(Robo3D) E3D hotend direct drive (geared/non geared) extruder

thingiverse

Direct Drive Upgrade for Robo3D or Any Printer Using E3D Hotend and MK8 Drivegear Direct drive upgrade enthusiasts will love upgrading their Robo3D printers with a simple yet effective method using an E3D hotend and a reliable MK8 drivegear coupled with a robust Nema17 stepper motor, optionally featuring a planetary gearbox for even more torque. By utilizing the standard X-carriage of the Robo3D printer, you can efficiently mount your new direct drive extruder on it, ensuring easier assembly compared to other setups. There are two viable approaches here: employing the basic Nema17 motor or upgrading to a geared version with a ratio around 5:1 from a reliable source such as OMC Stepper. The latter offers increased torque and superior step resolution, however, requires current adjustment to avoid overheating of the motor. Printers equipped with this setup perform impressively when dealing with flexible filaments, although it necessitates a speed reduction for optimal results due to inherent properties of these materials. Among numerous benefits: Less filament jams compared to the stock extruder A more compact configuration Reduced noise level Consistent flowrate even at faster speeds (tested on the author’s printer) Lower cost thanks to reused stock components Disadvantages, though relatively minor, include a slightly rougher surface finish due to fewer steps per mm from the stepper motor. Required Components: 1 x E3D hotend 1 x MK8 drivegear with a 7mm effective diameter 1 x 694 bearing (4x11x4mm) 1 x strong spring measuring 30x7mm 1 x M3 screw of length 6, for non-geared motor 4 x M3 screws measuring 10mm in length with flatheads, used for geared stepper 6 x M3 screws measuring 12mm 1 x M3 nut 1 x M3 nut (for geared stepper) 1 x 40x40 mm stock fan, although not explicitly stated necessary it’s better to have a 30x30 fan instead Parts Installation: Print All Components Using PLA or ABS Materials. Ensure you Read the Detailed Instructions Before Beginning the Assembly of This Direct Drive Extruder. To remove the old extruder: 1. Remove the fan by detaching its screws 2. Uninstall the hotend by taking out two M4 screws on one side 3. Remove Wade's extruder via removing 2M4screw from it and disconnect wires if necessary. 4. Dislodge the Nema17 stepper by pulling off four 3mm-longed-screws 5. Carefully set aside both the motor, fan as well as M4 screws; they will be used for mounting this extruder.