Ender-3 V3/V3 Plus 3-Way Top Sensor Bracket

This top-mounted bracket for the Ender-3 V3 and V3 Plus is designed to clip onto the frame, and removes the big looping of raw filament issue when the E3V3 homes. It can be used with a Top mounted spool (see my collections on here), with the original side mounted spool, a desktop spool holder and/or using a PTFE tube to a dryer or dry box.

The curve on the roller has beem tested with various PLAs, PETG and even with fragile PA6-CF (Carbon Fibre Nylon) which is the most brittle filament I have, all without issue.

The images show each of these configurations on the E3V3, whilst the final image shows the bracket on the E3V3 Plus (which doesn't have a separate PTFE tube and holder at the top/bottom).

Additional Items

• For the Sensor Bracket you'll need an extension to its wiring cable. One example I found is called “XH 2S LiPo battery balance extension lead” and you'll need a 200mm / 20cm length.
• For the E3V3 you'll need two additional M3x12mm bolts

Printing

Print the Sensor Bracket and (E3V3 only) Cable Grip at 0.2mm layer height and 3/3/3 walls/top/bottom with 15% 3D infill. I very much recommend PLA+ or PETG for strength. The Brackets need to print on their sides, with support as shown - I painted it on by selecting Fill, On Overhang Only, Highlight Overhang at 30 and touching the underside of the upper bracket. I used:

• Normal(manual)/Snug
• Top Z Distance: 0.25mm
• Top Interface Spacing: 0.2mm
• Support/Object XY Distance: 1mm

With these setting the Support material almost fell off when the print was complete.

Assembly

Unplug the cable from the Sensor and unscrew it from the Z-Axis, keeping the bolts handy. Note which way up it is.

Removing the PTFE tube at this point is optional but may make things easier - I find the little clip that holds it in a pain (I've lost one before). Screw the Sensor onto the new Bracket the other way up!

E3V3 Only: Also unscrew the Cable Grip for the main wiring that holds the PTFE grip - screw this onto the Bracket under the Sensor. Add the new Cable Grip to the Z-Axis using the two new M3 bolts.

Unclip all the PTFE clips from the main wiring but leave them on the tube.

Pull the Sensor's cable out of the sleeve that holds the main wiring - it should come free down to the support brace clip without removing the sleeve itself. Plug in the extension cable, snap the Bracket on top (see next) and feed the extension cable through the guide and into the Sensor (see images).

Ensure the main wiring is secured in its Cable Clip on the Z-Axis. Then clip the PTFE clips on, one just behind the Print Head and the others along the way (see images) - for the E3V3 I only needed one, but recommend all three for the E3V3 Plus.

To attach the Sensor Bracket, hook the rear in just under the back of the upper frame and rotate forward - it should snap in place. This is why I recommend PLA+ or PETG - regular or silk PLAs will just snap (this I know).

I left the hole for the PTFE tube from a dryer a little tight, so you may need to file it a little if it comes out too tight. I used a 4mm round file, but gentle use of a deburring tool may be OK. Don't overdo it or the PTFE tube will jusr fall out!

I find this really useful as I can switch from my regular Top spool mount to using my dryer when a filament hasn't been used for a while (esp. PETG). I hope you find it useful too! If so please:

EdinBearDragon