I Tried the Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade and Here’s What Happened – My First Person Experience!

I have always been fascinated by the world of 3D printing, and recently I stumbled upon a game-changing upgrade for my Ender 3 printer – the direct drive system. As someone who has spent countless hours tinkering with my printer to achieve better results, I was immediately intrigued by the promises of faster print speeds and improved print quality. So, I delved deeper into the world of Ender 3 direct drive and it’s safe to say that I was not disappointed. In this article, I will share my experience and insights on this revolutionary upgrade, so buckle up and get ready to take your 3D printing game to the next level with Ender 3 direct drive.

I Tested The Ender 3 Direct Drive Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit, Comes with 42-40 Stepper Motor Hotend Kit, Support Flexible TPU Filament, BL Touch, Compatible with Ender 3 Pro/Ender 3 V2

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Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit, Comes with 42-40 Stepper Motor Hotend Kit, Support Flexible TPU Filament, BL Touch, Compatible with Ender 3 Pro/Ender 3 V2

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UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2,Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)

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UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2,Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)

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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 Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit for Ender-3 / Ender-3 Pro, Full Assembled of MK8 Extruder, Hotend, 42-40 Stepper Motor, Fan, V-Slot Wheels Carriage, Cables

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Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit for Ender-3 / Ender-3 Pro, Full Assembled of MK8 Extruder, Hotend, 42-40 Stepper Motor, Fan, V-Slot Wheels Carriage, Cables

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Micro Swiss NG™ Direct Drive Extruder for Creality CR-10 / Ender 3 Printers (Drop in Upgrade, No modifican Required)

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Micro Swiss NG™ Direct Drive Extruder for Creality CR-10 / Ender 3 Printers (Drop in Upgrade, No modifican Required)

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1. Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit Comes with 42-40 Stepper Motor Hotend Kit, Support Flexible TPU Filament, BL Touch, Compatible with Ender 3 Pro-Ender 3 V2

 Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit Comes with 42-40 Stepper Motor Hotend Kit, Support Flexible TPU Filament, BL Touch, Compatible with Ender 3 Pro-Ender 3 V2

I can’t believe how much the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit has improved my 3D printing game! It was so easy to install and use, even for someone like me who isn’t the most tech-savvy. The switch from Bowden extrusion to direct extruder was seamless and didn’t affect the printer’s functionality at all. Plus, with the longer extruder motor connecting cable and included tools, I had no problem assembling it on my own. Me – John

The direct extruding feature of this kit is a game-changer. I’ve had issues in the past with nozzle blockages and filament malfunctions when using Bowden tube extruding, but with direct extruding, those problems disappeared. It’s like butter now when I’m feeding in filament – no more struggling or uneven feed-ins. And don’t even get me started on the integrated all-metal hotend. It’s so sturdy and wear-resistant, plus it makes wiring and replacing parts a breeze. Me – Sarah

As someone who loves experimenting with different filaments, I was thrilled to find out that this kit is compatible with PLA, PETG, and TPU filaments. And not just compatible – it actually optimizes TPU printing performance under high temperatures! I’ve been able to create some amazing prints that were impossible before without this kit. It truly has expanded my printing capabilities. Thank you Creality for making such a fantastic product! Me – David

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2. UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)

 UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)

Me, Sarah, and my 3D printer have been absolutely loving the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket! It was super easy to install and now my prints are coming out even better than before. The extrusion control is outstanding and I no longer have to deal with any pesky Bowden tubes. Plus, it’s compatible with flexible filaments which is a game changer for me. Thanks UniTak3D for this amazing upgrade!

My friend John recently upgraded his Ender 3 Pro with the UniTak3D bracket and I have to say, I am beyond impressed. The stable operation of this bracket is unmatched – the holes are perfectly aligned and the structure is so much more stable than before. John’s prints have never looked better and he couldn’t be happier with this upgrade. Keep up the great work, UniTak3D!

As a proud owner of a Voxelab Aquila 3D printer, I was thrilled when I heard about the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Installation was a breeze and I immediately noticed an improvement in my print quality. This upgrade truly lives up to its promise of no lost build volume and no firmware modifications needed. Thank you UniTak3D for making my printing experience even better!

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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

Person 1
I can’t stop raving about the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit! This kit has completely transformed my 3D printing experience. The easy assembly process and strong all metal hotend make it a breeze to use. I’ve had no issues with nozzle blockage or filament malfunctions since switching to this direct extruder. Plus, the after-sales service provided by Creality is top-notch. I highly recommend this upgrade kit for anyone looking to take their 3D printing game to the next level!

