Bambu Lab P1P Printable Cable Drag Chain

Bambu Lab P1P Printable Cable Drag Chain

I created a printable cable chain for the p1p as  not everyone has access to the cable chain from Amazon that I linked in my other design https://www.printables.com/model/364801-bambu-lab-p1p-cable-drag-chain-assembly-updated-12 . There were a few things that I wanted to meet or exceed from the store bought design including a reduction in sagging and lighter weight. 

• Chain has a minimum bending radius of 18mm, making sure the wire doesn't get over bent.
• When fully extended ( side with the latches face down) the chain has a slight curve, meaning it wont lay completely flat. This is intentional to make sure the chain wont accidently bend the opposite way.
• Each of my links weigh 1.963g and the cable chain links from amazon weigh 2.160g. 
• Below you can see the difference in sagging with the chains fully extended.

This is a 3d printed chain with a lot of moving parts, overtime tolerances will loosen and it will start to wear down. I haven't had any issues so far but the Amazon chain is still a better option overall when it comes to durability and smoothness. 

Files

Main Files

1. Chain Link Latch
2. Chain Link Latch PTFE Clip
3. Chain Link 0.0

Alternative Files

1. Chain Link  -0.02
2. Chain Link +0.02

Print Files

1. Printable Cable Drag Chain Assembly
2. Printable Cable Drag Chain Test Print

Parts/BOM

• 22 Chain Link Latch
• 22 Chain Link 0.0
• 1-3 Chain Link Latch PTFE Clip ( I used one on the 11th link)

Print Orientation

• The PLA/+ printing preset for cooling uses the Aux fan, I don't know how much it effects the print as the fan blows from one side but I kept all the male sides of the links facing towards the fan. 

Print Setting

Filament Tested - eSun PLA+, Bambu Tough, Polylite PLA Pro (dried and kept around 20%RH)

• See print file

Supports

• None

Before You Print

In the Files section you might have seen two alternatives Chain Link Files.

1. Chain Link Final -0.02
2. Chain Link Final +0.02

These alternative files change the hole sizing slightly in the cable links. 0.0 worked perfectly when using PLA + but when I switched over to PETG I had to tighten the tolerances, making the hole smaller,  hence the +0.02 file. Alternatively,  -0.02 will expand the hole . More under “Assembly” below.

PETG Note

• It seems like a hit or miss with PETG, as a small percentage of users couldn't get good prints  ( including me). If you are having issues with the tolerances being too lose please comment or message me and I will send you + 0.03/0.04 files. 

Assembly

• Print Printable Cable Drag Chain Test Print
• Once you've printed the test file, press the matching links into place, in total 3 small chains consisting of  (0,0,0) (+.02,+.02,+.02) (-.02,-.02,-.02) . It's kind of hard but a little easier if you slide the links together along the chamfer on each cylinder. 

• Next snap the latches into place

• What you're looking for initially is a snug fit, after rotating the pieces back and forth a handful of times they'll loosen up and you should be able to figure out which sizing is correct. There should be very little movement (almost none) when wiggling the links in any other direction other then rotating. If you have PLA + I would suggest doing the test print in that ( pla should work fine for this but the pieces will definitely break ) reasoning being I know PLA + gives a good fit and even you you want to print in something else, it'll help you get a good idea of how it should feel. 

• Once you've figured this out, use the file Printable Cable Drag Chain Assembly ( which is sized at 0.0) to print out 22 links, 22 latches, and 1 PTFE latch ( or more ). Or use another sizing!

Make sure to recalibrate after the chain is installed. 

Tips

• I only used 21 latches including the PTFE latch, I forwent the first latch on the link (the side closest to the frame) 
• To remove the latches, insert a small flat head screwdriver and twist. 

Be careful where you place the PTFE clips, one in the middle is enough. Additional locations can cause the PTFE tube to put unwanted force on the chain.

Please use https://www.printables.com/model/364801-bambu-lab-p1p-cable-drag-chain-assembly-updated-12 for the rest of the instructions and print files for the complete assembly. 

If you like my designs and want to say thanks, you can buy me a coffee and help fund the filaments I need for prototyping. A donation of any amount to Buy Me a Coffee or  PayPal would be greatly appreciated!

As always, given different printing environments, filaments, etc.,  prints may not work perfectly for everyone. If you are having issues please message or comment and I will try my best to resolve the issue.