I3 MK3 and MK3S extruder for flexible materials

thingiverse

<b>Update 14.11.2019:</b> Caution !! There was a slight error in the extruder body that I just learned the hard way. The Bondtech gears catch onto the body a bit somehow. I just grinded in a little bit and now they turn well. In case you've already printed it, do the same; otherwise, the V3 should have it fixed. <b>Update 21.10.2019:</b> Finally added the MK3S Version. I had no chance to test it yet, if anyone is willing to try, please let me know what needs to be changed. Retraction with Flexibles should be improved as well and it should work with MMU. The stock X-carriage could work, nevertheless, I uploaded one with corrected stepper holes (moved by 0.25mm). Everything else (carriage, cover, plate, idler) I highly recommend changing all together. <b>Update 05.09.2018:</b> - Added the V4 based on the R3 Version. - PTFE should be the same as in V3 - Idler and Carriage from the previous Version should work. - Added the relevant R3 parts as well, but they are just a repost from the originals, just to have everything at one place. - Body orientation of the V4 should be correct, so no flipping 180° needed - Works of course for non-flexible materials as well <b>Base Release</b> Makes higher printing speeds at flexible materials possible, retraction should work too. Main changes to the original: - Shifted stepper position to corrected filament path - Shifted idler position to correct filament path - Constructed a filament guide to stop the filament from popping out the extruder If the hole at the idler is a bit too tight for the smooth 3mm rod, slightly and carefully drill it with a 3mm drill....just a bit! Be sure to flip the extruder body by 180° on the printplate so it prints without support. Special thanks to gregsaun, JLTX, and bastian.s for the great conversation at the PRUSA forum. See the thread here; there you can find some other ideas and designs as well: https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/how-do-i-print-this-printing-help--f63/any-ideas-how-to-get-this-flexable-material-to-pri-t14765.html#p82986 Some more detailed information about the design and some background information on flexible materials, here: https://youtu.be/6z8kk-MUXo0