Improvement possible on collet version

[mggevaer]

Hi, really like the ProtoXtruder and Protoxtruder v2!

One thing I did notice is that the collet version of Protoxtruder v1 (did not check v2), does not allow for the PTFE tube to be as easily deeply and easily inserted as on a sherpa mini mod I run. I have 6 sherpa mini's and all accept the tube easily. For my 2 protoxtruders the tube can't go in far enough. I understand from the CAD this is partially intended, but I believe the sherpa mini collet system is more reliable and leads to less gaps in the smooth filament path.

Looking at the CAD, there does seem to be a difference. I believe Protoxtruder would be improved by copying over the geometry used by sherpa mini.

Currently not being able to fully seat the tube makes filament loading more difficult as it often get's caught when exiting the tube and entering the extruder.

https://github.com/Annex-Engineering/Annex-Engineering_User_Mods/tree/main/Extruders/Sherpa_Mini/Extruder_Mods/Ryan_G-Idler_Filament_Sensor_and_Collet

sherpa mini collet mod:

Protoxtruder collet version:

[nhchiu]

Awesome! Thanks for your suggestion. I'll try to add this feature to the extruders.

[mggevaer]

Cool!

Moving the collet "geometry" up by 1 mm will also give it more clearance to the tensioning screw on the right. Currently the collet can't be completely pressed in which likely also doesn't help with tube insertion. The small clips are usually used to force the collet in this "closed" position. I don't think this increase by 1mm would impact performance. It might also not be necessary after the sherpa mini system is used.

Let me know if I can help by printing out a test version. I do only have HGX-Lite V1 sets at the moment.

[nhchiu]

OK! Got it! I don't use collets myself so didn't notice these details. Thanks again for the feedback. I'll keep you updated.

[nhchiu]

@MartijnGevaert Hello! I've made the corresponding tweaks, also I made the cutout the same dimension as the Sherpa mini mod. If you don't mind doing a test print, here's the updated file. Technically you only need the new front part but I included all 3 parts just in case. Thank you!

ProtoXtruder.zip

[mggevaer]

@MartijnGevaert Hello! I've made the corresponding tweaks, also I made the cutout the same dimension as the Sherpa mini mod. If you don't mind doing a test print, here's the updated file. Technically you only need the new front part but I included all 3 parts just in case. Thank you!

ProtoXtruder.zip

I didn't see your message earlier, I'll try it out tomorrow.

[mggevaer]

I printed it out, it's great! Tube smoothly all the way and filament goes in smoothly all the way to the gears now, no hickups or anything. Tube also doesn't come out now and plenty of clearance for the collet clip which locks it in place. Collet is the option included in the hgx-lite gear kit, so I think a lot of people will be able to enjoy the benefits of these changes! Thanks a bunch!

[nhchiu]

I printed it out, it's great! Tube smoothly all the way and filament goes in smoothly all the way to the gears now, no hickups or anything. Tube also doesn't come out now and plenty of clearance for the collet clip which locks it in place. Collet is the option included in the hgx-lite gear kit, so I think a lot of people will be able to enjoy the benefits of these changes! Thanks a bunch!

Great! Thanks for doing the test. I'll update the parts in the repo.

[mggevaer]

One thing I did think of is a small chamfer around the piece that sticks out that the collet goes into. This would improve printability by reducing the angle of the overhang. Otherwise perfect.

[nhchiu]

One thing I did think of is a small chamfer around the piece that sticks out that the collet goes into. This would improve printability by reducing the angle of the overhang. Otherwise perfect.

OK. Got you.

[mggevaer]

Please don't put too much time into this, it's really a minor thing.