# PrintrBot NinjaFlex Extruder Upgrade ## Overview **_This part only works with the early 2014 models of the Printrbot Simple Metal_** \*\*\*UPDATE: We recommend using the Gear Head Extruder upgrade from Printrbot to print Ninjaflex ## Get the Gear Head Extruder [http://printrbot.com/shop/gear-head-extruder/](http://printrbot.com/shop/gear-head-extruder/) **_This part is out of date and no longer supported_** ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/822/medium800thumb/3d_printing_buckle.jpg?1448311664) [NinjaFlex](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1690) is our favorite TPE based filament because it works great with our wearable projects. If you've ever tried printing NinjaFlex on a [PrintrBot](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1760), you may have noticed a small problem. It doesn't extrude so well. TPE material is so flexible that the filament actually buckles just before reaching the hotend. The drive gear and the hotend are so far apart that the filament can actually tangle! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/823/medium800/3d_printing_guide-front.jpg?1400611957) Our 3D printed filament upgrade eliminates this problem by guiding the filament directly to the drive gear, removing any room to buckle. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/824/medium800/3d_printing_guide-btm.jpg?1400611973) Designed to print right on your PrintrBot in just ten minutes, the installation is easy and requires no extra parts. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/825/medium800/3d_printing_guide-back.jpg?1400611985) Parts - [Filament Guide](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:337267 "Link: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:337267") - [In-line power switch for 2.1mm barrel jack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1125) - [2.1mm female/male barrel jack extension cable](https://www.adafruit.com/products/327) Tools & Supplies - [P](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1760)[rintrBot Simple Metal](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1760) - [NinjaFlex](https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=ninjaflex "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=ninjaflex") - ABS/PLA Filament ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/832/medium800/3d_printing_parts-hero.jpg?1400614283) # PrintrBot NinjaFlex Extruder Upgrade ## 3D Printing ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/826/medium800/3d_printing_guide-hero1.jpg?1400613077) [Download STLs](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:337267) The STL files are tested on a PrintrBot Simple Metal, Makerbot Replicator 1, 2 and can be sliced with any slicing program using PLA or ABS filament. We recommend using ABS as the it will provide stronger support. You can either print **pbotmotor-support.stl,** which has supports included in the model. Optionally, you can print **pbotmotor.stl,** with no supports. You can add support structures separately with your slicing program. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/828/medium800/3d_printing_guide-hero-supports.jpg?1400613833) ## 3D Printing with NinjaFlex on PrintrBot ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/862/medium800/3d_printing_printing-hero.jpg?1400617618) # PrintrBot NinjaFlex Extruder Upgrade ## Assembly ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/831/medium800/3d_printing_disassemble1.jpg?1400614253) The top screw is removed to detach the spring loaded arm from the motor. Loosen the second screw on the arm to detach the ball bearing. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/833/medium800/3d_printing_spring-arm.jpg?1400614328) Set the spring loaded arm on a flat surface, use a [phillips](https://www.adafruit.com/product/822)[screwdrive](https://www.adafruit.com/product/822 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/product/822")[r](https://www.adafruit.com/product/822) to remove the bearing off. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/835/medium800/3d_printing_disassemble-arm.jpg?1400614670) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/836/medium800/3d_printing_remove-washer.jpg?1400614683) Set the washer aside and store away, the filament guide is thick enough to compensate. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/837/medium800/3d_printing_spring-arm-parts.jpg?1400614696) Slide off the top hex screw and remove the screw from black plastic tube. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/838/medium800/3d_printing_attach-guide-bearing.jpg?1400614710) The filament guide is installed in front of the spring loaded arm and mounted in place. Hold on to the filament guide while positioning the bearing into place. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/839/medium800/3d_printing_screw-in-bearing.jpg?1400614739) Attach the filament guide by tightly fastening the phillips screw. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/841/medium800/3d_printing_attach-top-screw-holder.jpg?1400614754) Insert the hex screw tube back into place. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/842/medium800/3d_printing_attach-top-screw.jpg?1400614767) Align the hex screw with the tube. You can loosen the the phillips screw if the top is slightly misaligned. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/853/medium800/3d_printing_guide-attache-to-arm.jpg?1400616416) That's it! Now time to install it on the motor. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/855/medium800/3d_printing_motor-bear.jpg?1400616854) Info: Use a thin metal apparatus and poke it down into the nozzle, forcing out any material that gets built up inside the nozzle. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/843/medium800/3d_printing_align-screw-to-heat-block.jpg?1400614805) Align the spring screw over the hole on to the motor mount. Adjust the screw if it doesn't fit through both walls. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/844/medium800/3d_printing_screw-to-motor.jpg?1400614822) Press down on the spring arm to apply pressure while aligning the top hex screw into place. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/845/medium800/3d_printing_tighten-bearing.jpg?1400614837) Increase the bearing pressure by tightening the spring screw until it's close to the top of it's walls. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/846/medium800/3d_printing_extruding-with-guide.jpg?1400614864) Guide your favorite NinjaFlex color down the tube! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/848/medium800/3d_printing_nozzle.jpg?1400615018) If it doesn't extrude and you can feel that it's clogged, insure the nozzle is clean by forcing out any clogs with a strong thin metal poker. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/016/859/medium800/3d_printing_printing-hero.jpg?1400617327) ## Featured Products ### PrintrBot Simple Metal 3D Printer - Black - Assembled [PrintrBot Simple Metal 3D Printer - Black - Assembled](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1760) New from Printrbot, the Metal Simple is a brand new rock solid, all metal, fully-assembled Printrbot Simple! As opposed to the [Printrbot Simple Kit](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1735), all of the laser cut wood parts have been replaced by rock solid metal and assembled. In... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1760) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1760/guides) ### NinjaFlex - 1.75mm Diameter - Snow White - 0.5 Kg [NinjaFlex - 1.75mm Diameter - Snow White - 0.5 Kg](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1691) Discontinued - **you can grab ** [NinjaFlex - 1.75mm Diameter - Almond-Peach Smoothie - 0.50Kg](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2383) **instead! ** Looking beyond ABS? Tired of PLA? Open a world of possibilities, limited only by your imagination. NinjaFlex, a... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1691) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1691/guides) ### NinjaFlex - 1.75mm Diameter - Midnight Black - 0.5Kg [NinjaFlex - 1.75mm Diameter - Midnight Black - 0.5Kg](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1690) Looking beyond ABS? Tired of PLA? Open a world of possibilities, limited only by your imagination. NinjaFlex, a cutting-edge filament for 3D printers, is a specially formulated thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that produces flexible prints with elastic properties. Patent pending technology allows... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1690) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1690/guides) ### Hakko Precision Flat Pliers [Hakko Precision Flat Pliers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1368) These Italian-made Hakko pliers are excellent for any precision work. The nose is flattened and fairly short to provide excellent control. The inside of the jaws is also flattened so they won't leave ridge-marks. And the grips are ultra comfy too, you can use these all days with no... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1368) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1368/guides) ### 38 Piece Screwdriver Set [38 Piece Screwdriver Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/822) Look, over there at that thing! Take it apart! You can now attack just about every kind of box or enclosure that needs undoing with this 38-bit screwdriver set. This set is fine quality and excels at disassembling games, phones, cameras, and other small portable electronic goodies. What... 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