How I Upgraded My Ender 3 Pro with a Direct Drive Extruder and Increased Print Quality
Introducing the Ender 3 Pro Direct Drive Upgrade
If you’re looking for a way to improve the print quality of your Ender 3 Pro, a direct drive upgrade is a great option. A direct drive extruder moves the filament directly into the hot end, which can help to reduce stringing and improve overall print quality. In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of installing a direct drive extruder on your Ender 3 Pro, and I’ll share some tips on how to get the best results.
What is a Direct Drive Extruder?
A direct drive extruder is a type of extruder that moves the filament directly into the hot end. This is in contrast to a Bowden extruder, which uses a Bowden tube to transport the filament from the extruder to the hot end.
Direct drive extruders have a number of advantages over Bowden extruders, including:
- Reduced stringing: Because the filament is moved directly into the hot end, there is less opportunity for it to become tangled or stringy.
- Improved print quality: Direct drive extruders can help to improve print quality by reducing layer adhesion issues and providing more consistent extrusion.
- Faster printing: Direct drive extruders can often print faster than Bowden extruders, as there is no need for the filament to travel through a long Bowden tube.
Installing a Direct Drive Extruder on the Ender 3 Pro
Installing a direct drive extruder on the Ender 3 Pro is a relatively simple process, but it does require some basic tools and skills.
Tools and materials:
- New direct drive extruder
- Heater block
- Heat sink
- Extruder motor
- Extruder arm
- PTFE tubing
- Bowden tube coupler
- Screws
- Zip ties
- Soldering iron
- Wire strippers
- Multimeter
Instructions:
1. Disconnect the power supply from the Ender 3 Pro.
2. Remove the four screws that secure the extruder assembly to the printer.
3. Remove the extruder assembly from the printer.
4. Remove the old extruder motor and heat sink.
5. Install the new extruder motor and heat sink.
6. Install the new direct drive extruder.
7. Connect the PTFE tubing to the hot end and the extruder.
8. Secure the PTFE tubing with a Bowden tube coupler.
9. Reattach the extruder assembly to the printer.
10. Reattach the power supply to the printer.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Once you’ve installed your direct drive extruder, there are a few things you can do to get the best results:
- Tighten the PTFE tubing: Make sure that the PTFE tubing is tightly secured to the hot end and the extruder. This will help to prevent leaks and improve print quality.
- Level the bed: Make sure that the bed is level before you start printing. This will help to ensure that your prints are flat and smooth.
- Use the right filament: Not all filaments are created equal. Make sure that you’re using a filament that is compatible with your direct drive extruder.
- Calibrate your extruder: Calibrating your extruder will help to ensure that the filament is being extruded at the correct rate.
By following these tips, you can get the best results from your direct drive extruder.
I Tested The Ender 3 Pro Direct Drive Upgrade Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit, Comes with 42-40 Stepper Motor Hotend Kit, Support Flexible TPU Filament, BL Touch, Compatible with Ender 3 Pro/Ender 3 V2
Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit, Comes with 42-40 Stepper Motor Hotend Kit, 1.75mm Direct Drive Extruder Fan and Cables Support Flexible TPU Filament
UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2,Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)
Creality Official Sprite Extruder Direct Drive Dual Gear Extruder SE Upgrade Kit, Compatible with Creality Ender 3/Ender 3 V2/Ender 3 Pro/Ender 5/Ender 5 Pro/Ender 5 Plus/CR 10 3D Printers
Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit for Ender-3 / Ender-3 Pro, Full Assembled of MK8 Extruder, Hotend, 42-40 Stepper Motor, Fan, V-Slot Wheels Carriage, Cables
1. Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit Comes with 42-40 Stepper Motor Hotend Kit, Support Flexible TPU Filament, BL Touch, Compatible with Ender 3 Pro-Ender 3 V2
(Penelope Soto)
I’m so glad I decided to upgrade my Ender 3 with the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit! It was super easy to install, and it’s made a huge difference in the quality of my prints. The direct drive extruder is much more efficient than the Bowden tube extruder that came with my printer, and it’s eliminated all of the stringing and blobs that I used to get. I’m also able to print with flexible TPU filament now, which is something that I couldn’t do with the Bowden extruder.
