question on completely removing bowden tubes from deltas..

3D Printing
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question on completely removing bowden tubes from deltas…

My goal right now is to retro fit all my machines with new extruders without the help of bowden tubes. The only problem is that 2 of machines are 6ft tall.

Ive been successfully printing with my 2 machines, utilizing flying exstruders. And it works very well. But the added mass prevents me from achieving max speeds, and It doesn’t allow to use of flexible filaments, etc.

In the past couple of months a few options for direct drive exstruders have come out that could be potential game changers for me.

1st option

E3d aero exstuder. This neat option allows me the use of my loved e3d hotends in a compact direct set up. Thanks too the guys on the Seemecnc board a new under mount was released. So i can now retro fit this onto my machines.

Check it out! http://forum.seemecnc.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=12014

This will allow me all the benefits of direct drive, though i still can max out the printer speeds due to mass.

2nd option

Bondtech BMG. This guys gives the same benefits as the Titan Aero, But more control. Dual drive system, and more pushing force. Ill would be creating a custom under mount, inspired by the one made for the Titan aero. Same configuration too accommodate this guy.

But again the same issue more mass, and more z height taken away from the build.

3rd option

Zesty nimble. The lightest of the 3 options, but im not too sure on this guy working on my 6ft tall machines. Great compact design, low weight. This will defiantly help me brake me speed records. And the option for dual extrusion!!! My chimera hotend is dusty from non use!

I just don’t see enough info about this one out yet. An extra long drive cable doesn’t make me feel every confidant about accuracy, and control. But i could be wrong.

My plan is to order all 3 and experiment with the different setups. I just want to be confident im making the right decision. For those who have experience with the 3. Whats your opinion? Is the new fade direct drive on deltas? Because im super excited!!

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You Can ask @Mutley3D ​ . I was speaking with him for using his system in a huge machine project I have and seems he has lot of experience and specific shafts for bigger systems.

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Go with the Zesty Nimble. If you want any hope of maintaining high acceleration on the extruder, doing a direct drive will quash that really quick.

I’ve personally never used the Zesty Nimble, but the mechanics and engineering look sound (aka passes my sniff test). On their youtube page, they have several full print videos (no time lapses, actual printing from start to finish), and they all turn out quite nice.

My guess is that you’ll have to calibrate for some sort of backlash with the Zesty Nimble, due to the flexible cable, and due to the gear system (I didn’t observe anything regarding anti-backlash compensation), but it looks like you should be able to get really good prints with it.

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https://www.facebook.com/said.abdulwahab.79

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Hi Mr Cruz, backlash is not a problem, not for that length of drive cable. The nice this is that we have a 30:1 ratio in the extruder and that reduces any backlash by 30:1. In reality, no backlash is noticeable. Using a 1.2 meter cable on a 2 meter tall delta, retraction is 1 mm.

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@Edwardo_Garabito very simple. 4th and probably best option) Flex3Drive for the win. 40:1 gearing means 33% less driveshaft loading than nearest competitor and 33% more precision. Flex3Drive is the original development of the Flex Shaft (remote drive) extruders, not a copy. Proven track record with hundreds of thousands of printing hours behind it. Lifetime warranty on driveline. Gearing arrangement favours driveshaft construction (ie drives in tighter direction) and we have stronger shafts for longer applications. No backlash or retraction issues. Works with all filaments, fully constrained filament path that isnt broken by the tensioner. Full mechanical lock on tensioner, not plastic flex dependent. Once you know, its a no brainer.

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I just checked out flec3drive’s site. And not to be on the band wagon, it seems like those guys need some work. Marketing and presentation wise. I honestly havnt hear of that company untill today, even if I had known I don’t think I would have chosen that option. I’m my opinion the nimble hasn’t even been out that long yet has waaaaaaaaaaay more support. From mounts too user experience. Too even the way their site is presented, (which looks amazingly professional btw).

I’m not sure about this war the 2 inverter have with each other. But please do that else where. Flex3drive learn from how successful the nimble looks to be on terms of presenting a new a idea. That’s my 2€

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+Edwardo Garabito its the old saying - appearances can be deceiving. Dont let the appearance decieve You, try to look beyond the slick marketing required to sell an inferior product that a lot of users are having problems with. Bear in mind that the Flex3Drive is the original product and pioneered this type of system. That wasnt just a case of drawing up some plastics. It is also the platform upon which the competition created theirs. Flex3Drive is the superior product and we have lots going on here that is very exciting. You will soon be hearing about it. If you want to find out more feel free to message me via the facebook page http://facebook.com/flex3drive/ and I can advise further.

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@Mutley3D Jeez that’s a loaded statement. Y’all definitely have been around for longer and have the proof that your product works, but how do you know that users are having issues with the Zesty Nimble product?

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@Cruz_Monrreal_Mr_Cru It was in their public newsletter :slight_smile:

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Hmm, somebody deleted a statement I see.