Elegoo Centarui Carbon USB Cable Strain Guide

UPDATE! Elegoo has addressed the issue.
 

There's a possible fix, which they have outlined in a reddit post. This post encourages you to go to the following link and request a new cable. I would suggest that people go and do this at the earliest chance they get.
https://www.elegoo.com/pages/cc-support

Quick Notice 

We encourage everyone to “remix” this model with any improvements, or extras, such as risers or clips. 

 

Description

This is a complete, multi-part solution to address the USB cable strain on the Elegoo Centauri Carbon print head. It has been redesigned to be stronger, more secure, and easier to assemble without zip ties.

After extensive testing and collaboration with members from the OpenCentauri Discord, we've developed a robust system that not only secures the cable but also improves overall cable management by removing the original cable chain entirely.

Credits and Remix Sources

Strain Guide Concept: The strain guide is an evolution of the concept first shared by OpenCentauri user admiral_heinzpartz.

The Problem

The stock setup for the Centauri Carbon can put significant strain on the USB-C cable and its connection point on the print head. Over time, the movement of the print head can lead to intermittent connections or even damage to the cable.

Our Solution

Our system consists of two main components: a new strain guide and cable management clips.

Two-Part Strain Guide: This is the core of the solution. It prints in two pieces—a base and a top shell—that encase the USB cable securely.

Integrated PTFE Guide: An enclosed guide for the PTFE tube is built directly into the strain guide, adding significant rigidity to the entire assembly.

Cable & Bowden Clips: To replace the cable chain, we recommend using clips to bundle the USB cable and Bowden tube together. The clips found here are a great starting point: PTFE Tube Clips on Printables (PRINT 10 of them). We are open to suggestions if you find a better alternative!

Hardware & Assembly

• 4x M2.5x12mm screws (for assembling the two-part strain guide).

Note: Detailed assembly instructions will be posted here shortly.

Important: This solution requires the complete removal of the stock cable chain.

Suggested Materials

Strain Guide

For this part, you need materials with good durability, flexibility, and heat resistance.

• Nylon (PA6 or PA12): Considered the ideal choice for its durability, flexibility, and wear resistance.
• PA (Polyamide): A strong second-best option due to its high-temperature resistance.
• ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate): A great alternative offering good heat resistance and excellent UV resistance.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A common and strong material known for its toughness and heat resistance.
• PC-CF (Polycarbonate Carbon Fiber): The material the original author successfully used, known for its high stiffness and strength.
• PP (Polypropylene): A suitable option known for its excellent fatigue resistance and durability, making it great for parts that need to bend. Be aware that it can be difficult to print due to warping and bed adhesion issues.

Riser

We suggest you use a riser here, anything taller the better, 70-100mm to give the cables some freedom to move around. Also We will be adding risers links below here.

Devin has uploaded their riser here. This is the first purpose built riser for this mod. Please go visit them here. 

https://www.printables.com/model/1450583-centauri-carbon-cable-arm-riser

We encourage everyone to “remix” this model with any improvements, or extras, such as risers or clips. 

Assembly Guide. 

Remove the Chain

1. Turn off your printer
2. Remove the screws from the USB cable
3. Remove the PTFE tube
4. Remove the Cable Chain Screw from the printhead.
5. Remove the two screws at the back of the cable chain that holds it to the box
6. Take the cable chain apart by pressing in on the sides of the chain, so that you're removing two links apart. I like to leave about 4 links in there.
7. Re-screw in the cable chain so it looks like this.

Assemble the new guide.

1. Put the usb like in this image.

2. Put the top half of the guide on, and push the  two m2.5x12mm screws in.

3. Turn it over and screw in two M2.5x12mm screws from the bottom up

4. Put two more M2.5x12 screws in from the top down, and screw them part of the way so that its not all the way through

5. Gently insert the usb cable back into the print head, and screw everything down.. make sure its firmly set in when screwing in.

6. Screw in all the remaining screws, including the original cable chain screw you removed earlier.

7. Add the clips along the cable, and route the cable through your riser. Make sure that the cable is out of the way of the print head.

8. Run calibration again.

Print Settings

Start with the strength preset/profile and then change the following.

• Concentric top/bottom/internal-solid-infill patterns
• 100% sparce infill
• Enable support
• Tree (auto), Tree Slim
• Top and Bottom Z distance 0.3mm
• Support/Object xy distance 0
• No Brim

Community & Remixing

As always, the STEP files are included with this model. We encourage the community to remix, adapt, and improve upon it. We look forward to seeing what you create!

Finally, This is a modification to your printer, please do this at your own risk.