Step 1 – Printing the parts

ALL Flex3Drive parts are designed such they can be printed easily on any correctly setup filament based 3D printer equipped with a 0.4mm diameter nozzle Smaller nozzles can be used, but larger may have unpredictable results due to wall thicknesses tailored to 0.4 nozzel size.

Parts can also be printed using SLA printers.

SLS parts can be supplied through the online shop or commissioned through your local supplier using downloaded files.

Files are downloadable from links within the site or from the Github repository.

The parts will generally fall into 3 categories

• Extruder assemblies – Extruder (and DDA) housings that contain the gear train and drive the filament. There may be part files specific to printing process. Parts to be printed at a layer height of 0.16mm or less
• Mounting parts – adaptors and end effectors onto which the extruder assemblies are directly fixed. Parts to be printed at a layer height of 0.25mm or less
• Ancillary parts – Other parts and accessories for fitting a Flex3Drive such as motor mounts, motor caps etc Parts to be printed at a layer height of 0.25mm or less

Recommended printing material is ABS although other materials can be used. Do not use PLA for main assemblies or mounting parts.

Layer heights used for printing can vary between the different part groupings.

Extruder bodies will be printed at 0.1 to 0.16 layer height. Mounting and ancillary parts can be printed up to 0.3mm layer heights although mounting parts are best printed at lower layer heights.

If using FDM printed parts, ensure they are printed to sufficient level of quality that they can be assembled cleanly. This is important as poorly printed parts may cause problems. You can test print before purchase by downloading from the link below (live shortly). In the event you need to have basic FDM parts supplied with your kit you can order them through the online shop.

If using SLA parts, ensure they are correctly cured.

After printing, gently pass correct sized drill bit through any bolt holes for easy assembly.

When assembling do not over-tighten fasteners. Only very light gently nipped up is required. Details in the steps.