Buy an extruder for your 3D printer in BE

All about 3D printer extruder mechanics 

Extruders are key to successful 3D printing. Their responsibility is to draw filament materials in, melt them and drive them out onto the build platform layer by layer. A 3D printer’s extruder is a larger component made up of a series of smaller parts that all work together to perform the extrusion as precisely and as gradually as possible. An extruder is typically split up into two sections; the cold end and the hot end. This refers to the parts that are behind pushing the filament towards the hot end and the part where the filament melts into liquid form. A good extruder setup allows for high-quality 3D prints. The extruder is instructed by the firmware in the 3D printer’s controller board. There are two extrusion systems that FDM/FFF 3D printers use, known as the Bowden system and the direct drive system. This is determined by the placement of your extruder.

Bowden vs. direct-drive extruder

Bowden

• Most popular extrusion system
• Minimal weight on the print head
• Generally extrudes faster due to less weight
• Requires PTFE tubing for the filament to travel
• The extruder is located on the 3D printer’s frame

Direct-drive

• Extra weight on the print head
• The extruder is attached to the hot end
• Ideal for printing flexible filament materials
• The filament is not required to travel far and therefore there is less oozing and stringing

Now, what would it be like to have more than one extruder?

Dual 3D printer extrusion

There are 3D printers on the market being manufactured with more than one extruder. Additional extruders bring more creativity and printing opportunities. With dual extruder 3D printers, you can print elaborate 3D parts in a range of different colors and materials. It is also possible to merge colors in a 3D model or merge two different filament materials. Furthermore, if one spool of filament is running low, the extruder will switch to the other material to avoid a failed print. 

Loading your extruder with an additional support filament will enable you to create objects that have more complex overhangs and bridging. This takes prototyping and testing to a new level of sophistication. Separating colors and support structures will benefit design processes and also play an important educational role, for example, a detailed 3D print of the heart’s anatomy for learning purposes.

It is essential to always clean your nozzle before using the same nozzle to extrude different materials or colors. A wipe tower is ideal to purge filament materials stuck in the nozzle, unless you are working with two extruders that have their separate nozzles. 

Are you enjoying reading about 3D printer extruders? Reach out to us and let us know if you have any questions!