Ender 3 Extruder Filament Bearing Guide

Description

I decided to make my own version of a wheel-based extruder filament guide, as the others out there didn't match what I was after. This version mounts onto the X-axis stepper motor, fitting over the small bushings that align the wheels with the vertical rails. This setup means the mounting bracket is rigid and has plenty of strength. I also incorporated a 608 ball bearing into the design to ensure that the wheel rotates easily and guides filament into the extruder. This design does require some disassembly/reassembly of the printer to get it installed. I removed the spool holder and top cross bar from the vertical supports, then slid the X-axis assembly off of the printer to release tension on the wheels. I then removed the two screws that hold the outer wheels in place so I could insert the bushings into the bracket holes. I then reassembled the wheels, slipped the X-axis assembly back onto the vertical supports and Z-axis screw, then reassembled the top cross bar and filament spool holder. All-in-all, it maybe took me 10-15 minutes. UPDATE: I discovered if the Z-axis moves as high as it can, this bearing guide will very-likely bump into any accessories protruding from the end of the top cross bar, such as the commonly-used filament guide arm found here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2917932 This is because I located the bracket inside of the sides of the X-axis stepper motor metal bracket. Since I plan to put my filament on top of an enclosure, I won't need that arm anymore. You may still get around this by shaving off a portion of the wider arm base where it slides into the filament guide endcap. You will need: • 1x 608z ball bearing (I got mine from some old roller blades.) • 1x #8 x 1.25" screw • 1x #8 plain washer • 1x #8 plain nut or nylon lock nut • Blue Loctite, if using a plain nut • Hex wrenches to loosen or remove bolts for the spool holder, top cross bar, and X-axis wheels See images below for assembly over bushings. Note that the filament does dip slightly below the extruder opening in my images. I've already adjusted the wheel height about 5mm higher to get a better path to the extruder. I've included STL, STEP, and Fusion 360 models, in case you want to make some changes.

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