CR6 Max Y-stepper Axle Brace

CR6-Max printers use a NEMA17 42-60 stepper motor for the Y-axis movement. The motor comes with a dual axle / shaft extending about 65 / 68mm from the motor with belt pulleys on each end. The long axles have been known to snap in some instanses due to overtensioning of Y-axis belts and hight torsional loads. 

I created these braces to be used with 608-type bearings in order to support the Y-stepper axles on each side, alleviating some of the torsional stress from the belts, hence protecting the axle from bending / breaking. 

The braces might also make the Y-stepper operate slightly more effectively and possibly minimize the risk of skipped steps due to lessened torsional load on the stepper motor axles - though that's just my speculation and is not specifically tested.

After printing, dismount the Y-stepper covers and the stepper motor along with the mount from the back of the printer frame. Remove the belt pulleys and push a 608 bearing onto each axle. Then push the printed braces in from each end snap fitting the bearings inside. (608 bearings have a diameter of 22mm and I've added 0,1mm tolerance for a tight “snap in” fit.)

The left brace needs to be mounted using 2x M3 T-nuts and 2x M3 screws to the 40mm extrusion.

The right brace is to be mounted on top of the existing Y-stepper mount, using the existing screws, though only 2 instead of 3.

I recommend printing in the provided orientation to ensure best possible model strength in the proper direction. The right side brace will in this case need supports.

I don't suggest printing this in PLA, but rather PETG or some other tough & rigid material.

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DISCLAIMER

This design is experimental and fits my printer, its Y-stepper mount and stepper axle. Due to possible manufacturing tolerance differences, the fit of these braces might not be 100% perfect for every CR6 Max out there. 

The mounting holes on the braces are slightly elongated, to allow for some mounting variance in the Y-direction, but the height of the model is fixed. So if your motor is mounted slightly higher or lower than mine, the fit might be slightly off.

Please ensure that the braces fit properly and align with the axle before final assembly and use. I am not responsible for any damage that may occur due to any use of these braces. Use at your own risk! (STEP file provided for anyone wanting to make any fitment edits)

If you do end up printing and using these, I'd appreciate if you leave a comment - both positive / negative are welcome and could help improve the design / fit for other users. If you end up needing a slight modification to make it fit your printer, let me know, I might be able to help :)