Direct Extrusion Upgrade for Anycubic I3 Mega

thingiverse

Only stock parts of the Anycubic i3 Mega were used! PLA printing works perfectly fine! Additionally, I utilized the cable holder .stl file from TimoNetz but recently also added an included cable holder elment to the PLA version. A big thanks to Timo for sharing the metal design! YouTube Tutorial: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bGg2j4lK7Ec?si=N0QumHMzOrGteagw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> Further Documentation: I embarked on an exciting project recently by reworking a design I discovered on Thingiverse (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3418927), tailor-made to enhance my beloved Anycubic i3 Mega 3D printer. While my trusty printer has been with me for some time and has consistently delivered exceptional results, I found myself wanting to explore more ABS printing in the near future. This desire to expand my printing capabilities led me to a decision - a much-anticipated upgrade. The results of this upgrade have been nothing short of impressive. The process was a breeze, and the benefits have been tangible. However, it's important to note that one trade-off is a modest reduction in the maximum printing height. Nevertheless, this limitation is of little concern to me, as I also have a second 3D printer, an Ender 5 Pro, equipped with a 0.6mm nozzle and direct extrusion. This setup is ideal for larger prints, allowing me to fully harness the advantages of the bigger nozzle. Yet, when it comes to intricate and smaller components, a larger nozzle size can sometimes be a drawback, prompting me to return to my trusty Anycubic i3 Mega, which has been equipped with a 0.4mm nozzle since 2017. The results I've achieved with this setup have been consistently impressive, making it my go-to choice for detailed work. One remarkable aspect of older 3D printers like the Anycubic i3 Mega is their remarkable reliability, provided they are well-maintained. Despite lacking a Z-probe or BL-Touch, this printer's robust design and precise leveling have kept it performing flawlessly year after year. It's a testament to the enduring quality of this machine. I am confident that this upgrade will not only enhance the performance of your 3D printer but also extend its lifespan significantly. While I once considered the possibility of a complete printer replacement, this upgrade has revitalized my Anycubic i3 Mega, and I am excited to continue using it for many more years to come. I hope you find this upgrade as rewarding as I have, and I look forward to sharing my enhanced 3D printing experiences with the Thingiverse community. Feel free to explore the link and make your 3D printing journey even more enjoyable.