Lulzbot Extruder Mod for Printing Flexible Filaments

thingiverse

This versatile extruder mod empowers you to print with an array of flexible materials on your Lulzbot Taz 5, Taz 6, or Mini standard extruder (or potentially other printers using the same extruder). Simply install the part underneath the idler bearing and through your filament (as depicted in the attached image). This component effectively prevents flexible filament from popping out of the extruder due to its pliable nature. This modification also seamlessly integrates with the standard extruders of the FlexyDually or Dual Extruder, allowing you to print two different flexible materials on your FlexyDually or transform your Dual Extruder into a FlexyDually. I have included several images showcasing my experiences with my Dual Extruders and FlexyDually using this mod. I have thoroughly tested this mod with the following NinjaTek materials: Cheetah: This cutting-edge material boasts an unprecedented level of flexibility and strength, rivaling that of SemiFlex. Notably, it outperforms SemiFlex by allowing for faster printing speeds without the need for glue when printing on a PEI bed. I highly recommend using this material with this mod, as it works perfectly in conjunction with the standard Lulzbot Cura print profiles for Cheetah: http://ninjatek.com/products/cheetah/ SemiFlex: Although superseded by Cheetah, SemiFlex still functions adequately with this mod. I recommend printing at slower speeds than the default SemiFlex Cura print profiles to achieve optimal results. While I have obtained flawless prints using SemiFlex with this mod, it is not as consistent as Cheetah. NinjaFlex: Although some decent prints can be achieved using NinjaFlex, it is not a recommended material for use with this mod due to its limited compatibility and slower printing speeds required to produce acceptable results (far slower than the default NinjaFlex Cura profiles created by Lulzbot). If you already possess NinjaFlex, you may still obtain satisfactory prints, but I cannot guarantee success. When printing with NinjaFlex or SemiFlex, it is essential to apply a PVA-based glue stick to your PEI bed to prevent damage. Additionally, if you experience difficulty extruding filament, try adjusting the idler tension. To access optimized print profiles for your Lulzbot printer, visit https://devel.lulzbot.com/print-profiles/cura/. Navigate to your specific printer's flexible extruder section and download the corresponding profile. For instance, the Mini profile can be accessed at https://devel.lulzbot.com/print-profiles/cura/Mini_flexystruder_v2/, but ensure you adjust the nozzle size from 0.6mm to 0.5mm. Printer Settings: Printer Brand: LulzBot Printer: Mini Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.25mm or smaller Infill: 100% Notes: Use as smooth of a filament as possible (PLA, n-vent, t-glas), but it doesn't really matter. Break small, built-in, single column support off after printing.