Logitech C270 Prusa i3 X-Axis Camera Mount

Mount your Logitech C270 Webcam to the X-Axis on a Prusa i3 MK2/MK3. The C270 is my go-to webcam for integration with OctoPrint, and this is my favourite "nozzle view" mounting system.

Update April 4, 2021: Fellow PrusaPrinters user Nackweee has provided two additional components - a remixed chain clip that is compatible with printers with the Black PSU, and an extended-length arm component that includes cable tie guides for the camera cable.

Credit where credit is due: This mount concept and design is not mine. It is a collection of various parts created almost entirely by other talented designers. I have simply gathered the scattered pieces in one place, and contributed my own remixed piece to the collection. Additionally, all of the original .stl files have been repaired if needed, converted to the .3mf format and oriented in "print position". You can find a list of the original designers and source links at the end of this post.

This camera mount features:

• An excellent view of the nozzle while printing
• A replacement front panel for the camera with integrated focus ring
• Hardware-free mounting to the idler side of an i3 MK2/MK3 X-axis
• Adjustable and flexible positioning of the camera on the mount
• A drag chain to contain the USB cable

Printing

Use the supplied .gcode files, or slice and print the following:

• 1 x c270_inner_frame.3mf
• 1 x c270_outer_frame.3mf
• 1 x c270_focus_wheel.3mf (requires supports)
• 1 x c270_camera_holder.3mf
• 1 x arm:
  • either standard version - c270_arm.3mf (requires supports)
  • or extended version - c270_arm-remix-extended.3mf (requires supports)
• 19 x c270_cable_chain.3mf
• 1 x clip holder:
  • either c270_clip_holder-original.3mf
  • or for silver PSU > c270_clip_holder-remix-silver_psu.3mf
  • or for black PSU > c270_clip_holder-remix-black_psu.3mf

Assembly

1. Remove the glossy faceplate from the camera by gently prying it off.
2. Remove the underlying plate by taking out the small screws holding it on.
3. Remove the rubber gasket around the microphone element inside the camera.
4. Cut the small bead of glue used to lock the camera lens in place. Once it is cut, you should be able to rotate the lens to adjust the focus.
5. Install the printed inner frame component using the small screws from the original plate.
6. Place the focus ring in the inner frame and ensure the little legs line up with the indents on the camera lens.
7. Snap the outer frame piece into the inner frame. Two small screws can be used to attach the two pieces - I believe I used short #2 wood screws, although I'm not 100% sure of the size as I just used screws that I had on hand.
8. Remove the long screw securing the original hinged mount to the back of the camera. (There are rubber bumpers on each end of the screw that must be removed first.)
9. Attach the camera mount component to the camera using the original long screw. (Note the shape of the screw's shaft and the holes on the camera mount - the screw only fits when inserted from the correct side.)
10. Slide the cylindrical section of the camera mount into the hole in the arm component.
11. Assemble 4 of the chain links around the camera's USB cable. (See included photos for correct orientation.)
12. Assemble the remaining 15 chain links around the USB cable and attach them to the previously assembled links, ensuring that these new links are rotated 180 degrees relative to the original 4 links. (See included photos for correct orientation.)
13. Run the USB cable through the hole in the chain clip and attach the chain itself to the chain clip.
14. Insert the assembled mount into the oblong hole on the idler side of the X-Axis of the printer.
15. Slide the chain clip onto the bottom of the aluminum Z-Axis plate. Two M3x10 screws can be used to secure it in place if desired.
16. Connect the USB cable to your host device (probably a Raspberry Pi running OctoPrint) and enjoy!

Source

The Fusion 360 source files for my remix of the chain clip component, as well as the extended arm and Black PSU chain clip provided by Nackweee, are included in the file section for anyone who wants to make improvements or adjustments.

Credits

The X-Axis mount was designed by sennah91 and is available at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2388629.

The replacement front panel and focus system was designed by Notune21 and is available at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:714475.

The improved focus ring was designed by TheChrisP and is available at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1406879.

The drag chain was designed by ayourk and is available at https://www.tinkercad.com/things/8r558hYwxKj

The extended arm and black PSU clip remixes were designed and contributed directly to this collection by Nackweee.

Print instructions

The Gcode files are sliced for Prusament PETG on an MK3/S using the 0.20mm QUALITY MK3 setting and detect bridging perimeters enabled. I used 20% infill on everything except the clip holder, which is set to 10% infill. Support material is generated for the arm and focus ring components. Note that the .gcode includes my remixed clip holder component for silver PSUs, and the standard arm component. The cable chain Gcode file includes the required 19 chain links and retaining clips.

3mf files have been provided for all components for those who want to do the slicing themselves.