In the context of 3D printing, this configuration involves a system where the extruder motor directly controls the filament’s movement, both for extrusion and reversal. This contrasts with Bowden setups, where the motor is remotely located and pushes filament through a tube to the hotend. A typical example involves adjusting parameters like speed and distance within the printer’s firmware to optimize filament retraction.
Eliminating the Bowden tube allows for finer control over filament motion, leading to improved print quality, particularly in reducing stringing and oozing artifacts. This precise control is especially beneficial when printing intricate designs or using flexible filaments. Historically, Bowden systems were favored for their lighter print heads, enabling faster movement. However, advancements in stepper motor and extruder technology have made direct drive systems increasingly popular, balancing speed with enhanced precision.
Continue reading “Best Direct Drive Retraction Settings & Tuning”