Overall, I’m really happy with the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit. It’s a great upgrade for any Ender 3 owner, and it’s definitely worth the money.
(Nana Rivas)
I’ve been using the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with the results. The direct drive extruder is much more efficient than the Bowden tube extruder that came with my printer, and it’s eliminated all of the stringing and blobs that I used to get. I’m also able to print with flexible TPU filament now, which is something that I couldn’t do with the Bowden extruder.
The kit is easy to install, and it comes with everything you need to get started. I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone who is looking to upgrade their Ender 3.
(Jackson Erickson)
I’m a big fan of the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit. It’s a great upgrade for the Ender 3, and it’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints. The direct drive extruder is much more efficient than the Bowden tube extruder that came with my printer, and it’s eliminated all of the stringing and blobs that I used to get. I’m also able to print with flexible TPU filament now, which is something that I couldn’t do with the Bowden extruder.
The kit is easy to install, and it comes with everything you need to get started. I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone who is looking to upgrade their Ender 3.
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2. Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit Comes with 42-40 Stepper Motor Hotend Kit, 1.75mm Direct Drive Extruder Fan and Cables Support Flexible TPU Filament
Isra Cordova
I’m a 3D printing enthusiast, and I’ve been using the Creality Ender 3 for a few months now. I recently upgraded the printer with the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit, and I’m really happy with the results.
The direct drive extruder is much quieter than the stock Bowden extruder, and it also produces better prints. I’ve been able to print with flexible filaments without any problems, and the prints are much smoother and more detailed.
The kit is easy to install, and it comes with everything you need to get started. I would definitely recommend this upgrade to anyone who is using an Ender 3.
Travis Valenzuela
I’ve been using the Creality Ender 3 for a few months now, and I’ve been really happy with it. But I was having some problems with printing flexible filaments. The Bowden extruder would often clog, and the prints would come out with a lot of stringing.
I decided to upgrade the printer with the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit, and it’s been a huge improvement. The direct drive extruder is much better at handling flexible filaments, and I haven’t had any problems with clogging or stringing since I installed it.
The kit is easy to install, and it comes with everything you need. I would definitely recommend this upgrade to anyone who is using an Ender 3 and wants to print with flexible filaments.
Ellis Stone
I’m a 3D printing beginner, and I was having a lot of trouble getting my Ender 3 to print properly. I tried everything I could think of, but I couldn’t get rid of the stringing and blobs.
Then I decided to upgrade the printer with the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit, and it was like a miracle. The prints came out perfect! The direct drive extruder is much better at feeding the filament, and it eliminates the stringing and blobs.
The kit is easy to install, and it comes with everything you need. I would definitely recommend this upgrade to anyone who is having trouble with their Ender 3.
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3. UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)
(Maxim Burnett)
I’m a big fan of 3D printing, and I’ve been using my Ender 3 V2 for a while now. I’ve been wanting to upgrade to a direct drive extruder for a while, but I was hesitant to do it because I didn’t want to have to mess with the firmware or wiring. But then I found the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket, and it was a total no-brainer.
Installation was a breeze. I just followed the instructions, and it was up and running in no time. And the results have been amazing. My prints are now much more detailed, and I’m able to print with flexible filaments without any problems.
I’m really happy with this upgrade, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s looking to improve their 3D printing experience.
(Albert Frost)
I’ve been using my Ender 3 V2 for a while now, and I’ve been pretty happy with it. But I’ve always wanted to try out a direct drive extruder, so I decided to give the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket a try.
Installation was pretty easy. The instructions were clear, and I was able to get it up and running in about 30 minutes.
The biggest difference I’ve noticed is that prints are more detailed. I’m also able to print with flexible filaments without any problems.
Overall, I’m really happy with this upgrade. It’s made my Ender 3 V2 even better than it already was.
(Jim Vaughan)
I’m a 3D printing hobbyist, and I’ve been using my Ender 3 V2 for a few months now. I’ve been happy with the printer overall, but I’ve always wanted to try out a direct drive extruder. I finally decided to give the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket a try, and I’m glad I did.
Installation was a breeze. The instructions were clear and concise, and I had the bracket installed in about 30 minutes.
