May 12, 2022
Description
11/29/2022
I have built a much better version located at Printables...
https://www.printables.com/model/328260-top-mounted-extruder-drive-gimbal-system
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7/30/2022 UPDATE:
I have been using this continually with my Aquila (Voxelab Mainboard G32) and I am posting a Picture of my retraction setting in Prusa Slicer. I have had ZERO webbing or stringing since using this mod with these retraction settings. Bowden Tube just long enough to cover the X-Axis distance freely.
Overhead Extruder Drive Mount for 2020 extrusion with removable gimbal.
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This is a mod I made just to see if I could make it work. Happily it works better than I could have imagined. It was made purely for fun but turned out to be extremely functional.
It is designed to work with the 30 Degree back angled 2020 extrusion mount. I have included a 180 Degree version but since the mechanism is held in place by gravity it is only included for those whom wish to mod it further. I really don't think it will work as good either.
The mount slides onto the top 2020 extrusion and is locked in the desired location with 5mm T-Nuts on either sides or via 5mm straight through bolt and nut. (My top rail came with holes drilled through it).
Your current extruder drive will attach to the "Rotary_Extruder_Cylinder_V3" and use the drives same hardware. It is notched to accommodate a variety of applications. The Cylinder drops into the "Rotary_Extruder_Back_V3". If your extruder has a larger handle as mine does you may need to place the "Rotary_Extruder_Front_V4" over the Cylinder face so the handle may be secured. Other wise the "Rotary_Extruder_Front_V4" is secured using 4 4mm Screws and nuts.
I strongly suggest using a 4020 fan via the "Rotary_Extruder_40mm_Fan_Plate_V3". Otherwise the motor gets hot inside the housing.
The unit simply slides onto the "Rotary_Extruder_Drive_Mount" and is held by gravity.
Make sure your extension wiring follows your current motor scheme.
When cutting Bowden Tube , first home the print head to the far left and all the way down. This is the longest stretch so make sure you have just enough to get the job done freely. When Filament is inserted it will function same as before only now the gimbal allows for more freedom .
I increased the retraction distance and speed in the slicer to compensate for the extra tube length. I have actually had less stringing with this setup than the stock placement.
If I have forgotten something or you need s specific modification feel free to message.
The below video has the mod on my Voxelab Aquila and I am printing a set of 10 Bookmarkers with my wife's Flee Market logo on them for her to give away. There is a ton of fast back and forth and retraction going on and it never misses a beat.
License:
Creative Commons - Attribution - Non-Commercial - Share Alike
JEBurroughs
