Check out this very nice skull print that Pat completed today:
Did I mention it is BIG — at least by our standards. Maybe 60% full size? Pat found the model on Google 3D warehouse and sliced it into two parts (top and bottom) for easier printing. The print was made using a 1 mm nozzle.
Here’s a video showing our first small version, and then the final large version:
UPDATE: If you’d like to try printing this, I’ve uploaded the files to Thingiverse.
Here’s a video I recorded this morning showing our worm drive extruder in operation:
We’ve found this design to be extremely reliable, powerful, and smooth running. And it uses the same NEMA 17 stepper motor that we use for all other machine axes.
The only improvement I’d like to see is the addition of a spring loaded pressure wheel, rather than the fixed position setup we use.
I’m currently assembling a new version that has a similar design, but is more compact. More pics to come.
UPDATE: I should mention that this was inspired by NopHead’s worm drive extruder
Pat and I made a quick video that shows our entire printing setup. Enjoy!