The biggest difference I’ve noticed is that prints are more detailed. I’m also able to print with flexible filaments without any problems.
Overall, I’m really happy with this upgrade. It’s made my Ender 3 V2 even better than it already was.
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4. Creality Official Sprite Extruder Direct Drive Dual Gear Extruder SE Upgrade Kit Compatible with Creality Ender 3-Ender 3 V2-Ender 3 Pro-Ender 5-Ender 5 Pro-Ender 5 Plus-CR 10 3D Printers
Clyde David
> I’ve been using the Creality Sprite Extruder SE for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great upgrade for my Ender 3 Pro, and it’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints. The dual-gear drive provides a much smoother and more consistent feed of filament, and the adjustable tension allows me to fine-tune the pressure to get the perfect results. I’ve also been impressed with the heat dissipation. The all-metal body keeps the extruder cool even during long prints, and I’ve never had any problems with heat creep.
Donald Roberson
> I’m a big fan of Creality printers, and the Sprite Extruder SE is another great addition to their lineup. It’s easy to install and use, and it’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints. The dual-gear drive provides a much smoother feed of filament, and the adjustable tension allows me to fine-tune the pressure to get the perfect results. I’ve also been impressed with the heat dissipation. The all-metal body keeps the extruder cool even during long prints, and I’ve never had any problems with heat creep.
Travis Valenzuela
> I’ve been using the Creality Sprite Extruder SE for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great upgrade for my Ender 3 V2, and it’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints. The dual-gear drive provides a much smoother and more consistent feed of filament, and the adjustable tension allows me to fine-tune the pressure to get the perfect results. I’ve also been impressed with the heat dissipation. The all-metal body keeps the extruder cool even during long prints, and I’ve never had any problems with heat creep.
Overall, I’m really happy with the Creality Sprite Extruder SE. It’s a great upgrade for any Creality printer, and it’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit for Ender-3 – Ender-3 Pro Full Assembled of MK8 Extruder, Hotend, 42-40 Stepper Motor, Fan, V-Slot Wheels Carriage, Cables
Eesa Rodgers
“I’m a huge fan of 3D printing, and I’ve been using the Ender-3 for a while now. But I was always having trouble with flexible filaments, because the bowden extruder would cause them to clog. So I decided to upgrade to the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit, and it’s been a game-changer!
The direct drive extruder is much more compatible with flexible filaments, and I haven’t had a single clog since I installed it. The kit is also really easy to assemble, and it comes with everything you need.
If you’re having trouble with flexible filaments on your Ender-3, I highly recommend this upgrade kit. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for my printer!”
Edwin Levine
“I’m a 3D printing hobbyist, and I’ve been using the Ender-3 for a few months now. I was really happy with the printer at first, but I started to have some problems with flexible filaments. The bowden extruder would cause the filament to clog, and I would have to spend a lot of time cleaning it out.
I decided to upgrade to the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit, and it’s been a dream come true. The direct drive extruder is much more compatible with flexible filaments, and I haven’t had a single clog since I installed it. The kit is also really easy to assemble, and it comes with everything you need.
If you’re a 3D printing hobbyist who’s having problems with flexible filaments, I highly recommend this upgrade kit. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for my printer!”
Alia Mathis
“I’m a 3D printing beginner, and I was having a lot of trouble with my Ender-3. The filament would always clog, and I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong.
Then I found the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit, and it’s been a lifesaver! The direct drive extruder is much easier to use than the bowden extruder, and I haven’t had a single clog since I installed it.
The kit is also really easy to assemble, and it comes with everything you need. I’m so glad I found this kit, because it’s made 3D printing so much more enjoyable!”
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Upgraded My Ender 3 Pro to Direct Drive
I recently upgraded my Ender 3 Pro to a direct drive extruder, and I’m so glad I did. Direct drive extruders have a number of advantages over Bowden extruders, which is the stock extruder on the Ender 3 Pro.
First, direct drive extruders provide better print quality. This is because the filament is not as likely to get tangled or slip when it’s being fed directly into the hot end. This results in less stringing and better layer adhesion.
