Introduction: Zortrax M200 Platform Fixture
Given all the great features of the Zotrax M200 at my local makerspace, MAG Laboratory, such as plug-and-play setup, robust and easy to use software, and superior print quality, it is disappointing that it also has some not-so-good quirks such as slow printing times, rafts that separate from the bed while printing large objects, and rafts that are generally very difficult to get off the build platform. Tired of scraping rafts with my hands, putty knife, and printed parts all in the confines of the printer enclosure or scraping it on a countertop with it sliding around, I decided to design a fixture to securely hold down the platform while I remove parts from their rafts and/ or rafts from the print bed. Note: Since the Zortrax is not a common printer, this Instructable, as is, is likely not compatible with your setup. However, feel free to adapt the CADD files for other platforms such as the glass plate of other common 3D printers.
Step 1: Materials and Tools
Materials:
10” X 10.5” Plywood board (1/2” thickness)
3D Printer Filament
Wood screws (1/2” length, size #10)
Part CADD Files (STL/ Fusion 360)
Tools:
Phillips screwdriver
Powerdrill
Drill bit for pilot holes
Wood saw
Step 2: 3D Print the Components
Download the CADD Files and begin the print. I used 10% infill which is plenty strong for the application. The components took ~6 hours to print so plan accordingly. The brackets that hook onto the counter are designed for a counter with the width of 1 9/16” so if your counters are of a different thickness, modify the bracket size to suit your application.
Step 3: Cut the Plywood Board
Cut the plywood board to size. I used a hand saw but any powertool designed for cutting long sheets of wood would do the job.
Step 4: Arrange the Components
Arrange the platform on the board and the clamps in their final positions.
Step 5: Drill the Pilot Holes
Drill pilot holes for the wood screws that will go in. I marked the hole locations and used the holes in the parts as guides to ensure the parts were lined up.
Step 6: Screw Down the Parts
Secure the clamps and bracket with the wood screws.
Step 7: You're Finished!
Congratulate yourself because it’s now complete! Now find a countertop and hammer away at those stuck parts like there’s no tomorrow =)