1 Topic by lawsy

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Topic: Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

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.

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2 Reply by johnforeman

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Re: Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

Change them to what?

3 Reply by Hazer (edited by Hazer 2013-09-24 11:16:41)

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Re: Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

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.

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4 Reply by 2n2r5 (edited by 2n2r5 2013-09-24 11:22:29)

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Re: Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

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.
http://2n2r5.com/pictures/printer/show-n-tell/nema17_xcarriage.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.

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5 Reply by lawsy

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Re: Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

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.

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6 Reply by RaceGeek

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Re: Swap extruder and X-axis steppers?

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.