SD3 Universal Printhead Mount

While trying to make a dial indicator holder and a extruder fan,  I had fitment problems using Ian Johnson's designs.  While his models were designed for an SD2, they should still fit the SD3 with little to no changes.

Alas, the reality is quite different.  The problem is most likely related to variances introduced during assembly of each unit.  So I set out to make my own.

I did make a dial holder very similar in design to his, but dimensioned to fit my print head.  While I was working on that I started thinking about a better mount, that would also fit most print heads.

I liked the idea of holding the mount with magnets, but wanted a really good hold.  The black hex bolts that hold the extruder motor are all the same size, and they resent a fairly large magnetic surface while they are also on the same plane. 

So here is the result: "The Face Hugger" 

Take a look at the picture below, and feel free to try it.  I used 1/4"x3/32" neodymium magnets, 2 in each hole, and believe me, it really "hugs" the face of the print head.

You should be able to use this to attach just about anything you'd want to attach to the print head and not worry about it moving or falling off due to vibrations.  You could also consider making whatever you plan on attaching to it, modular.  By adding a mating surface that has a metal strip glued to it, you should be able to design various gadgets to work with this mount but don't have to be glued or otherwise permanently attached to it.

My next project will be my take on a cooling fan.  I didn't really like the current design becuase it's so large it blocks visibility as the model is being printed.  I like to monitor some areas of my prints at certain points during build, and the large size prevents me from doing this.

With that in mind, I'm working on a new design.  Once it's ready and tested to work, I'll post it in this forum.