What extruder is best? Trying to find out with which extruder I can print the fastest / cleanest. My wades extruder works pretty well with 0.2mm layers @ 80mm/sec. But it can’t do 0.4mm layers at that speed (using a 0.6mm nozzle). So I’m trying out some different designs, using geared and ungeared NEMA17 stepper motors.
Bondtech is the best I have ever used.
Hi, the new version Bondtech QR extruder is further developed with a QuickRelease that allows for quick filament change, this extruder can be used in a bowden or direct setup.
I have not used bondtech yet. I think the quality of the hobbed bolt is the biggest determining factor of the extruders I have used. Also, I have not been able to run fast on any extruder until I got the volcano head. Right now I use (and prefer) the extruder made by seemecnc. I also use a geared extruder that I printed out.
I’m curious if you could include the new hephestos 2 extruder in your review too. Looks interesting
@Nathan_Walkner no chearleading, his opening remark was “what extruder is best”. From my understanding that was a question. For which I gave my answer, from my personal experience using the ez-struder, wades extruder, airtripper, planetcnc bowden extruder, Hercustruder (my own design), and the Bondtech.
As far as load testing, I built a load test cell for @Martin_Bondeus when he flew to the states to attend last years MRRF in Indiana (great event BTW, I really recommend it to everyone). http://m.imgur.com/a/JsgGX .
The Bondtech grip was so good that it never striped the filament. In fact the only reason the Bondtech ever stopped pushing was because it could apply so much force that it would spring back the stepper motor when the filament tension spring force overcame the holding torque of the 5.18:1 gear reduced stepper. Martin ran the same section of filament during demos over and over during the show. Zero damage to the filament, he just had to keep increasing the motor current until the motor ran hot and still no slipping.
So I guess I just wanted to mention this because I am often accused of being a Bondtech fanboy. And to be honest… That is true. But it is due to my experience that I feel it is superior… Not my lack of it. So I like to spread the word. If your current extruder fulfils your needs there is no need to upgrade. But if you like to push your printers limits, and no other extruder seems to be up to the task without failing. Then I know there is a solution.
My 2cents, I guess take it or leave it.
I took it as a question too…and will go back and look at the bondtech. Getting a little worn out to come back and see I’m printing air. Seems every once in a while mine likes to act up.
Don’t forget to include the #saintflint. Very effective, novel design, open source and a community effort…
Can’t wait to see what you find out, thanks for doing this!
Another “cheerleader” here. I’ve tried multiple designs, open and closed source, and the bond tech is beyond the best. In 9 months I have yet to strip my filament once.
I had the impression that the top poster was trying to do a shootout and wanted to learn more options to test. I think the Bondtech is worth testing given the pull force results he posts. He’s demonstrated the test rig at MRRF earlier this year.
What is the name
Wow, I did not expect that much comments 
My plan is to test all the extruders and share my experiences on my blog / here on G+. I’ll be testing the extruders on my Prusa I3. I’m using a P3steel chassis with lead screws on the Z. The X/Y run on Igus Drylin bearings and I’m using steel core belts. I have a genuine E3D V6 hot end with various nozzles, 0.35/0.4/0.5/0.6mm. It’s all controlled by a simple RAMPS with DRV8825 drivers. But I also have a set of A4988 drivers. I’ve spent a lot of time calibrating my machine and can run very aggressive acceleration settings in Marlin. It is a pretty fast machine for a reprap, but at the moment the extruder is the limiting factor. I have seen the Bondtech extruder before but didn’t know that there was a new version with a quick release idler. Might order one in the near future.