It seems I have tendency to over-engineer parts. Case in point, the updated Z Motor Holder for the #FB2020 . (This isn’t my most extreme case) I could have probably got away with cutting out parts and making the top bolt mount smaller, I had actually considered a dual bolt, and it may well happen yet. So my question is, do you go for the more is better approach?
If you haven’t printed it once, yet, call it version 0.
It’s extremely rare that the first version I print is the last.
@Mike_Miller - That was the 3rd iteration.
Real question is if it’s printable, and will it be sturdy and last a long time.
On designing a 3d printer I over-engineer to the point of obsession. Sooooooo many 3d printers are under-engineered. Think about each point that might twist, bend, or vibrate. Where is the load, is a mounting point a fulcrum, if I put pressure on a point will it bend, or will it break, and will that bending affect the quality. If it won’t affect the quality, then why is that part or feature there.
I like to make it rock solid. Its cheaper and easier to 3d print an object right the first time, instead of going over 13 iterations because each one broke or bent.
All 3 Versions printed, it was more the way I’d done the tabs that sit parallel to the motor, all would have worked and held. It was more the case of which printed the easiest and best. The 3rd version, which happens to be the simplest design with the most meat was the best and, works better with the flanged bolts I use.
I guess you must not want the top of the motor even with the top of the rail. If you did, you could simplify the design and make it stronger by adding some triangular braces on the side or making a thicker triangular block on te side with screw recesses and infill.
I wouldn’t do less than 30mm, but I have a plethora of 1" extrusions I will be using.
This is z motors, which don’t endure the high stresses like the x and y. Printed parts made out of the right material and right design hold up pretty good. I usually print anything that holds a motor at 100%
You could print it in high-temp plastic and use some ceramic/teflon spacers so that the motor’s surfaces don’t keep constant contact with the printed bracket. A 30mm fan wouldn’t hurt for the XY motors.
I have been accused of heavy-handedness in my electronic and software design but on many occasions it is a positive i.e. the kit lasts longer or it’s easier to add new features at little cost.
I am not a mechanical engineer and most of my knowledge was gained either by watching my inventor grandfather build things in his workshop or learnt from the practices of mechanical engineers I have been fortunate enough to work with.
My perspective is that if you over-engineer you either gain the aforementioned benefits or you give yourself scope to reduce material and manufacturing costs in the future. For me the biggest challenge is to design parts for printing which can be realised in other materials with a minimum of extra cost.
The people that complain that a part is “over-engineered” are the same people that will complain if it breaks because you skimped. Build it the way you are happy with and works for you.