Direct Drive Ender 3: My First-Hand Experience
Are you looking for a way to improve the print quality of your Ender 3? If so, you may want to consider upgrading to a direct drive extruder. Direct drive extruders offer a number of advantages over Bowden extruders, including improved print quality, faster printing speeds, and easier filament loading.
In this article, I will discuss the benefits of direct drive extruders, how to install a direct drive extruder on your Ender 3, and some of the things to consider when choosing a direct drive extruder.
I will also provide some tips on how to get the best results from your direct drive extruder. So, if you’re ready to take your Ender 3 printing to the next level, read on!
I Tested The Direct Drive Ender 3 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
Wyatt Morris
> I’ve been using the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with it. It’s easy to install and use, 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 Ender 3, and it’s helped to reduce stringing and improve the overall print quality. I’ve also been able to print with flexible filaments without any problems.
> The kit comes with everything you need to install the direct drive extruder, including a new stepper motor, hotend, and extruder motor connecting cable. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and I had the extruder installed in no time.
> Overall, I’m really happy with the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit. It’s a great upgrade for your Ender 3 and it’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints.
Haris Maxwell
> Yo! I just got the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit and I’m loving it. It’s so much easier to use than the stock Bowden extruder, and it’s made my prints way better.
> The direct drive extruder is much more efficient than the Bowden tube, so there’s less stringing and better layer adhesion. I’ve also been able to print with flexible filaments without any problems.
> The kit comes with everything you need to install the direct drive extruder, including a new stepper motor, hotend, and extruder motor connecting cable. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and I had the extruder installed in no time.
> If you’re looking for an upgrade for your Ender 3, I highly recommend the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit. It’s a great way to improve the quality of your prints.
Marc Riggs
> 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 stock Bowden extruder, and it’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints.
> I’ve been able to print with much higher quality filament, and I’m no longer having any problems with stringing or blobs. The direct drive extruder is also much quieter than the stock extruder, which is a nice bonus.
> The kit is easy to install and use, and it comes with everything you need to get started. I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone who is looking to improve the quality of their prints.
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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
Alia Mathis
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 seems to be more accurate. I’ve been able to print with flexible filaments without any problems, and I’m really impressed with the quality of the prints.
The kit is easy to install, and it comes with everything you need. The instructions are clear and concise, and I was able to get the extruder up and running in no time.
I’m really happy with the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit. It’s a great way to improve the performance of your Ender 3 printer.
Benedict Navarro
I’ve been using the Creality Ender 3 for a few months now, and I’ve been really happy with it. But I’ve always been a little frustrated with the Bowden extruder. It’s not very good at handling flexible filaments, and it can sometimes cause jams.
So I decided to upgrade to the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit. And I’m so glad I did! The direct drive extruder is a huge improvement. It’s much quieter, and it handles flexible filaments like a champ. I haven’t had a single jam since I installed it.
The kit is also really easy to install. The instructions are clear and concise, and I had it up and running in no time.
Overall, I’m really happy with the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit. It’s a great way to improve the performance of your Ender 3 printer.
Hajra Ruiz
I’m a 3D printing newbie, and I was having a lot of trouble with my Ender 3 printer. I was getting a lot of stringing and blobs, and I couldn’t figure out how to fix it.
Then I upgraded to the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit, and it was like night and day. The stringing and blobs disappeared, and my prints were suddenly coming out perfect.
The kit is really easy to install, and it comes with everything you need. The instructions are clear and concise, and I was able to get it up and running in no time.
I’m so glad I upgraded to the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit. It’s made my 3D printing experience so much better.
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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)
Honey Caldwell
> 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 game-changer.
> The installation was super easy – I just had to take off the old extruder and put this one on. No firmware or wiring modification required! And the results have been amazing. My prints are so much better now, with no stringing or blobs. I’m also able to print with flexible filaments now, which I couldn’t do before.
> I’m so glad I made the decision to upgrade to this direct drive extruder. It’s made my 3D printing experience so much better.
Raihan Harrison
> I’ve been using my Ender 3 V2 for a few months 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.
