Microextruder for geared stepper

thingiverse

This text is the result of months-long contemplation and revision. The author aimed to create a compact extruder block, inspired by features like Wade's idler and Mk5 Plastruder's screw design. It is designed for use with a planetary gear stepper and an Mk5 drive gear with an 8mm hole for the gearbox shaft. The extruder requires two M3x35mm, two M4x50mm screws, one M8 bolt/rod (35mm), a 608 bearing, nuts, and washers to match. It features a PTFE-holding nut end and a groove-mount insulator end, making it adaptable for bowden or carriage-mounted extruder use without additional mountings. A picture is included with vitamin parts marked; however, the author's x-axis issue prevents testing. The to-do list includes printing for testing, securing the bowden nut and insulator, determining carriage mounting, redesigning for motor attachment, making the design parametric, creating a printable gearbox option, and exploring compatibility with DC gear motors.