MakerGear Forum

Successor to "Bottom Mount".

I began this project when I found that the groove mount can become loose affecting print quality. Several months later I now have a more robust filament drive that exceeds my initial goal.
Nine months, 20+ design changes, and 40+ hours of successful test printing resulted in a filament drive with the following attributes:

* Reduced/eliminated buckling of limp filament: Low friction and low filament-to-PTFE clearance. PTFE guidance of filament from intake to heat break (E3D V.6), or to PTFE insulator insert in MG groove mount.
* Eliminated/reduced internal wrapping of filament around drive gear:
- Reduced radial clearance between filament drive gear and drive body
- Tailored inlet of PTFE guides the filament as it's pushed from drive chamber.
- Form-fitting pressure link replaces bearing.
* More precise control of filament-to-drive gear force: Direct force application via M5 screw and pressure link that are positioned coincident with the center line of the drive gear.
* Probable reduced manufacturing cost and complexity by eliminating bearing and shoulder screw.
* Open drive gear allows monitoring of gear-to-filament engagement. Allows cleaning of gear without removal of filament drive. (At print startup I look for fragments of filament in gear teeth. If present, I clean gear, and increase engagement force with the M5 screw. This has avoided print failures.
* Improved/more efficient ability to service or replace hot end.

I have 40+ trouble-free hours of printing 1.75mm ABS. Looking forward to printing NinjaFlex, Nylon, and other materials.
The present design, although meeting all my performance and serviceability goals, needs to go on a serious diet. I know I can reduce the nose, pressure link, and M5 screw by ~50%. Other ideas would be welcomed.

There will be 5 more photos on the next post

Here's the other 5 photos.
How do I avoid having them cropped by phpBB?

Looks like you've really put some consideration into eliminating any issues that could arise. If you're able to make a hybrid model for use with MG and E3D hot ends I would really like to make one for myself if you dont mind handing the file out

I've been printing with my Vertical Mount Filament Drive on my MakerGear M2 using E3D V6.
I'll post STL files, list of the few parts needed, and instructions, tomorrow (July 7)

Lateralg wrote:I've been printing with my Vertical Mount Filament Drive on my MakerGear M2 using E3D V6.

The first photo in my initial post shows that.

Here's the STL files.

Also needed are:
*(1) M5 20mm screw
*(1) M5 nut with same thread pitch as screw
*(2) M3 25mm screws (To attach filament drive to extruder motor)
*(2) M3 15mm screws (To attach filament drive to extruder motor)
*(2) M3 20mm screws (To attach clamps to Body)
*(2) M3 nuts (Inserted in body to accept clamp screws)
*(6) M3 washers
I think you can see all of the parts in the photos.

* 1.75 mm PTFE tubing. I got mine at Filastruder: http://e3d-online.com/Bowden-Tubing-1.75mm?search= &sort=pd.name&order=ASC&page=3&limit=100
I recommend the extra $$ for shipping. I had them ship an order for a thermister first class. It made two stops in Puerto Rico on its way from Georgia to Arizona.

A piece of 5/32 (3.97mm) Music Wire (K&S) Stock # 508 Makes an excellent tool for reaming the 4mm hole in the body for PTFE top-to-bottom passage. I used ~ 12" to make a "T" handled tool. Can't do it cold; gotta heat it in order to bend.

Illustrated instructions to follow soon. Questions are welcomed.

Gary,
I really like your filament drive design, nice job and well thought out, and was wondering if you would share the CAD as well. I am interested in changing the design to accommodate the V3B hot end. The elimination of the point contact of the bearing on the filament is an awesome idea. This minimizes the filament going out-of-round when pressure is applied. Nice work and thanks for sharing the design with the MakerGear forum.

Dave

Where does the cooling fan attach on this design?