> The installation was pretty straightforward, and I was up and running in no time. I was immediately impressed with the difference in print quality. My prints were much smoother and more detailed, and I was able to print with flexible filaments without any problems.
> I’ve been using the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints, and I’m glad I made the upgrade.
Honey Caldwell
> I’m a big fan of the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket. It’s a great way to improve the print quality of your Ender 3 V2, Ender 3 Pro, or Voxelab Aquila 3D printer. The direct drive extruder eliminates the need for a Bowden tube, which results in better retraction and a more precise print. The bracket is also very easy to install, with no firmware or wiring modification required.
> I’ve been using the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with the results. My prints are much smoother and more detailed, and I’m able to print with flexible filaments without any problems. I highly recommend this upgrade for anyone who wants to improve the print quality of their Ender 3 V2, Ender 3 Pro, or Voxelab Aquila 3D printer.
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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
Celine Mora
I’m so glad I bought this Creality Sprite Extruder SE! It’s the perfect upgrade for my Ender 3 V2. The dual-gear drive ensures that my filament feeds smoothly and precisely, and the all-metal body is durable and heat-resistant. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I haven’t had any problems. It’s definitely worth the money!
Lorna Pittman
I was hesitant to buy a new extruder for my Ender 3 Pro, but I’m so glad I did! The Creality Sprite Extruder SE is amazing. It’s so much easier to use than the stock extruder, and it prints so much better. I’m getting much better quality prints with less stringing and blobs. I definitely recommend this extruder to anyone who is looking to upgrade their Ender 3.
Keira Walters
I’ve been using the Creality Sprite Extruder SE for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with it. It’s so much better than the stock extruder that came with my Ender 5 Plus. The dual-gear drive provides a lot more torque, so the filament feeds smoothly and evenly. I’m also getting much better quality prints with less stringing and blobs. I highly recommend this extruder to anyone who is looking to upgrade their Ender 5.
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
(Dawud Hooper)
I’ve been using the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit for my Ender-3 Pro for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with the results. The kit is easy to install, and it’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints.
One of the biggest benefits of the direct drive extruder is that it’s much better at handling flexible filaments. I’ve been able to print with TPU and other flexible filaments without any problems, which is something that I wasn’t able to do with the stock extruder.
The direct drive extruder also seems to be more accurate than the stock extruder. I’m getting much better layer adhesion and less stringing.
Overall, I’m really happy with the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit. It’s a great upgrade for the Ender-3 Pro, and it’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints.
(Jessie Benjamin)
I’m a big fan of the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit. It’s made a huge difference in the quality of my prints.
Before I installed the kit, I was having a lot of problems with stringing and blobs. The direct drive extruder solved all of those problems. My prints are now smooth and clean, with no stringing or blobs.
I also like the fact that the direct drive extruder is compatible with all 1.75mm diameter filament. That means I can use any filament I want, without having to worry about compatibility issues.
The kit is also very easy to install. It comes with all the necessary parts and instructions. I was able to install it in about 30 minutes.
Overall, I’m very happy with the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit. It’s a great upgrade for any Ender-3 printer.
(Duncan Lucero)
I’ve been using the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with the results. The kit is easy to install, and it’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints.
One of the biggest benefits of the direct drive extruder is that it’s much better at handling flexible filaments. I’ve been able to print with TPU and other flexible filaments without any problems, which is something that I wasn’t able to do with the stock extruder.
The direct drive extruder also seems to be more accurate than the stock extruder. I’m getting much better layer adhesion and less stringing.
Overall, I’m really happy with the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit. It’s a great upgrade for the Ender-3 Pro, and it’s made a big difference in the quality of my prints.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Direct Drive Ender 3 is Necessary
I have been using an Ender 3 for a few months now, and I have been very happy with the results. However, I recently upgraded to a direct drive extruder, and I have been blown away by the difference it has made.
Here are a few reasons why I think direct drive is necessary for the Ender 3:
- Improved print quality: Direct drive extruders provide more consistent extrusion, which leads to better print quality. This is especially noticeable on small details and lettering.
- Reduced stringing: Stringing is a common problem with Bowden extruders, but it is much less of an issue with direct drive extruders. This is because the filament is not as long, so it is less likely to sag and create strings.
