CR-6 SE 3D Printer Improvements
Introduction: CR-6 SE 3D Printer Improvements
UPDATE 23 JULY 2022:
Added a few native files for spool holders.
07 JAN 2022:
I get a lot of requests for the native Fusion 360 files. So I just posted them here for all. See Step 16.
UPDATE 18 JAN 2021:
A member requested a modified filament housing sensor housing to pair with an upgraded extruder. File is at Step 15.
UPDATE 31 DEC 2020:
A new version of the bearing pulley wheels has been added. I found a problem where they were losing their grip on the metal bearing. The new version should be slightly tighter when first installing and it also has a small hole added to allow a drop of glue to help keep them in place better. File is at Step 14.
UPDATE 12 DEC 2020:
Made a new version of the spool holder. Its universal so no need to change the setup when you move to a different filament spool size. File is at Step 13.
UPDATE 30 OCT 2020:
Added STL files for a 33mm diameter spool holder that was requested in the comments section.
Let me know if anyone else needs a different size. Files are at Step 12.
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PROJECT SUMMARY: I'll go through a few glaring problems (IMO) with Creality's newest printer, show you my redesigned components, and lastly how to install it all so you too can vastly improve the usability of your CR-6 SE printer.
This is an entry in the Make it Move Contest! Please vote if you like it.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Absolutely no drastic changes or permanent modifications to the printer are needed for this project. In fact, once you print all the new parts, the only thing done to the printer is to remove two screws (and then those same two screws are reinstalled.)
2. The printer itself is used to make the parts needed
3. Purchased parts are only 6 bearings, 3 screws, and one LED* ($10)
(* No soldering or wiring needed. We'll just be using the clear plastic head of the LED)
For reference, here's the Kick Starter link that Creality used to promote and do the initial sale of the printers:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1001939425/cr...
Supplies
1. (QTY1) M8 Allen Head Screw, 50-65mm Long
2. (QTY 2) M4 Allen Head Screw, 10mm Long
3. (QTY 6) Standard Skateboard Bearings (608ZZ). 116
I got These
4. (QTY 1) Standard 5mm LED
TOOLS:
1. Allen Wrenches for the M4 & M8
2. Wire Snips to cut the leads from the LED
Step 1: Problem 1: Side Mounted Filament Holder
This was the biggest issue for me. By mounting the filament spool holder to the side; the footprint of the printer is unnecessarily huge. This position (and the "fold-away" feature) almost doubles the required width space for the printer!
Now, if you have the room, this may not be an issue whatsoever. For me, it meant the printer sat on the kitchen table, then the kitchen counter, then in front of the TV, and finally out to the garage, until I was able to finish making these modifications. It now sits next to my other printers in my small cramped office space.
While my issue is minor as far as Creality is concerned, something that should be a consideration for Creality to assess is Printer Farms. Small companies may consider this printer as the foundation of a Printer Farm (several printers under one roof cranking out parts for the business). By making these modifications the linear printer density can be increased drastically. (For example: 5 printers fit side by side using my configuration versus only 3 if left in the factory configuration on a standard 8 foot long work bench.)
My custom designed parts eliminate this issue (or in the least provide an alternative option).
Step 2: Problem 2: Filament Sensor
The automatic filament sensor is a new addition and a great selling point for this level and price range of printer. (The sensor is the part in the right side of the first image above with two screws holding it in place.)
However it has a serious flaw. The Filament Guides, which are metal (brass most likely), have sharp edges. See second image above. That should be a soft radius not a chamfer. Only a few small prints in and I noticed a pile of filament powder that these sharp edges scraped off. (This is a case where cheap plastic parts would actually work better than going to metal. Better yet would be if they were made of Teflon. 116