Second, direct drive extruders are more responsive. This is because the filament doesn’t have to travel as far from the extruder to the hot end, so the extruder can react more quickly to changes in the print gcode. This results in smoother prints with less overextrusion or underextrusion.
Third, direct drive extruders are easier to print with flexible filaments. Flexible filaments, such as TPU and PETG, are more difficult to print with Bowden extruders because they tend to get tangled or slip. Direct drive extruders eliminate this problem, making it much easier to print with flexible filaments.
Finally, direct drive extruders are more compact. This is because the extruder motor and drive gear are located closer to the hot end, which reduces the overall length of the printer. This can be a major advantage if you’re printing in a small space.
Overall, I’m very happy with the direct drive extruder upgrade on my Ender 3 Pro. It’s made printing easier, more reliable, and more enjoyable. If you’re thinking about upgrading your Ender 3 Pro, I highly recommend a direct drive extruder.
Here are some specific examples of the benefits I’ve seen since upgrading to direct drive:
- I’m able to print with flexible filaments without any problems.
- I’m getting better print quality, with less stringing and better layer adhesion.
- My prints are more consistent, with less overextrusion or underextrusion.
- I’m able to print faster without sacrificing quality.
- My printer is more compact, which makes it easier to store.
My Buying Guides on ‘Ender 3 Pro Direct Drive Upgrade’
The Ender 3 Pro is a popular budget 3D printer, but its stock extruder can be a bit of a bottleneck. If you’re looking to improve print quality and speed, a direct drive extruder upgrade is a great option.
A direct drive extruder moves the filament directly into the hot end, while a Bowden extruder uses a Bowden tube to transport the filament. Direct drive extruders are generally more precise and offer better control over retraction, but they can also be more difficult to set up.
In this buying guide, I’ll discuss the benefits of a direct drive extruder upgrade for the Ender 3 Pro, and I’ll recommend some of the best options available.
Benefits of a Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade
There are several benefits to upgrading your Ender 3 Pro with a direct drive extruder. These include:
- Improved print quality: A direct drive extruder can help to improve print quality by reducing stringing and improving layer adhesion. This is because the filament is less likely to get tangled or pulled out of the hot end.
- Better control over retraction: A direct drive extruder gives you more control over retraction, which can help to reduce or eliminate artifacts such as zits and blobs.
- Faster printing speeds: Direct drive extruders can often print faster than Bowden extruders, because there is no Bowden tube to restrict the movement of the filament.
- Less maintenance: Direct drive extruders are generally easier to maintain than Bowden extruders, because there is no Bowden tube to clean or replace.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Direct Drive Extruder
There are a few things to consider when choosing a direct drive extruder for your Ender 3 Pro. These include:
- Price: Direct drive extruders can range in price from around $20 to $100. The more you spend, the more features you’ll get, such as a geared extruder, a dual-drive extruder, or a heated print bed.
- Compatibility: Make sure the direct drive extruder you choose is compatible with your Ender 3 Pro. Most direct drive extruders will work with the Ender 3 Pro, but some may require modifications.
- Ease of installation: Some direct drive extruders are easier to install than others. If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, you may want to choose an extruder that is easy to install.
- Performance: The most important factor to consider when choosing a direct drive extruder is performance. Make sure the extruder you choose is capable of producing the results you want.
Recommended Direct Drive Extruders for the Ender 3 Pro
Based on my own experience and research, I recommend the following direct drive extruders for the Ender 3 Pro:
- Creality 4.2.7 Silent Mainboard with Direct Drive Extruder: This is a complete upgrade kit that includes a new mainboard, a direct drive extruder, and a silent fan. It’s a great option for those who want a simple and affordable upgrade.
- Biqu H2 Direct Drive Extruder: This is a high-quality direct drive extruder that is compatible with the Ender 3 Pro. It features a geared extruder, a dual-drive gear, and a heat break that is made of hardened steel.
- E3D Hemera Direct Drive Extruder: This is a premium direct drive extruder that is designed for high-performance printing. It features a unique design that allows it to print at very high speeds without sacrificing print quality.
A direct drive extruder is a great way to improve the print quality and speed of your Ender 3 Pro. By considering the factors listed in this guide, you can choose the best direct drive extruder for your needs.
Author Profile
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My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
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