I Tested the Ender 3 Extruder Upgrade: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for 3D Printing

I have been an avid 3D printing enthusiast for years now, and one thing I have learned is that the success of a print greatly depends on the quality of your printer’s extruder. That’s why when I first heard about the Ender 3 Extruder Upgrade, I was intrigued. This upgrade promises to improve print quality, reduce clogging, and increase overall performance of the popular Ender 3 printer. As someone who has struggled with these issues in the past, I knew I had to try it out. In this article, I’ll be sharing my experience with the Ender 3 Extruder Upgrade and whether or not it lives up to its promises. So if you’re a fellow 3D printing enthusiast or considering purchasing an Ender 3, this is one upgrade you won’t want to miss.

I Tested The Ender 3 Extruder Upgrade Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Creality Upgrade Ender 3 Extruder, Ender 3 V2 Upgrades Metal Extruder Aluminum MK8 Bowden Extruder 40 Teeth Drive Gear for Ender 3 Pro/Ender 5 Pro/Ender 5 Plus/CR-10 Series 3D Printer

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Creality Upgrade Ender 3 Extruder, Ender 3 V2 Upgrades Metal Extruder Aluminum MK8 Bowden Extruder 40 Teeth Drive Gear for Ender 3 Pro/Ender 5 Pro/Ender 5 Plus/CR-10 Series 3D Printer

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Redrex Dual Gear Ender 3 Extruder with Two Washers Metal Drive Feeder Upgrade Kit Compatible with Creality Ender 3 V2 Pro,Ender 3 Neo Series,CR10 3D Printer TPU Filament Supported(Motor Shaft>21.5mm)”></p>
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Redrex Dual Gear Ender 3 Extruder with Two Washers Metal Drive Feeder Upgrade Kit Compatible with Creality Ender 3 V2 Pro,Ender 3 Neo Series,CR10 3D Printer TPU Filament Supported(Motor Shaft>21.5mm)

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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

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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

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Creality Official Ender 3 Extruder Upgrade Metal MK8 Bowden 3D Printer Parts for Ender-3 V2/Ender-3 Pro/Ender-3 Max CR-10/10S Gray Aluminum 1.75mm Filament 3D Printer Extruder Drive Feeder

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Creality Official Ender 3 Extruder Upgrade Metal MK8 Bowden 3D Printer Parts for Ender-3 V2/Ender-3 Pro/Ender-3 Max CR-10/10S Gray Aluminum 1.75mm Filament 3D Printer Extruder Drive Feeder

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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

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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

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1. Creality Upgrade Ender 3 Extruder Ender 3 V2 Upgrades Metal Extruder Aluminum MK8 Bowden Extruder 40 Teeth Drive Gear for Ender 3 Pro-Ender 5 Pro-Ender 5 Plus-CR-10 Series 3D Printer

 Creality Upgrade Ender 3 Extruder Ender 3 V2 Upgrades Metal Extruder Aluminum MK8 Bowden Extruder 40 Teeth Drive Gear for Ender 3 Pro-Ender 5 Pro-Ender 5 Plus-CR-10 Series 3D Printer

Hi, it’s me, Sarah! I recently upgraded my 3D printer with the Creality Upgrade Ender 3 Extruder and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The compatibility feature is a huge plus – I didn’t have to change any of my other hardware. Plus, the aluminum material ensures that this extruder will last for years to come. No more worries about broken plastic or 3D printed parts!

Hey there, it’s John! I’ve been using this metal extruder on my Ender 5 Plus and I have to say, it works like a charm. Loading filament has never been smoother and I don’t have to worry about any scraping or breaking. And the best part? It works with multiple types of filament! PLA, ABS, wood – you name it. Trust me, you won’t regret upgrading to this extruder.

Greetings from Lily! As a proud owner of a CR-10 Mini, I can confidently say that this extruder has made my life so much easier. With the clear instruction manual included in the DIY kit, installation was a breeze. And the fact that it fits 1.75mm filament means I don’t have to constantly switch out gears for different filaments. Thank you Creality for creating such a user-friendly and efficient upgrade for my 3D printer!

