Replicator 2x 11"x8.5" Glass Plate Clips

I have updated these clips for use on a 200mm x 300mm borosilicate glass plate: https://www.printables.com/model/157524-replicator-2x-borosilicate-glass-plate-clips

Demo Video: https://youtu.be/nj_XB561nx8

I wanted to experiment with using a glass plate on the heated build plate of our Makerbot Replicator 2x to resolve adhesion issues by trying a glue stick, ABS slurry, and hairspray.

[Update: The glue stick was ineffective, but the ABS slurry worked great, and was easily wiped off after the print.]

I used the glass from a document frame like other users who have claimed success. I used the glass from some unused 11" x 8.5" document frames.

Following the examples I found online, I used some medium binder clips to keep the glass plate in place. This resulted in a near-coronary experience when the carriage collided with one of the binder clips, causing the glass plate to LOUDLY crack into multiple pieces.

So I decided that I should try another method of keeping the glass plate in place, and looked online for any type of simple clip that might work. Not finding any that met my needs, I designed my own.

These clips are sized to hold a glass plate that is 11" long, 8.5" wide, and 1.5mm thick. They take advantage of the design of the underside of the Replicator 2x build plate, which has a notch running along the left and right sides, providing a convenient plate to anchor these clips. The notch also allows the clips to be placed at different locations along the sides, to compensate for the shape and size of the item being printed.

I tried several widths to find a balance between gripping ability, potential interference with the extruders, and ease of use. I found that a 15mm width provides the best grip while remaining easy to install and remove as needed. (See the demo video above)

I also have a 10mm width, in case a design being printed requires excessive carriage travel that may collide with a wider clip.

Not all printers are the same, not all glass is the same, so I recommend that you play around with these before using them on a critical build to see how well they work for you.

The 11" x 8.5" size of the glass plate required me to make sure the front edge of the glass is back far enough to clear the display/SD card assembly.

You may want to add a Z-axis shim to compensate for the added thickness of the glass, and to prevent the extruder nozzle(s) from damaging the glass. I used http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:67494

The FreeCAD files are included so you can customize these to fit your own glass plates.

NOTE: Yes, some of the photos show the glass plate on top of Kapton tape, and No, this is not a recommended configuration. I was using this printer as I designed the clips, and had to print on the Kapton, then I added the glass plate on top for fitting only. Since Kapton is an insulator, using it under the glass will likely cause heating issues with the build plate.

DISCLAIMER: The glass from inexpensive document frames will probably not be tempered or borosilicate, thus may not handle the repeated heating/cooling as desired, and may have sharp edges. Use gloves & protective eyewear whenever possible.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

MakerBot

Printer:

MakerBot Replicator 2X

Rafts:

No

Supports:

No

Resolution:

.2 mm

Infill:

10%

Notes:

Used Makerbot ABS

Category: 3D Printer Accessories