Printrbot Simple Metal Bowden Conversion

thingiverse

After years of getting my Printrbot Simple Metal (with many upgrades) just right, I've decided to swap out the direct drive extruder for a Bowden extruder, but still wanted to use as much of the original Printrbot parts as possible. My first challenge was the Hotend mount. Starting with Tech2C's E3D Hotend design, I made the modifications to fit my Ubis Hotend. Mounting holes are sized to accept M3 screws, and the Bowden hole is sized for an M6 fitting. (This mount is designed specifically for the Ubis brand of hotends, available through Printrbot.) I created a simple platform based on in-the-garage's design "Printrbot Simple Spool Holder/Handle" to hold the Bowden extruder, which sits on top of the Z-Rods. The Bowden extruder is a modified version of Schlotzz's "Compact Bowden Extruder." Using his SCAD file, I made changes to fit my Hobbed Gear from Printrbot Simple Metal Printer. This way, I didn't have to adjust the filament "Feed Rate" or printer code. Additionally, due to my particular setup, I added a 15-degree slant to the extruder housing so that the filament is less likely to bind as it enters the extruder. To complete this conversion, you'll need several additional parts, including PTFE Tubing and Fittings, 608 Bearing, M3 + M5 screws & nuts.