Extruder for DC/Kossel XL recommendations

[JuJuDelta]

Hi All,

I have a Kossel XL, SmartEffector etc and the Flex3Drive (early model) is wearing out.

https://flex3drive.com/product/g5-flex-for-duet-smart-effector/

Is it worth replacing with a newer one?
If so, what material SLS, SLA or FDM?

Or, can you recommend something else?

Thanks,
J.

[dc42]

@jujudelta how about a flying extruder with an Orbiter?

My Kossel XL still uses a Bowden extruder. In the longer term I want to make a larger Smart Effector that can carry an Orbiter.

[o_lampe]

@jujudelta I've designed a smart-effector replacement with an offset for the heatsink. Now I can use a sherpa-mini extruder as direct drive extruder. The stepper doesn't foul the mag-rods, because of the offset

Only downside is, that it now needs a different Z-probe. I chose an 18mm capacitive probe, but a mini-IR Z-probe or BL-Touch would be fine, too.

[oliof]

@dc42 orbiter 2.0 (to be released Real Soon Now) will have a smaller footprint than 1.x -- maybe that'll fit the smart effector as is.

[JuJuDelta]

Hi,

Both those extruders look excellent.
I really like how they open up easily to clean the hobbed gears.
On my Flex3drive it's a complete strip down.

I'm a great fan of the Smart Effector built in Z Probe, it works for me.

When I loose patience (soon) with my current extruder I will look to implement either an Orbiter or Sherpa as a flying extruder.

Thanks for your recommendations Guys!

Plenty of ideas here:
https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=orbiter+extruder&type=things&sort=relevant

[amjm22]

I'm using an Orbiter 1.5 mounted to Duet 3D Smart Effector. It has a 58mm Bowden tube(very minimal) E3d .6 nozzle and all-metal hotend.