4 Modifications, plus one more..

[Torgeir 212]

Hi Folks,

This is my first post with some modification ideas that's all present in one picture.

Can you find all four modification at the feeder, how about the modification number 5 (not on the feeder)?

This might be a “quiz” before the big news arrive.

Thanks.

Torgeir.

[onkelgeorg 36]

1. metal bowden coupling

2. belt driven

3. plexi cover for belt / motor

4. lever on feeder

easy

but not sure what no 5 is... cable ties on spiral tube?

[Torgeir 212]

Hi Onkelgeorg,

1) Metal bowden coupling yes, right.

The benefit of this is that the coupling turn with the bowden tube, so there is no shafting to the tube by "small knifes". Inside the feeder unit there is a nut plate made in PLA with tread type BSP pipe type and G 1/8-28.

2) Yes it is a belt driven feeder geared 1:2 into a plastic housing.

This was made as I only had a 200 step/rev stepper available. Reading this forum I found some issues/concern about a very hot shaft on the stepper making grip to filament less effective and step back (more torque needed hence the 1:2 gearing).(Yes I built my printer). By using this setup I got 400 step/rev on the knurled wheel, same as the UM2 -so no firmware change.

3) Still open, -and hard to see..

4) Lever on the feeder, yes you're right.

I never talked about this one, but this is one thing that needed a few rounds before I could put it into test. There is a lock as well on this one..

Number five, you was “close”.. But no cigar.. eh..

Regards.

Torgeir.

[flowalistik 181]

Please share more pictures of the feeder!

[Torgeir 212]

Hi flowalistik,

Sure I'll do, but first the two remaining mods to mention.

3) Is the MK8 feeder wheel from RepRap, you'll see it on one of the pictures below.

5) This is a 1.5 mm carbon fiber rod that running along with the wiring in order to assure that the movement of the wires is made evenly over the whole radius.

This is important in order to avoid wiring breakage and make it last as long as possible!

This first picture is of the feeder unit with both half split, where you can see what's done inside.

Second picture is of the feeder and a stepper motor with my release handle installed in extreme open position (all the way to the stop).

The third picture show the above unit with filament installed and in normal closed position (the normal printing position).

The fourth picture is from the unit installed to the printer where the handle is in normal open position and filament ready to be installed.

Number five, same as above, but from another angle.

Picture number six is just with the filament pushed in, but still with the handle in open position.

OK., this is as my feeder is setup today and save me the fiddling on the back when feeding new filament. I've found that it's best to just feed it through and then leave the rest to the standard "filament feed" in the advanced setup menu.

Thanks.

Torgeir.

[Torgeir 212]

Hi Folks,

As I recently removed the MK8 feeder wheel from my printer, cause it did not improve at all over the knurled wheel.

I'd just want to inform anyone interested in this modification about this matter.

For more info about this, see this tread:

https://ultimaker.com/en/community/33367-knurled-feeder-wheel-versus-hubbed-mk8-feeder-wheel-for-filament-drive

Thanks.

Torgeir.

[SandervG 1,518]

Did anyone already guess the 5th one?

How about the location of the feeder? It looks to be higher.

[Torgeir 212]

Hi Sander,

Yes, you're right it is just about 10 cm longer the original that's approx 704 mm if my memory serve me right.

The purpose was to lift the feeder as high as possible and put it at some distance from the back panel, this cause I wanted a better loop radius for less "overall" friction. IE. As little friction as possible wherever the extruder is printing on the bed surface.

Thanks.

Torgeir.