SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

Re: Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

null@example.com (RaceGeek) — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 03:20:05 +0000

I just got in a. 9deg stepper from sparkfun for the extruder and want to be able to handle the bit of extra weight better.
Im looking to upgrade x to a nema 17, anyone know if there are any better, lighter options than using the stock extruder/y motor. I did some sesrching but couldnt find any suitable short nema17s. I was also thinking of using another one of the. 9deg motors running 1/8th microstepping on the Y, any thoughts on that option?

Thanks for the help.

Re: Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

null@example.com (lawsy) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 04:49:12 +0000

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I have already upgraded my y stepper after it started becoming erratic. Now the x stepper is doing the same. Your SketchUp file has inspired me to redesign my most up to date version to take the larger stepper. I really prefer it to be one piece, which is why I haven't gone with yours.

Back to the original topic, the stepper vref is set much lower for the extruder than the others, leading me to believe it has a far easier job. Elmoret's old thread has evidence of this.

http://www.soliforum.com/topic/459/soli … iciencies/

Having just redesigned a direct drive extruder for a printrbot there is no way I'm implementing a wades or similar system for my Solidoodle. They are heavy, large and hard to operate and maintain.

Re: Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

null@example.com (2n2r5) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 11:19:35 +0000

Lawsy,

Did you get the NEMA17 carriage design I sent you?

http://2n2r5.com/pictures/printer/show- … 5_edit.skp <--- this is not the most current version of your design so it may need to be updated.

Also, I changed out my Y-axis stepper to a 5KG beast from QU-BD to handle the added weight of the nema 14 - nema 17 swap. I am going to use the Y axis stepper for that. I already replaced my extruder stepper with a .9 degree motor.
http://store.qu-bd.com/category.php?id_category=16

That is not the stepper or pulley I used. They are just spares that I had for the test fit.

Re: Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

null@example.com (Hazer) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 11:04:03 +0000

Edit: You want to swap the motors around (X get NEMA 17 and extruder gets NEMA 14).

I beleive the NEMA 14 is underpowered for the extruder since it is a direct drive system. But, what if your designed a mini Gregs Wade reloaded gear system (based up M5 bolt that you can attach the stock hobbed piece to) sized for a NEMA 14. That would work. The only problem is that while you gain torque from that extruder, you lose speed. Retraction could be a problem.

Re: Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

null@example.com (johnforeman) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 09:46:24 +0000

Change them to what?

Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

null@example.com (lawsy) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 05:55:04 +0000

I'm of the opinion that swapping the two stepper motors might be a good idea. From the factory, the x-axis stepper is a nema 14 and the extruder is a nema 17.

The (troublesome) y-axis stepper would still be pushing the same amount of mass, but the x axis stepper would be stronger and pushing less weight.

I would need to design variants of my extruder and replacement carriages but that shouldn't be too hard.

I would love to hear people's opinions on the benefits and downsides including anything I may have overlooked.