1. Got a question or need help troubleshooting? Post to the troubleshooting forum or Search the forums!

Direct Drive or Bowden?

Discussion in 'General Questions' started by JeffreyB, Jun 9, 2017.

  1. JeffreyB

    JeffreyB Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2016
    Messages:
    71
    Likes Received:
    29
    So correct me if I'm wrong, even though the R2 uses a Bowden tube, since the extruder stepper is actually mounted on the extruder, it's really direct drive. correct? It looks like the 2nd extruder option will be a real Bowden since the stepper will be mounted on the back wall of the printer.
     
    #1 JeffreyB, Jun 9, 2017
  2. sgomes

    sgomes Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2016
    Messages:
    136
    Likes Received:
    57
    According to the Kickstarter campaign, that's correct. Perhaps someone who has already received their R2 can confirm :)
     
    #2 sgomes, Jun 9, 2017
  3. WheresWaldo

    WheresWaldo Volunteer ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Messages:
    5,905
    Likes Received:
    3,593
    The tube is a 'Guide Tube' when used with a direct drive system, it is only a Bowden tube in a Bowden setup which means the extruder and hotend are remote from one another. So technically there is no Bowden tube in the C2 or R2 and it should not be called as it is incorrect and to help avoid confusion.

    Sample converstaion at the local Maker Faire:

    R2/C2 owner: I just got a new printer!
    Old Timer: Congratulations what kind of setup
    R2/C2 owner: I'm told it s Bowden setup
    Old Timer: Who makes it?
    R2/C2 owner: Robo3D
    Old Timer: Newb (as he turns away and heads off into the distance)​
     
    #3 WheresWaldo, Jun 9, 2017
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2017
    JeffreyB likes this.
  4. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2013
    Messages:
    23,912
    Likes Received:
    7,338
    The main extruder is a direct drive with a feed tube.
    the second extruder (if installed) is a bowden

    edit: and while I have not yet seen one to confirm, the R2 2nd extruder is a bowden with a feed tube :) They use the feed tube to assist with the filament run-out sensor. Although it appears from reports of owners that the second run-out sensor is NOT installed in the R2 (and I can confirm it is not on the C2) so ... go figure. Maybe the 2nd extruder "kit" (when available) will include a replacement part that has the run-out sensor.
     
    #4 mark tomlinson, Jun 9, 2017
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2017
    Geof likes this.

Share This Page