3in1 Universal Extruder Upgrade

cults3d

This upgraded extruder feeder replaces the standard mechanism on the following 3 Makerbot Printers (It also fits Wanhao/FlashForge/MagicFirm printers which are similar to Rep1):\nReplicator 1\nReplicator 2\nReplicator 2X\nMore information can be found at www.devilsinthedetails.ca.\nYou can download and print the housings and install hardware yourself or order a kit made from billet aluminum and PEEK engineering polymer for long life and durability under extreme temperatures (PEEK performs well up to 480*F so it will continue to work if you choose to print ABS/Nylon which requires higher temperatures).\nHere are some of its features:\n1) It uses a bearing to provide even force to the filament as it varies in thickness. This force applied is easily adjustable without needing to replace parts or disassemble anything.\n2) It repositions the stepper motor rearward so that the gripper wheel can engage the flat on the motor shaft. No more need to file the shaft yourself possibly damaging the stepper motor with metal filings in the bearing.\n3) It allows easy access for visual inspection as well as tool access in case of a jam which might require scissors to remove the filament.\n4) It's also possible to release the bearing pressure easily and quickly to allow filament changes mid-print.\n5) It has clearance allowing for adjustment in the vertical height of the thermal barrier tube. See where these extruders are now:http://www.devilsinthedetails.ca/locations.phtml This upgrade began development in April 2013. Since the closure of Makerbot Operators Group, status/feedback can be found here:https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups=#!topic/makerbot-users/Ri2jhFPNPOQ\nYou can see the full development history of this design in this discussion:https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/makerbot/SuzXohTGeZs.\nSince then, the design has logged over 2200 hours of printing combined between 2 printers. This upgrade/hardware can be ordered here:http://www.devilsinthedetails.ca Here are some videos showing the upgrade in action (while still in the prototype stage).\nPrototype Extruder Install:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9miwEBzYHlI\nFilament Load & Unload Process:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9DK7FC_TjU\nHow easy it is to swap filament mid-print:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_rd1E05l4Q