Genmitsu 3018 Pro Cable Chain

Genmitsu 3018 Pro Cable Chain Instructions

Note: This is just one of many easy enhancements I have posted for the Genmitsu 3018 Pro CNC Router. None of my enhancements require any modifications to the stock hardware. Just bolt them on and go. If you look under my postings you'll see others including the Cable Chain, X,Y & Z Limit Switches, Vacuum Adapter, Cushion Feet, Clamping Set, E-Stop Mount and more.

If you run a CNC much you'll find that organizing the cables is really important. Without proper routing they can become snagged and rip or they can wear out in areas. A simple cable chain on the top rail allows all the wires from your Z-axis motor, spindle and if you have them, your Z-axis limit switches to route smoothly to the control board.

The cable chain consists of 2 different end pieces and 15 center "link" pieces which are 3D printed. In addition to that you will need 2 M3x10mm self-tapping screws, a 1/4-20 nut and a modified 1/4-20 x 1/2" bolt (see below). I would also strongly recommend finding a long arm 2.5mm hex wrench such as Amazon item number B0B1VLFXMF.

Also I design everything in OpenSCAD which is a free CAD program. I have included all of the source files I made which you can modify as you'd like.

I 3D printed everything using PETG filament with 15% infill and no supports. It probably doesn't matter what filament is used but I find that PLA tends to melt and malform sometimes with temperatures and ABS can be a little brittle when trying to snap the chain links together.

To mount the cable chain to the top rail I use a modified 1/4-20 x 1/2" bolt. These are inexpensive and can be found at your local hardware store. I then use a cutoff wheel, hand grinder or grinding wheel to cut off 2 opposite sides of the bolt head. I also trim the top of the head to make it thinner. What is left is a 1/2" bolt with "ears" on the top. These ears easily drop down into the track of the top rail and once secured with a nut they turn a little and lock it in place. There are commercial solutions out there that can do this as well but I prefer something simple using what I have laying around.

Assemble the chain links rotating each one so the covered part is up and then down, etc. The mount is a little tricky. On the left side of the Z-axis stepper motor (NOT the spindle motor), you will need to remove 2 bolts and the white plastic spacers that hold the left side of the motor. There are access holes from the bottom that make this easier but I needed a long Allen wrench to reach them. That is why I suggest you find or buy one as it is going to be very difficult to do with a short wrench. Once those are out then the 3D printed mount slides in and the 2 bolts are replaced. I had to use a little bit of tape and secure each bolt to the Allen wrench so I could get it up into the holes. Once the bolts are in and snug then you can use two M3x10 self-tapping screws to secure the cable chain end to the mount. The other end is secured in the top rail using the modified 1/4-20 x 1/2" bolt and a nut. Bolt it to the rail about 1/2 way across. Then feed each cable through the cable chain and re-attach them to the controller.