Cable Management
Contents |
Upgrade Name: Teeter Scissors
Overview
Created by: User:BobT
Description: Simple scissors to keep cables away from the wheels.
Status: Fully functional
Materials: 1/16" x 1/2" aluminum flat stock
Cost: $4.00 for Aluminum flat bar and about $2.00 for screws, nuts, washers and zip ties
Details
Discussion in the forum
And here is a picture of the physical implementation of the design.
Step 1
And now for the detail from one end to the other.
Each cable is zip tied about every 2 inches on the each cable before attaching to the scissors assemblies. Also each section of the control arm is about 7-8 inches long.
This is the starting point of the scissors as this is where the x-axis and z-axis cables connect.
Notice that the scissor is connected to the extra hole on the stepper motor plate that is to the left and above the stepper motor.
I also used zip ties on the parts of the wiring to keep it grouped together. No more than 2 inches between the zip ties to control the wiring.
Step 2
The middle of the cable control arm is a joint that has the ends of the flat aluminum stock trimed and filed smooth.
The joint has a bolt with washers between the bolt head, between the flat stock and the nut on the other side.
Notice that the cables are tie wrapped to the flat stock but that each cable has zip ties already on it to control each cable separately. You will need from 2 to 3 zip ties to hold the cables to the arm on each side of the arm joint. Also be careful with the cable around the joint so that they do not pinch in the joint and short out (ZAP).
Step 3
The fixed end of the control arm where it attaches to the y-axis trolley and the tension arm cable attachment point.
Notice that the arm is connected to a piece of 90 degree angle. Which is connected to the 2 90 degree angle bars used to clamp the movement belts in place.
Step 4
Here is a picture of the movable end of the y-axis control arm. The arm controls all the cables from the terminal barrier connector. Also notice that the bolt connection is on the extra hole to the left and above the stepper motor.
Please excuse all the extra stepper cable being bunched up but I intend to expand my ShapeOko and wanted to retain as much cable length as possible.
Step 5
This is the flex joint of the y-axis control arm. The cables are zip tied to the control arm in 2 place on each side.
Step 6
This is the fixed end of the u-axis control arm. Notice how the 90 degree connector is connected to the clamp for the movement belt on the y-axis.
Step 7 and end
Here is a picture of the y-axis side of the ShapeOko with all the wiring mess.
Other Options
Drag Chain
Forum discussion and images here: Re: Cable Control
Further discussion, including specifications in Re: Custom ShapeOko Design
An assortment of patterns and designs, including one made from PVC pipe at CNC Mentor
Springs
Another option, esp. for the Z-axis is to encase the wiring in a spring:
Plastic Strapping
An image in a forum post by user jzhvymetal shows using plastic strapping (bucket handles purchased from American Science Surplus for $0.25[1]). Pairs of holes were drilled on each side and the wires zip tied for cable management: DEWALT DWP611.
Mega-Zip Ties
3 x 0.79 + 7.97 == $10.34
Zip ties are available in their largest size in up to 36" lengths. Using 3 such [2], and a length of Wiremold/Legrand Nonmetallic Raceway, White, two brackets fashioned from wall shelf standard and a number of smaller zip ties, this very inexpensive DIY cable management system was fashioned:
Further Additions
Cap for Nema 23 --- a 3D printed cap from Thingiverse which manages the cables and provides a place for a cable plug-in.
