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Bowden vs Direct Drive Extruder 3D Printing: Which One is Better

January 25, 2022

Bowden vs Direct Drive Extruder 3D Printing: Which One is Better?

When it comes to 3D printing, one of the most important components of a printer is the extruder. There are two common types of extruders: Bowden and Direct Drive. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and in this article, we will compare the two types of extruders to help you decide which one is better for your 3D printing needs.

Bowden Extruder

Bowden Extruder

A Bowden extruder has a motor that is separate from the printing head. The motor is usually located at a fixed position on the printer, and a PTFE tube connects it to the printing head. The filament is fed through the tube to the printing head, where it is melted and extruded onto the print bed.

Advantages of Bowden Extruder include:

  • Faster printing speeds due to the lightweight printing head
  • Reduced vibration and noise because the motor is not directly attached to the printing head
  • Larger print volume because the printing head is lighter and can move faster

Disadvantages of Bowden Extruder include:

  • Lack of precision due to the distance between the motor and the printing head
  • Difficulty printing with flexible filaments due to the resistance in the PTFE tube
  • Filament retraction can be tricky because the filament may get stuck in the PTFE tube

Direct Drive Extruder

Direct Drive Extruder

A direct drive extruder has the motor located on the print head. The filament is fed directly into the motor, where it is melted and extruded onto the print bed.

Advantages of Direct Drive Extruder include:

  • Improved precision because the motor is located directly on the printing head
  • Better compatibility with flexible filaments because the filament doesn't need to go through a PTFE tube
  • More control over filament retraction because the filament is directly exposed to the motor

Disadvantages of Direct Drive Extruder include:

  • Slower printing speeds due to the heavier print head
  • Increased vibration and noise because the motor is directly attached to the printing head
  • Smaller print volume because the printing head is heavier and can't move as fast

Which One is Better for You?

The choice between Bowden and Direct Drive Extruder depends on your own needs and preferences.

If you are looking for speed and larger print volumes, Bowden Extruder may be a better choice. However, if you prioritize precision and the ability to print with flexible filaments, Direct Drive Extruder may be the way to go.

At the end of the day, both Bowden and Direct Drive Extruders are good options for 3D printing. It all comes down to personal preference.

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