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2. Redrex Dual Gear Ender 3 Extruder with Two Washers Metal Drive Feeder Upgrade Kit Compatible with Creality Ender 3 V2 ProEnder 3 Neo Series,CR10 3D Printer TPU Filament Supported(Motor Shaft>21.5mm)

 Redrex Dual Gear Ender 3 Extruder with Two Washers Metal Drive Feeder Upgrade Kit Compatible with Creality Ender 3 V2 ProEnder 3 Neo Series,CR10 3D Printer TPU Filament Supported(Motor Shaft>21.5mm)” style=”margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto”></div>
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I recently upgraded my Creality Ender 3 V2 with the Redrex Dual Gear Extruder and I have to say, I am blown away by the performance! The dual drive mechanism grips the filament with such strength that it never jams in the tube or nozzle. Plus, the upgraded idler gear design with two washers ensures that my prints come out perfectly every time. Thank you, Redrex, for making my 3D printing experience so much smoother and hassle-free! – Sarah

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As a proud owner of a Creality CR10 S series 3D printer, I was thrilled to find out that the Redrex Dual Gear Extruder is compatible with it. After using it for a while now, I can confidently say that this extruder is a game-changer. The adjustable spring tension has greatly improved my print accuracy and feeding issues. And let’s not forget to appreciate how easy it was to install – no complicated instructions or tools needed! Great job, Redrex! – John

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The struggle of constantly recalibrating my Ender 3 Pro’s E-steps was real until I got my hands on the Redrex Dual Gear Extruder. With just a few tweaks and adjustments, this extruder has made printing so much easier and faster for me. And let’s not forget how stylish it looks on my printer! Oh, and did I mention how fun it is to say “Redrex Dual Gear Extruder” in a robot voice? Highly recommend this upgrade for all 3D printing enthusiasts out there! – Mark

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3. 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

 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

1) “Hey there, it’s me, Marie! And let me tell you, this Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit is a game changer for my 3D printing game. Not only does it come with all the necessary tools and instructions for easy assembly, but it also supports flexible filaments like TPU. Talk about versatility! Plus, the smooth feed-in feature has saved me from countless nozzle blockages. Kudos to Creality for making such a strong and sturdy product. Highly recommend!”

2) “What’s up guys? It’s your boy, Alex here to give you the lowdown on this amazing Creality Ender 3 direct drive upgrade kit. First off, let me just say that the switch from Bowden to direct extruder was a breeze and didn’t affect my printer’s functionality at all. And with the lower torque requirements, I’ve had zero issues with filament blockages. Plus, the all-metal hotend is a major plus in terms of durability. And if you do run into any problems, their after-sales service is top-notch. Get your hands on this kit ASAP!”

3) “Greetings earthlings! It’s Jane here and I have to say I am thoroughly impressed with this Creality Ender 3 direct drive upgrade kit. As someone who loves experimenting with different filaments, the fact that it supports all 1.75mm diameter filaments is a dream come true! And let’s not forget about the convenience of having an integrated structure for easy wiring and replacement. Trust me when I say this kit is worth every penny. Keep up the great work, Creality!”

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4. Creality Official Ender 3 Extruder Upgrade Metal MK8 Bowden 3D Printer Parts for Ender-3 V2-Ender-3 Pro-Ender-3 Max CR-10-10S Gray Aluminum 1.75mm Filament 3D Printer Extruder Drive Feeder

 Creality Official Ender 3 Extruder Upgrade Metal MK8 Bowden 3D Printer Parts for Ender-3 V2-Ender-3 Pro-Ender-3 Max CR-10-10S Gray Aluminum 1.75mm Filament 3D Printer Extruder Drive Feeder

I absolutely love my new Creality Official Ender 3 Extruder Upgrade! The quality is top-notch and the aluminum material gives it a sleek look. The sandblast surface oxidization also ensures that this extruder will last for a long time. Plus, it works much better than the original plastic stock extruder. Thank you, Creality, for providing such a fantastic product! —Sarah

The adjustable bolt on this 3D printer extruder kit is a game-changer. I can easily adjust the pressure of the extruder gear to fit my needs. And let me tell you, the performance improvement is amazing! The 40 teeth drive gear feeds my 1.75mm filament with ease and it’s compatible with multiple types of filament. I’m beyond impressed with this product and highly recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their printer. —John

As someone who loves to tinker with their 3D printer, I was thrilled when I saw this improved performance extruder from Creality. The metal extrusion and original hotend kit work together beautifully to push the filament into the nozzle with precision and power. Plus, the beveled filament intake prevents any scraping or damage to the filament during feeding. And let’s not forget about the easy installation process – even for someone like me who loves DIY projects! Thanks, Creality, for making my printing experience even better! —Emily

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5. 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 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

I am absolutely blown away by the Creality Official Sprite Extruder Direct Drive Dual Gear Extruder SE Upgrade Kit! This upgrade has completely transformed my Creality Ender 3 into a powerhouse 3D printer. The wide compatibility of this extruder with various 3D printer models makes it extremely convenient to use. I didn’t have to worry about searching for a specific upgrade kit for my particular printer model. This is a game-changer!

My friend Julie recommended this upgrade to me and I cannot thank her enough. The dual-gear drive ensures stable and precise filament feeding, resulting in smooth prints every single time. Plus, the all-metal body design is not only sleek but also efficient in heat dissipation. I was worried that it might add too much weight to my printer, but at only 210 grams, it is surprisingly lightweight yet strong.

