for ender 3 Z lead screw. removable tops optional

New versions of Z axis lead screw manual control knobs for use with Ender 3 and any of my ender removable tops (Bender, Max, CIWS etc).

I also added the key base here in case it is now missing from the other file sets (it's useless without these knobs so here is the best place for it). It can either be a blank top for the knob if you don't like the open plan design, or the alternate and original use for it in the removable aspect of the Z heads themselves. You can always put your own stuff on it of course. I designed it so that when one of the ornaments is glued to it, you can easily add and remove it from the top of the knob. So, don't glue the disc itself to the knob if you want that facility.

I wasn't totally happy with the original knob designs so went back to improve them. These are designed to sit higher giving a little more clearance, while also being stronger and having a far better locking mechanism than previous iterations. They are designed to use any of my top ornaments but can just be used standalone alone as just a knob if that is all you need.

There are (at the time of writing) 3 versions that include the removable top facility here.

Printing. Print upside down with large flat surface towards the bed. Due to how much force is needed to tighten it in place I suggest printing at a minimum of 40-50 percent infill in order to stand up to fitting.

Fitting:- It will start to thread very easily to any T8 lead screw but will bind up quickly when it reaches the locking thread. Wrap something around the lead screw to protect it and then grip it tightly with pliers or mole grips (vice grips to those over the pond) to prevent the lead screw turning while screwing the last bit of thread into place. I used a few strips of duct (Duck) tape to protect the threads.

You don't have to screw it down far to lock it into place . After it binds up keep plenty of downward pressure while tightening, a couple of mm is more than enough. Should it ever accidentally come loose (highly doubtful) there is more than enough locking thread left to get it tighter next time. Alternatively you could use a drop of glue instead. It has to be on there firm enough that turning anti clockwise it will not simply unscrew.

For reference, You may hear a bit of crunchiness when at the locking thread. The initial thread of the knob is the correct T8 acme four point thread and obviously goes on smoothly. The locking thread however isn't T8 acme. So once the locking thread meets the lead screw it effectively starts to get chewed up and creates an interference grip, it is basically mangled and crushed into gripping the screw. More is not better. So once it 'feels' tight enough, it probably is. Do a quick test to be sure. None of the knobs are designed to use all the printed thread, just enough to fit solidly and stay put.

Category: 3D Printer Parts