QuoteChri The idea is not new, check here and here Chri I figured there must be something comparable out there in the wild. I searched around though, and never got any results when searching for "ball spline" and extruder. So at least that is something somewhat original. Ball splines: I like the Mendel/i3 implemention with a single axis version you shared. Why isn't this more popular?by infiniteinquiry - Mechanics
Quotedc42 There are already 2 products that use flexible cable drive to a worm gear in the extruder: Flex3drive, and Zesty Nimble. No flexible driveshaft here. Not really similar. The flex drives are interesting, but seem to have issues with space.by infiniteinquiry - Mechanics
Just thinking out loud here, but if this design were incorporated into an ultimaker style XY, the weight of the shaft becomes irrelevant since it could be integrated as one of the (i don't know the official name) shafts that moves the print head. Come to think of it, maybe I should be posting this over there.by infiniteinquiry - Mechanics
In response to a question on the youtube video about the mass of the drive system, I posted this: QuoteJust looking at specifications on the THK website, 6mm shaft should be able to handle the torque. According to the specs on a 300mm 6mm linear rail (not ball spline, but it should have roughly the same weight) on amazon, one 300mm rail weighs 70 grams. You only need to push one rail, but obby infiniteinquiry - Mechanics
Hello, Please let me know if this has already been invented. I searched around a bit, but couldn't find anything like it. I came up with an invention to mount an extruder motor remotely and stationary (to the frame for example), with the ability to drive filament directly at the print head. This would reduce the mass of the print head, like a bowden extruder, but with the advantage of directby infiniteinquiry - Mechanics