1 (edited by Shotline 2013-09-29 22:03:22)

Topic: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

I love the E3D print head.  However, I have experienced a few problems that have been driving me crazy.

1st problem is noise.  The fan can get crazy noisy due to looseness of the shroud.

2nd problem is the head being loose.  I have been using Lawsy's MK5 extruder, and while it is great, recently the head started coming loose.  This had the effect that if the nozzle hit anything it would shift the print head and cause a layer shift, ruining the print.

I have modified Lawsy's extruder by changing the accessory mount.  I made the mounts round and added a hole for an M3 screw.  This makes the mount more solid so that it cannot move on the accessory mount.  Then I modified the accessory attachment so that it holds the print head in securely so that it cannot move.

While I have not done a long term evaluation of this modification yet, it has eliminated fan noise and the loose print head problem.

Hopefully this will help others.

Post's attachments

E3D_accessory_blank_modified2.stl 162.82 kb, 33 downloads since 2013-09-29 

Extruder_Mod_1.jpg
Extruder_Mod_1.jpg 2.01 mb, 2 downloads since 2013-09-29 

Extruder_Mod_2.jpg
Extruder_Mod_2.jpg 2.1 mb, 2 downloads since 2013-09-29 

mk5_extruder_body_modified.stl 574.47 kb, 33 downloads since 2013-09-29 

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2

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

Nice mod.

The funny thing is for me the E3D is a really tight fit compared to other hot ends. I struggle to get it in and out without feeling like I'm going to break it.

3

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

It is entirely possible that my print of the MK5 body was just a bit loose.  I printed it a few times and it came out the same every time.  If I upped the extrusion the screw holes were too small.  That could be why the  E3D fits a bit loose.  I wrapped it with kapton and it was initially tight but after a couple prints it was loose again.  So I came up with this so that there is no doubt that it is in tight.

I initially modified the mount because I am trying to make a dial indicator mount that will work with the E3D and this mount was more solid than your original (no offense, your designs are awesome).  So far I have been unsuccessful with the dial indicator mount, but this mod does allow mounting things in a very solid manner.

4

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

This is what I did

http://2n2r5.com/pictures/printer/mk5_lock.JPG

SD3 w/ mods:
Glass bed with QU-BD heat pad upgrade, threadless ballscrew w/ 8mm smooth rod, spectra line belt replacement, lawsy MK5 extruder, Lawsy replacement carriage, E3D hotend, Ramps 1.4 w/ reprap discount controller, DRV8825 drivers, 12v 30A PS, Acrylic case, Overkill Y-idlers, Filament alarm, Extruder fan + more.

5

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

That definitely gets the vote for simplicity, lol.

My mod had three goals.  Hold the E3D tightly, provide a solid accessory mount, and hold the E3D fan securely so it didn't vibrate.

I achieved all three with it.

I suspect you don't get any noise from your fan.

6

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

I wrapped the top and bottom of the heat sink fins with kapton. I also wrapped the part that mounts in the MK5 with kapton. I have no issues any longer.

7

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

Hello everyone, just a quick question for the people that have purchased the E3D hot end in the US, how much does it cost for shipping?

8

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

MeshMoth wrote:

Hello everyone, just a quick question for the people that have purchased the E3D hot end in the US, how much does it cost for shipping?

You get a quote online

try it?

9

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

I just wanted to know a ball park. If it was way out of my budget then I wouldn't even bother making an account with them to find out how much exactly.

10

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

I didn't have to make an account, I just clicked on the get shipping estimate link and it put the royal mail signed option on there with the cost and if I remember right the last E3D I ordered took a bit over a week to get here to the west coast.

11

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

Cool, Thanks for the help guys.

12

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

2n2r5, I noticed you have a section of PTFE tubing at the top of the hot end. Is this to help reduce buckling of flexible filaments?

I recently tried the same thing, but had limited success. I was wondering if that fixed it for you. Is it just sitting on top or is it secured somehow I cant see?

13

Re: E3D Looseness and Noise Fix

downeym wrote:

2n2r5, I noticed you have a section of PTFE tubing at the top of the hot end. Is this to help reduce buckling of flexible filaments?

I recently tried the same thing, but had limited success. I was wondering if that fixed it for you. Is it just sitting on top or is it secured somehow I cant see?

I do that for ALL filaments. I have had issues in the past and as long as I don't have a clogged hotend, this has indeed fixed that problem for me. If I don't align my hobbed gear then the filament will still buckle. I would imagine flexible filament is a PITA.

I saw that you were having troubles even after you made that tubing holder. I was actually going to reply that you should try a fan that points at the filament feed before the PTFE. If it fails during a long print then maybe the heat from the stepper motor is softening your filament enough to make it kink. I think Ian posted a picture of something similar where he cooled the PEEK. I guess you could use that idea and make it dual purpose.

SD3 w/ mods:
Glass bed with QU-BD heat pad upgrade, threadless ballscrew w/ 8mm smooth rod, spectra line belt replacement, lawsy MK5 extruder, Lawsy replacement carriage, E3D hotend, Ramps 1.4 w/ reprap discount controller, DRV8825 drivers, 12v 30A PS, Acrylic case, Overkill Y-idlers, Filament alarm, Extruder fan + more.