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This page describes how I made my own MagBall arms to suit my ANYCUBIC Predator 3D Printer.
The video explains some of the background followed by the process of machining and assembling the arms.
On this page you will be able to download all the featured still images along with a dimensioned drawing of the Delrin (Acetal) magnet ends along with links and other hardware information. In the video you will see that I am using my own designed effector that already incorporates provision for MagBalls. Information regarding this is not included.
However there are already printable MagBall adapters available on Thingiverse. I do not make or have intention to make my arms for sale, I simply provide this information for those people who are likeminded and interested I’m making their own.
Please watch the video via the YouTube link below for explanations and detailed information.
Note: Once assembled everything is permanent and can not be repaired or adjusted without destroying the arm or Delrin ends.
PREDATOR INDEX
Please note that all the information and downloads provided on this page are intended for personal use only.
If you intend to use any of this information for commercial purposes please contact me for authority before doing so.
Page Created
November 3, 2020
DOWNLOADS
Drawing of MagBall Delrin Ends .pdf
DOWNLOAD
MagBall Arm Design and Making
Click any Image for a larger view
Updated: September 24, 2023
ANYCUBIC PREDATOR
GHQP MagBall Arms Presentation
I would like to acknowledge Hayden Huntley for the concept that led me to developing my own version MagBall arms.
https://www.magballarms.com/
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3880977
MagBall couplings I use:
KD310 Socket connection, Steel ball Brass rod end with M3 thread universal magnetic ball joint.

AliExpress stores have these available.
MODEL: KD310
ΦK (Ball)            10.0mm
Φ
D (Cylinder)      10.0mm
KL                       28.0mm
L                         20.0mm
G                        M3
GL                      12.0
IG                       M3
IGL                     5.0
Materials List:
1 pce 800mm (80cm) Length 12mm Dia Delrin (ACETAL) Rod
6 Lengths 365mm Long 8mm OD Dia 1mm Wall Carbon Fiber Tube
12 pcs M3x16 Button Head Screws (Stainless Steel Recommended)
12 pcs each M3 Flat and Spring Washers (Additional flat washers may be needed)
Tube of Ultra Clear Araldite Epoxy Adhesive or similar
RED 243 LOCTITE Thread Locker
All still images in one file .zip
DOWNLOAD
Click Image to Play Video
Calibrating the MagBall Arm Delta Distance Length
That is configuring the Predators Controller code to achieve accurately dimensioned prints that match the different effective working length of MagBall arms. Note that this method I use may only be applicable to the original Predator Controller. I provide various files including executable gcode, an excel spread sheet to aid in determining the calibration value along with various images explaining how these files are used. Most of these are self explanatory and include notes to hopefully allow you to understand the process.
The most relevant file is the executable gcode program named "Config D-Arm length.gcode" This is the file that you will edit, using a standard text editor like Windows Notes, to input the arm length value you need to send to the predators controller. There is an image of this files content with notes.
However before doing anything after installing the arms do a standard Bed level. If for some reason you find that when doing this that the print head level probe goes outside the edge of the bed there is a code to fix this as I show in one of the images below.

The process to update the Predators internal code is to:
1. First edit the file with a new arm length value.
2. Save the file to an SD Card making sure it has the extension .gcode.
3. Place the SD Card into the predator and just as if you were going to print an object locate and print that file.
You will know it has worked as the predictor will re-home and display the usual Print Complete message on its LCD screen.

Plus when you download and unzip the file "MagBall Arm Calibration 2022.zip" you will find it also contains an Excel Spreadsheet file that should help with determining the S variable value you need to get your predators arm length.

Below are images that will help guide you through the process followed by my latest actual results, these are also contained within the zip file
NEW January 26, 2022
CALIBRATING ARM LENGTH
DOWNLOAD MagBall Arm Calibration 2022.zip
Extra comment regarding MagBall lubrication.
It is important to ensure the MagBall Joints are properly lubricated.
I use a particular oil designed for machine tools known as Way Oil however other similar oils and lubricant may be equally appropriate.
The download .zip file also contains both a .gcode and .stl version of the 60x60x10 print that I use during calibration.
The .gcode file is for standard PLA and at a layer height of 0.2 (created with Simplify 3D)
https://www.hangsterfers.com/products/machine-lubricants/
NEW EASIER TO MAKE VERSION COMING SOON - WATCH THIS PAGE