Prusa Mini ESP32 Cam X axis mount and fitted case

An ESP32 Cam mount for the Prusa Mini. The mount fits on the X axis over the motor so as to move the camera in line with the layers as the printer prints. I designed this after finding other models didn't mesh with the modifications I had made to my printer.

If you're here, you're likely looking for an ESP32 Cam mount for the Prusa mini to use with Prusa Connect (see the firmware for that project here). This project does not go over the setup of an ESP32 cam and firmware installation.

This model houses an ESP32 cam with a standard short OV2640 ribbon connector cable in a specialized fitted case designed to be as slim as possible to not stick out too far and cause x axis collisions, not interfere with the info and control screen, be short enough to not collide with a low-profile Z axis brace, and to look at the nozzle and print while printing. The case lid also includes holes to let the ESP32 cam light through to light up the printer bed and print.

The example print here was made with T Glase PET, but should work in pretty much any filament as long as your x axis motor doesn't get too hot. Your printer will need to be well tuned to print the slots for the ESP32 pins and for the case cover to fit properly. This print does require minimal supports, specifically for the optional zip tie points if you want the mount to fit to the motor more snugly and optionally for the case overhang.

To assemble, print one of each of the mount, case, and case cover (The case and cover are together in their file). Print the mount and the case lids each with the side with the hexagons against the bed. The case prints best with the hole for the power and reset access against the bed. It can print without the long overhang being supported but you may get better results if it is supported. The ESP32 Cam slots into the main body of the case with each of the pins in their support housings. The case cover will bend along the grooves to match the top of the case, and should snap into place. The completed case is then slotted into the mount from the side and will snap into place as well once fully inserted. To get the case out, pull it out carefully, optionally bending the bottom bracket slightly to reduce pressure. It should come out with little effort if the print parts aren't over-extruded.

Because of its reduced size, it does not house the ESP32 cam programming board or a USB port location for power. The case and mount have openings to access the 5V and GND pins, along with the reset button. Do not connect the power pins backwards! Any potential maker of this project needs to also be aware that the Prusa Mini Buddy Board does not have a good location to pull 5V from to power the camera. I installed a DC 5V converter and pull off the 24V printer input to power my camera, but that is far from the only solution one could implement. 

The parametric Fusion360 design files are included for remixes.