Extrudle

thingiverse

4.3.19 - I've re-uploaded the files with versions that have slightly looser tolerances to make construction a little simpler. ...an extruder full of tasty goodness. Yep, there must be more extruders on Thingiverse than there are galaxies in the universe. Here's my take: -Easy to print -Easy to build -Readily available parts -Easy to use -Excellent grip -Flexi-filament compatible -Built-in filament run-out detection capability I've tried a few of your usual suspects and come to the conclusion that nothing beats the classic compact extruder concept, as long as it's done right. I like to think my take on the design is a good one and comes with the added bonus of supporting filament run-out detection if you want it... ...in addition to the obvious parts you'll only need: -A tact switch - any 7mm square one will do but I like the 8mm tall version as it's easy to set up. -Two lengths of wire to run from the switch to your driver board -A quick tweak to your firmware to enable run-out detection Construction: -Screw a Bowden tube connector in to the output side of the extruder body -Screw the extruder body to your stepper motor -Slide the driver gear on to the motor shaft and once lined up with the filament level tighten the grub screw -Fit the idler bearing in to it's housing and secure with another screw -Attach the above to the main part using nuts, screws, washers, springs -Attach to your printer -Attach driver cable -Run in filament -Adjust the idler pressure to your liking -Don't forget to adjust your E:Steps setting to suit ...done! If you want run-out detection you will also need the previously mentioned tact switch, some glue, and a multimeter for preference. -Using the multimeter work out which of the pins on the tact switch are connected when it's pressed. These two pins want to be facing the input side of the extruder body. Solder your wires to these and snap off the other two. -Press-fit the tact switch (button first) in to it's hole in the base of the extruder body and push some filament well into the extruder's input -Slowly advance the tact switch, regularly checking with the multimeter, until a connection is made... ...pull out the filament and recheck - was the connection un-made again? -Some fiddling and rechecking is likely to be needed and indeed advised- -Once you are sure you've got reliable and repeated actuation of the tact switch when inserting / removing the filament glue the switch in place Note: Tact switches really, REALLY, don't like glue in their works so either be extra-careful with the old super glue or better-still use hot glue -Screw the extruder body back on to the stepper motor and you'll see why the input side of my version of the compact extruder overhangs a bit - so the tact switch wires can poke out -Running the wires and updating your firmware settings will depend on the printer you are using ...no more ruined prints as a result of running out of filament - Hurrah! PS Do make sure the filament path is clear and running freely, along with the run-out sensor compartment, before you curse this for a bad design. 3D prints are never perfect!