Geared stepper and Prusa i3's compact extruder [SOLVED]

I have recently tested the 1:50 geared stepper from 2engineers as a replacement for the PG35L in my Prusa i3. The latter is a bit weak for speeds higher than 40mm/s in my printer (maybe it is due to the nozzle I am using too).

The problem I have is that though extrusion seems to be fast and strong with the 1:50 geared motor, I have some moments where extrusion stops for no reason. If it happens on a solid infill or on the external perimeter of a part, it shows, as in the picture below.



My first guess is that it might be a weak (or missing) teeth in one of the pinions, but I would like your input about this problem.

Thanks a lot,

misan

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/2013 02:55PM by misan.

Mistery solved: nothing wrong with the gearbox.

My hotend is not happy being run faster than 40mm/s. If I do that, it stops extruding every now and then.

Same test at a slower speed causes no trouble at all.

Thanks a lot to hp_ who helped diagnose the problem.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/2013 02:57PM by misan.

I was thinking of trying one of these are you using 3mm filament?

Yes, 3mm filament. It is quite powerful and light.

Where can I find the details for the compact extruder???

Thanks

You can get my version from here: [github.com]

Please note this may or may not fit your hotend, so double check it before printing.

Second warning: please note that since I printed that file, Josef changed the distance between holes for attaching extruders from 24 to 30mm. This extruder still uses 24mm.

What hotend are you using???

I am using a 16mm diameter hotend off eBay from Poland like this one: [www.ebay.com]. But you can get [an untested] j-head version from here: [www.thingiverse.com]