Upgrade your MK3 Plastruder!
Introducing the Upgrade Kit for Plastruder MK3. This is a kit to make your plastruder MK3 run more consistently and be easier to adjust.
Getting the plastruder up and running reliably is one of the more tricky parts of getting your MakerBot running.
The MK4 plastruders are easier to work with and we wanted folks with MK3 kits to be able to get some of the benefits and so we put together this kit.
It’s got 3 parts and the cost is $15.
1. A replacement extruder top plate. It goes right under the electronics that has a place for a bearing. This takes a lot of stress off the internals of the DC motor. It also keeps the pulley straight and thus the consistency of the pressure on the pully is better maintained. In the picture it says “USA” but that is just the protective sticker. The plate is actually clear acrylic, just like the other plates of the extruder!
2. A 606 bearing fits right into the plate and right over the driveshaft of the DC motor. It is a tight fit and may require some sanding down of the end of the DC motor.
3. Measurement stick. Use this by putting it down into the extruder and tightening the idler wheel right up against it. It’s 2mm in diameter. No more guessing where to set the wheel!
Here’s a picture of me beveling the ends of the measurement stick on a grinder. Sparks!
Note: Digital calipers not included!
Christian
December 18th, 2009 at 1:23 pm #
Why did you stop selling these? I want to upgrade my MK3 Extruder without having to buy a new MK4 Plastruder, but now I can’t
Cliff L. Biffle
December 20th, 2009 at 3:14 am #
Perhaps you could update this post to include a link to the DXF, at least, for those of us who missed the three month window where you were offering the upgrade parts?