Creality K1 Cover for the Gap Between the Lid and Frame

Cover's the gap between the Creality K1's lid and frame.
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updated August 27, 2023

Description

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This is simply a cover for the gap between Creality K1's lid and frame. That gap always bothered me as heat rises and that gap is at the top. So, I designed this cover to mitigate that problem. 

Creality didn't make covering the gap easy as:

  • The PTFE tube feeds into the machine through that gap
  • The drag chain mounts just behind the gap
  • The screws for the drag-chain stick out
  • The screws for drag-chain-mount are in the middle of the gap
  • The tool-head cable is routed in that area. 

I think this solution works well though.

There are three versions to choose from:

  1. The screwed-on version for flexible filaments

    This version likely offers the best seal. Also, if you have the tube removed from the drag-chain like I do, this version also secures the PTFE tube from flopping about when you lift the cover, prevents the PTFE from getting snagged between the drag-chain and lid, and protects the tube from rubbing against the lid.

    This version is only recommended to be printed with flexible filaments.  I designed it work with original the original drag-chain-mount screws. As such, the mounting bracket is only 1mm thick. Flexible materials will be pulled into the original countersunk holes but stiffer materials will likely just crack.  

    I am using 95A TPU. Other flexible filaments should work fine. PETG may also work as it is very pliable. If you tried PETG and it works, please comment letting me know.

    Its also not as easy to remove as the next version for those who want to remove the cover to print low-temperature filaments. Not only does it screw into place, there is extra work involved in removing the PTFE tube from the guide.
     
  2. The easy-to-remove version for those who want to remove the cover for low-temperature materials.

    This should work fine with just about any material. I have tested it with ABS.

    It simply press-fits between drag-chain-mount and the frame. 

    To make it easier to remove, the PTFE tube is guided via an open slot.
     
  3. The press-fit with PTFE guide version is the same version 2 except it has a hole that guides the PTFE tube. It is not as easy to remove as version 2 but it will protect and secure the PTFE tube. It should also seal very well.

    Like version 2, it will work with any filament.

All versions were printed with 0.2 layer heights but smaller should work fine. 

Let me know if you have any idea to improve the design.

Rick

Model origin

The author marked this model as their own original creation.

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