Printrbot Simple (2013) Bowden Conversion

thingiverse

Updated version of my previous Bowden conversions for the wooden Printrbot Simple (2013). I have been using this version for a number of months now and it seems to work pretty well (for me at least). Includes a removable fan deflector/shroud to allow the fan to cool the hotend tube as well as the hotend output. Includes an extruder spacer to allow the existing extruder bolts to work when the extruder and motor are not fitted to the printer. Includes friction mount connectors for the PTFE tube to avoid the need to purchase push to fit fittings. [This idea is attributable to someone, but I couldn't find the reference - sorry]. Extruder fitting is an adaptation of the Internal filament guide for Printrbot direct drive extruder by rswarner. The Hotend fitting is an adaptation of one of the fittings in Printrbot Simple Bowden conversion by owens to make it fit the new extruder location. Note: The Simple in the pictures also has my X-Axis extension fitted with a perspex print bed (covered in blue painters tape). Instructions Print 1 of each component. The hotend block screws into existing holes at the end of the Simple Y axis arm and the hotend mounts using the existing screws. New screws are needed to attach the block. The printed fan mount fits using one of the screws used to attach the hotend block. The shroud attaches on the lower side of the fan mount, with the screws from the fan passing through both parts. The extruder fitting replaces the hollow plastic tube and the small wooden component in the extruder assembly.. The new extruder support fitting requires printing 1x spacer. The hole through the hotend block corner is to allow the cables to be cable wrapped as per the normal setup. There is also an extra screw hole in the block to allow the hotend to be firmed up if it isn't firm initially. Additional components needed: 2x 25mm (or longer) M3 bolts with nuts will be required to attach the hotend component (I used wing nuts). Small spring clamp for extruder fitting. PTFE tube (4mm outer, 2mm inner) - About a foot should do. Note: The friction fittings require the tube to be pushed in from the side and shouldn't allow the tube to move within the fitting. If movement occurs try packing with a bit of sandpaper or similar. I have found that without something to hold the 'top' end of the tube in the fitting in place it tends to work its way loose. I have tried two solutions for this (both of which work), one is a wire twisted around the fitting and tube (as shown in the hotend fitting pictures) and the other is to print a 'clip' to fit over the tube and fitting (as shown in the extruder fitting pictures). Note: The print file for the extruder fitting clip contains a number of slightly different sized clips - I just print them all and then see which one fits best. As you can see from the pictures, I use a small clamp to squeeze the extruder mount - this is not printed, I bought it. It is possible to use the existing spring mechanism, but I found this easier to fit and remove.