Wanhao i3 Marker Holder

A simple addon for Wanhao Duplicator i3, Cocoon Create, Maker Select, and Malyan M150 i3 3D printers that enables drawing of designs using any pen or marker.

Parts List

Included is a single file that contains all of the necessary parts, as well as individual files for each part. You will need one of each part for this mod, as well as:

• 2x short pen springs (10mm or so) -- I cut a longer one in half to get mine
• 7x M3.5 or #4-40 screws, around 12mm or 1/2" long
• 1x longer M3.5 or #4-40 screw, around 22m or 1" long

You will also need a file (preferably triangular) or some sandpaper to adjust the fit.

Please note: Included are two versions of the all parts and rail files to account for two different rail setups: front and side. The front version is pictured. The side version relocates the attachment to the right side of the machine. You only need to print one version of the rail.

Assembly Instructions

1. Print all of the parts in the given orientation. Supports are not necessary for any parts. Print with whatever settings you prefer.
2. Test the fit of the carriage into the rail. Do not force the part in! The pieces are designed with close tolerances so they can be adjusted. If the parts don't fit, sand down the angled sides of the dovetail (the trapezoidal shape) on the carriage until it slides freely within the rail. A little bit of friction is okay, as long as it does not get stuck when pushed up or down from the front.
3. Insert the long screw into the large center hole in the carriage and screw it in until it sticks out around 5mm.
4. Insert the carriage into the rail and place a spring into each of the medium holes in the top of the dovetail. Place the cap on top, aligning the springs to its corresponding holes, and screw it in place using screws through its three holes. The slider should be able to be pressed upwards and return to its lower position via spring tension.
5. Place the assembly on top of the printer's fan mount and place the bottom plate below the fan mount so that the holes on all three parts are aligned. Screw the parts together.

Installing a Pen

To install a pen or marker, first start a drawing. There are a variety of ways to create GCODE from an image, so pick your favorite and upload the results to your printer. Start the program with no pen installed and stop it when it's in the middle of drawing a line. This will allow you to set the proper Z-height of your pen.

Place a piece of paper or other material that is the same thickness as your desired writing surface onto your printer's bed. This is a sacrificial piece, so make sure it's something you don't mind marking up. Insert your pen into the groove on the front of the carriage and let its tip rest on the paper. Fix the pen in place by inserting screws through the retainer plate and into one of the sets of holes on the front of the carriage (it doesn't matter which holes you use).

Move the sheet of paper around without touching the pen assembly. If the pen doesn't write, or the lines are too faint/uneven, lower the height slightly by turning the long screw counter-clockwise. If the pen drags and scratches, or if a marker is bleeding too much, raise the height slightly by turning the long screw clockwise. After adjusting the height, move the paper again to test, making sure not to touch the pen assembly while doing so.

Once you're happy with the height of your pen, use the printer's position controls to raise the Z position so you can remove the sacrificial paper and insert your drawing medium. Make sure you affix the drawing medium with tape or some other fastening method before running your program!

Category: 3D Printer Accessories