4Flex mod for TPU/TPE for QIDI X-Max & X-Plus

Remixed from and credit to Aaron B. on the Formbot/Vivedino facebook group page for creating this for the T-Rex2/3.

Update 15/MAY/21 - Uploaded extruder spring spacers and fusion 360 project file. With the 1.5mm spacer I was able to get far more consistent extrusion and reduced flow rate from 140% down to 115% with 85A TPE and 30mm/s print speed (inner and outer walls). Parts look nicer as a direct result of more consistent flow. I could probably get better resulkts with the 2mm spacer. Fusion 360 file provided to create larger spacers.

Update 31/MAR/21 - I used v1.1 to successfully print many many TPE 85A prints beyond the capability of the stock part, took far more pushing effort to get it to jam.

V1.1b - No change other than separate tension spring spacers added to project file.

V1.1 Updated position of spring hole to better align with lever arm. (Fusion 360 and step file coming soon)

V1.0 Initial release.

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Main benefits:

• Reduce the tendency of flex filament tangling inside extruder
• Print flex filaments faster
• Print flex filaments with more mm^3 flow rate

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Designed for the QIDI Tech X-Max and X-Plus and any other QIDI printer with similar replaceable hot end assemblies (Mk10 extruder).

This is an easy printable mod which will further constrain the filament path, disallowing TPU/TPE filament to bind and curl up in empty space between the extruder gear and the heat throat.

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• It has space for a PTFE tube to be inserted (4.3mm diameter hole).

• The PTFE tube is necessary as it will have less friction, thus reduce drag.

• You will need to cut one end of PTFE tube to match the angles of the part (like a V shape) (see photo).

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For more consistent extrusion, I recommend using the included extruder spring spacers to increase the grip on flex filament, especially for 85A shore hardness and below.

Note: If you have trouble inserting filament with this mod, cut the filament tip to a sharp tip