Some pics of the extruder thing I’m working on for my new printer.
This is still WIP but very close to a BETA prototype I think.
Actually it includes auto bed (and nozzle) calibration through the nozzle, filament diameter detection and an integrated dust seperator at the top.
In this assembly it’s missing some parts. But it’s only a “teaser” so to speak.
It also includes my Hotend design. This Hotend make the nozzle change as easy as changing the filament. Different nozzle positions doesn’t matter anymore due to the integrated calibration system.
It is definitely not the lightest and also not the simplest extruder ever. That was not the idea behind it.
The idea is to make a extruder with as much useful functions as possible. Easy to use and with a lot of small tuning options.
As I said, it is still WIP, therefor it is missing some parts and also some detail optimizations.
Btw. the motor in this picture is a N17.
This is an impressive piece of work.Please include the ability to print Filaflex in your design.
@Ralph_Ferro
Thanks
I can’t any reason why this should not be possible. You can change the nozzle to what ever you need. I’ve even planed to make a Nozzle with a PEEK heatbreak instead of a thinner diameter for very sensible filament types.
Keep in mind that in this hotend design the filament guidance tube to the nozzle and the nozzle it self is (in theory) one part. But it dont need be one part. So a very flexible design.
The filament is guided the whole way between the nozzle and the drive gear.
The tension between the idler bearing and the drive gear is easily adjustable to what ever you need.
The only problem I see could be that there is only one drive gear. Experience showed us that 2 gear are way better. But that is planed for the future. Too complex for the first prototype. And at a certain point I like to get things finished. 
Btw. Thanks @Thomas_Sanladerer for the great inspiration with the filament diameter detection. I really like the idea to do this the way you’ve described it!
Nice work Sven! It looks like you are re-using the fan flow from the cooling fan to blow on the printed material. That works great for PLA but can cause issues with other materials. You may want to include some way to moderate how much gets returned to the print. (from 0 to ‘all’ )
The other note is that rapid dissassembly and reassembly for clearing clogs while maintaining printer calibration would be useful.
@Chuck_McManis
Thank you!
Yes it looks like that, but it’s not the case
There is a second fan below the Nema17 fixed in the carrier.
You only need to remove the 4 screws on the light red part to disassemble the whole extruder The cleaning and measuring system in the top is not influenced by that. There is a separate “door” for maintenance (dark red part).
But now that I think about it I’ll remove the top screw from the light red part and integrate it into the bottom plate. Seems smarter and I simply cant see any reason why I shouldn’t do that
Thank for the hint!
So then there are only 3 screws left to disassemble the whole extruder.
I’ll post some better pictures in a few days when the Extruder is “finished” and I’ve tested the new prints.
