this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2023
26 points (100.0% liked)

3DPrinting

15548 readers
180 users here now

3DPrinting is a place where makers of all skill levels and walks of life can learn about and discuss 3D printing and development of 3D printed parts and devices.

The r/functionalprint community is now located at: !functionalprint@kbin.social or !functionalprint@fedia.io

There are CAD communities available at: !cad@lemmy.world or !freecad@lemmy.ml

Rules

If you need an easy way to host pictures, https://catbox.moe may be an option. Be ethical about what you post and donate if you are able or use this a lot. It is just an individual hosting content, not a company. The image embedding syntax for Lemmy is ![](URL)

Moderation policy: Light, mostly invisible

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

Recently I haven't been overly happy with the extrusion consistency of my Orbiter v1. After watching a particularly enlightening video by MirageC I decided to look into updating to an extruder using an IGDA (Integrated Drive Gear Assembly) which potentially reduces the problem that Mirage noticed of non-concentricity caused by gears attached to shafts using set screws. This led me to randomly browsing ali express for ideas and I came across a semi clone of the Bondtech LGX lite called the HGX-Lite. It's not an exact copy and uses a thumb screw to tension the gears instead of Bondtech's lever system. This seems like a more robust design in my opinion, although I haven't used the LGX. It seems to go by various brands. I bought a "Haldis".

I printed Mihai's extrusion test, and it shows an enormous improvement in consistency over the Orbiter. I've taken a photo with glancing lighting to exaggerate the problem - the orbiter is on the right and HGX on the left. Very happy with the result so far.

Only problem I currently see is the backlash might be worse. I'm not sure how to test this or what effect it might have on print quality - advice welcome.

Disclaimer: Not saying the orbiter is bad, I loved it and it's quite possible the V2 is better re: consistency than my original version, although it still does use a set screw in the design.

Here's a picture of the extruder (ignore the mess of wires - testing before committing to a rewire)

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] callcc@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Thanks for testing! I've been scrolling across this extruder as well and would like to know how well it works in the long run. Keep us posted please. I currently have an Orbiter v2 which is pretty good for the moment but am looking for a second extruder for my bon mixing dual filament hotend.