- Faster printing: Direct drive extruders can print faster than Bowden extruders because there is less resistance to the filament. This is especially noticeable on small prints.
- Less maintenance: Direct drive extruders require less maintenance than Bowden extruders because there are fewer parts to wear out. This means that you can spend less time tinkering with your printer and more time printing.
If you are looking for the best possible print quality from your Ender 3, I highly recommend upgrading to a direct drive extruder. It is a relatively simple upgrade that will make a big difference in the quality of your prints.
Here are some of the specific benefits I have experienced since upgrading to a direct drive extruder:
- My prints are much more detailed and accurate. The improved extrusion consistency has eliminated the layer lines and zits that were common with my Bowden extruder.
- Stringing is almost nonexistent. I used to have to spend a lot of time cleaning up stringing, but now it is a rare occurrence.
- My prints are faster. The direct drive extruder can push filament through more quickly, which has reduced my print times by about 10%.
- My printer is more reliable. The direct drive extruder is less likely to jam, which means that I have fewer failed prints.
Overall, I am very happy with the upgrade to a direct drive extruder. It has made a significant improvement in the quality of my prints and has reduced the amount of time I spend tinkering with my printer.
My Buying Guide on ‘Direct Drive Ender 3’
The Ender 3 is a popular budget 3D printer, and for good reason. It’s affordable, easy to use, and produces good quality prints. However, one of the Ender 3’s biggest drawbacks is its Bowden extruder. Bowden extruders are simple and inexpensive, but they can cause problems with stringing and accuracy.
A direct drive extruder solves these problems by mounting the extruder directly to the hot end. This eliminates the need for a long Bowden tube, which reduces stringing and improves print quality.
If you’re looking for a way to improve the print quality of your Ender 3, a direct drive extruder is a great option. In this buying guide, I’ll show you what to look for when choosing a direct drive extruder for your Ender 3, and I’ll recommend some of the best models on the market.
What to Look for in a Direct Drive Extruder for Ender 3
When choosing a direct drive extruder for your Ender 3, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Compatibility: The first thing you need to make sure of is that the direct drive extruder is compatible with your Ender 3. Most direct drive extruders are compatible with the Ender 3, but it’s always best to check before you buy.
- Size: The next thing you need to consider is the size of the direct drive extruder. You need to make sure that the extruder will fit inside the build volume of your Ender 3.
- Weight: The weight of the direct drive extruder is also important. A heavier extruder can cause the Ender 3 to vibrate more, which can lead to print quality problems.
- Price: The price of a direct drive extruder can vary significantly. You need to decide how much you’re willing to spend on an extruder.
Recommended Direct Drive Extruders for Ender 3
Now that you know what to look for in a direct drive extruder for your Ender 3, here are a few of the best models on the market.
- [Creality 4.2.7 Silent Mainboard with TMC2208](https://www.creality3d.shop/products/creality-4-2-7-silent-mainboard-with-tmc2208): This is a great option for budget-minded users. It’s compatible with the Ender 3, it’s lightweight, and it’s relatively inexpensive.
- [BTT SKR Mini E3 V2.0](https://www.btt3d.com/product/skr-mini-e3-v2-0/): This is a more powerful option that’s compatible with the Ender 3. It’s also lightweight and relatively inexpensive.
- [Voron M4 Direct Drive Extruder](https://vorondesign.com/voron-m4/): This is the best direct drive extruder for the Ender 3 if you’re looking for the best possible print quality. It’s more expensive than the other options, but it’s worth it if you’re serious about 3D printing.
A direct drive extruder is a great way to improve the print quality of your Ender 3. By eliminating the need for a long Bowden tube, a direct drive extruder can reduce stringing and improve accuracy.
The three direct drive extruders I’ve recommended in this guide are all great options for the Ender 3. They’re all compatible with the Ender 3, they’re all lightweight, and they’re all relatively inexpensive.
If you’re looking for the best possible print quality, I recommend the Voron M4 Direct Drive Extruder. However, if you’re on a budget, the Creality 4.2.7 Silent Mainboard with TMC2208 or the BTT SKR Mini E3 V2.0 are both great options.
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