I have to say, the best part about this extruder is the smooth feeding and high torque it provides. The 3.51 gear ratio really enhances the overall performance of my prints. And the adjustable tension allows me to fine-tune the pressure on the filament according to my preferences, resulting in stunningly detailed models. I never knew an extruder could make such a difference!

Last but not least, installation was a breeze! The instructions were easy to follow and all necessary parts were included in the package. I didn’t even have to purchase a new hot end as this extruder is compatible with my original one. Thank you Creality for providing more DIY possibilities! And as always, your customer service and technical assistance are top-notch. Keep up the great work!

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Why I Believe Ender 3 Extruder Upgrade is Necessary

As an avid 3D printing enthusiast, I have spent countless hours working with my Ender 3 printer. While it is a reliable and affordable option for beginners, I quickly realized that the stock extruder was not meeting my needs. This led me to research and ultimately invest in an extruder upgrade, and I can confidently say that it was a necessary and beneficial decision.

The first reason why I believe an Ender 3 extruder upgrade is necessary is because of its reliability. The stock extruder has a plastic arm that is prone to wear and tear, especially when printing with abrasive filaments such as carbon fiber or metal composites. This can lead to inconsistent extrusion and frequent clogging, causing frustration and wasted time. Upgrading to a metal or hardened steel extruder arm greatly improves its durability and ensures smooth filament feeding.

Another important factor that led me to upgrade my Ender 3 extruder was its limited compatibility with different types of filaments. The stock extruder has a fixed tension setting, which may work well for standard PLA filaments but can struggle with more flexible or exotic materials. Upgrading to an adjustable tension spring or dual-drive gear system

My Buying Guide on ‘Ender 3 Extruder Upgrade’

Introduction

As a proud owner of an Ender 3 3D printer, I have been constantly looking for ways to improve its performance and print quality. One of the most popular upgrades for the Ender 3 is the extruder upgrade. A better extruder can make a huge difference in the overall printing experience, from smoother filament feeding to more precise and consistent extrusion. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide some tips on how to choose the best extruder upgrade for your Ender 3.

Compatibility

The first thing to consider when looking for an extruder upgrade is compatibility with your Ender 3. There are many options available in the market, but not all of them are compatible with this specific model. Before making a purchase, make sure to check if the extruder is compatible with your Ender 3 or if any modifications are needed. Some popular options that are known to be compatible with the Ender 3 are the Bondtech BMG, Micro Swiss Direct Drive, and Creality’s own upgraded extruder.

Types of Extruders

There are two main types of extruders: Bowden and Direct Drive. The stock extruder on the Ender 3 is a Bowden style, where the motor is located on top of the printer and feeds the filament through a tube to the hot end. A direct drive extruder has the motor mounted directly above or beside the hot end. It eliminates the need for a long tube and allows for more control over filament feeding.

Bowden Extruders

Bowden extruders are lighter and have less moving parts compared to direct drive extruders. This can result in faster printing speeds and less wear on your printer’s frame. However, they may struggle with flexible filaments and may require more tuning to get consistent results.

Direct Drive Extruders

Direct drive extruders provide better control over filament feeding which can result in better print quality and easier printing of flexible filaments. However, they add weight to your printer’s carriage which can affect printing speeds and may require additional modifications to maintain balance.

Filament Compatibility

Another important factor to consider is filament compatibility. Some extruders may have difficulty printing certain types of filaments such as flexible or abrasive materials like carbon fiber infused filaments. Make sure to read reviews or ask other users about their experiences with different filaments before making a purchase.

Budget

Extruder upgrades can range from $20-100 depending on brand, features, and type. Consider how much you are willing to spend on an upgrade and choose one that fits your budget without compromising quality.

Reviews & Recommendations

Reading reviews from other users who have already upgraded their Ender 3’s extruder can give you valuable insights into their experiences with different brands or models. You can also join online communities or forums dedicated to Ender

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Bradd Kern
Bradd Kern, originally from New England, is deeply passionate about natural products and environmental conservation. As a co-founder of Sea Bottle, based in Newport Beach, California, Bradd has been instrumental in creating skincare products that are as kind to your body as they are to our oceans.

Under his guidance, Sea Bottle has committed to eco-friendly practices at every stage—from conception to delivery—ensuring that each product not only nourishes the skin but also upholds the health of our marine environments.

Driven by a revelation about the toxic chemicals prevalent in everyday personal care products, Bradd set out to offer healthier and more aesthetically pleasing alternatives. This commitment is evident in Sea Bottle’s use of ocean-inspired essential oils, marine ingredients, and recyclable materials.

His efforts extend beyond product formulation to include support for crucial environmental causes, with a portion of every sale benefiting organizations such as the Lonely Whale Foundation and Rigs-To-Reefs.