Bonus Sprite Extruder Update, Ender 3 Running TPU

Sprite Components, Direct Drive and More

New Assembly and Sprite Direct Drive Extruder

Lab Work – Bolt On Upgrades

We are updating the Bowden extruder with a Creality Sprite Direct Drive bolt-on. Adding a bolt-on direct drive, replacing the Max Neo assembly.

The TPU update is a go. First, PLA is great. TPU is better for certain applications and more commonly used for day-to-day applications. However, flexibility is next, we start with PLA and move to TPU. If you need flexibility over rigidity it is assumed that you want to test TPU filament. First, we will replace the existing Bowden assembly body on the MAX NEO and bolt on the new TPU Sprite extruder to address the TPU issues*. TPU requires more force to drive the flexible filament through the assembly and out the nozzle. The direct drive will help with ‘refinement’ and focusing on pushing and pulling the filament more accurately and precisely.

Creality Accessories

Again, in terms of next steps and the TPU Update, the update is not a *requirement. However, after seeing enough test prints, it’s time to make the switch. Here is the bolt on solution from Creality for the Ender 3-Series, MAX NEO. Moreover, what do I mean by ‘requirement’ above?

In my opinion, it would be extremely difficult to print TPU printables using a Bowden drive. I’ve tried, and it doesn’t work well. Finally, the Bowden drive doesn’t provide enough filament force and direct force to the filament through the hot end, hence the need for a direct drive motor. So, I want to emphasize that there’s no need to buy a new machine for TPU printing. Simply, do the swap, print both TPU and other high-temperature filaments as well.

Quick update: since this post was shared, we have received the parts for the TPU updates, allows us to begin the direct drive build. TPU filaments and prints can now be done without the necessary upgrades. Let’s get into the build and upgrade action! Side note, before we move off the direct drive action, I’d like to share other Halot updates including the Halot LCD fix and other break-fixes when adding a resin printer to your arsenal.

Stay tuned for additional photos and mini-clips covering the installation soon. In the meantime, here is a brief unboxing and assembly tear-down. Thanks!