UPDATE April 23-24, 2024 — Remodeled how the retainer clip is attached, to get better grip strength. This involved a remix of both the chain link and the clip. Version 1.14 and up has this. Also, added two new sets. Original was renamed to v1.14-A, while a new, wider “dual channel” version was named v1.14-B. Also, I added a new, experimental version of v1.14-B that has separate clips for each side (for each of the dual channels). Further down is a screenshot of the new experimental version with separate double clips.
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Two of my recently posted videos feature this same design in actual use on my CNC plasma cutting table, which is based on the LowRider v3. See them below. The second one below shows detail on how I use this drag chain for both X and Y axes on the LowRider 3 that I'm using for plasma.
This also pairs with this: https://www.printables.com/model/253880-lowrider-3-plasma-cnc-drag-chain-mount-revised-for
Larger sized drag chain for CNC plasma cut tables, CNC routers, CNC mills, power, data, coaxial, and other cables/cords.
This is a two-piece, snap-open drag chain, with an inside track dimension of 20mm x 40mm (version A) or the new divided option (version B), which has two inside tracks with a dimension 20mm x 26mm each (for a total inside passageway of 20mm x 52mm, but divided into two inner tracks). These are all designed for a 64mm radius. As such, it should aid in protection against strain for wires/cables that should not be bent in curves tighter than 128 mm in diameter.
It's optimized for 3D printing, and prints with no supports needed.
A given printer’s calibration has an impact on how straight of a line the drag chain (cable chain) holds when suspended. If you find (after printing a batch of the chain links and assembling) that you have some sag, use your printer’s percentage settings to increase flow. If the batch won’t quite lay straight, do the reverse, reducing flow. I would think 3-5% at a time, depending on how far off perfect it is. Maybe only 1-2%.
Also, I had my best success at getting the clips printed (the snap-on tops) by printing a whole sheet of nothing but them. For some reason my attempts to print the clips along side the chain links, resulted in the clips separating from the bed and just being a lost part of the print. Thanks to them not being a lot of grams worth, there was not much “spaghetti.” I allowed those flawed print jobs to complete because the chain links were still good.
Prepping the bed with a coating of hairspray first is probably a good idea. That and making sure the Z height is zeroed in for that all-important first layer.
Illustration: chain links oriented all same way with columns “nested” into each other for maximum use of the printer bed:
Illustration: chain links oriented in all four directions to protect against the printer being off somewhat:
As promised, here is a screenshot of the new experimental version with separate double clips. For more details on this, see the change log further down, or the note at the top of the description.
Change log:
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Various LowRider 3 CNC remixes:
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The author marked this model as their own original creation.