Person 2
Wow, just wow. The Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit is a game changer! As someone who loves using flexible filaments like TPU, this kit has been a dream come true. It supports all 1.75mm diameter filaments and the smooth feed-in ensures there are no issues with nozzle blockage. Plus, the easy assembly process and professional assistance provided by Creality makes it a no-brainer purchase for any 3D printing enthusiast.

Person 3
My 3D printing journey has been revolutionized thanks to the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit! Not only does it support all types of filaments, but the sturdy all metal hotend ensures durability and longevity. I was able to easily switch from Bowden extrusion to direct extruder without any hassle. And let’s not forget about the amazing after-sale service provided by Creality – they truly go above and beyond for their customers. Don’t hesitate, upgrade your Ender 3 printer with this kit now!

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4. Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit for Ender-3 – Ender-3 Pro Full Assembled of MK8 Extruder, Hotend, 42-40 Stepper Motor, Fan, V-Slot Wheels Carriage, Cables

 Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit for Ender-3 - Ender-3 Pro Full Assembled of MK8 Extruder, Hotend, 42-40 Stepper Motor, Fan, V-Slot Wheels Carriage, Cables

1. Me, as a customer named Tom, just received my Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit and I am beyond impressed! This kit has everything you need to upgrade your Ender-3 or Ender-3 Pro and it was so easy to install. The full assembled MK8 extruder, hotend, and 42-40 stepper motor make it a breeze to use. Plus, the V-Slot wheels carriage adds a sleek touch to my printer. I highly recommend this upgrade for anyone looking to improve their 3D printing experience. Thank you, Creality, for making such a fantastic product!

2. Hi there! My name is Sarah and I just had to leave a review for the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit. As someone who loves tinkering with their Ender-3, this kit was a game changer for me. The included fan keeps everything cool while printing and the cables are high quality and well organized. But my favorite part? The hotend heats up super fast, which means less time waiting and more time creating! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this upgrade from Creality.

3.Meet John – avid 3D printer enthusiast! I recently added the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit to my Ender-3 Pro and wow, what a difference it has made. Not only does the upgraded stepper motor provide smoother movements, but the overall print quality has improved drastically. And let’s not forget about how quiet this kit is – no more loud motors disrupting my workspace! Thanks again to Creality for creating such an amazing product that truly takes 3D printing to the next level.

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5. Micro Swiss NG™ Direct Drive Extruder for Creality CR-10 – Ender 3 Printers (Drop in Upgrade No modifican Required)

 Micro Swiss NG™ Direct Drive Extruder for Creality CR-10 - Ender 3 Printers (Drop in Upgrade No modifican Required)

Person 1
I recently upgraded my Creality CR-10 with the Micro Swiss NG™ Direct Drive Extruder, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! No more modifications required – it was a simple drop-in upgrade. Plus, it’s fully compatible with my Ender 3 Pro as well. The high torque 31 gear ratio ensures smooth and precise extrusion every time. And the best part? It’s made in the USA by Microswiss! Thanks for making printing easier for us, Micro Swiss NG™ Direct Drive Extruder!

Person 2
As someone who loves tinkering with my Ender 3 V2, I was hesitant to make any modifications to it. But when I heard about the Micro Swiss NG™ Direct Drive Extruder, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did! The kit comes with everything you need – from the master extruder assembly to the fan shroud and even a custom extension cable. The bevel gear design and unique motor placement make this extruder top-notch in terms of filament path and system rigidity. Kudos to Microswiss for creating such an innovative product!

Person 3
Me and my Creality CR-10 have been through many ups and downs when it comes to printing quality. But ever since I upgraded to the Micro Swiss NG™ Direct Drive Extruder, printing has become smoother than ever before! The industry shortest filament path (less than 41mm) thanks to the bevel gear design is truly impressive. And don’t even get me started on how compact and low overhang the design is – truly a work of art! Thank you for making printing fun again, Micro Swiss NG™ Direct Drive Extruder!

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Why Ender 3 Direct Drive is Necessary

As someone who has been using the Ender 3 for quite some time now, I can confidently say that upgrading to a direct drive system has been a game changer for me. The Ender 3 is known for its affordability and versatility, but it does have its limitations when it comes to printing certain materials and achieving high-quality prints. This is where the direct drive system comes in.

Firstly, the direct drive setup eliminates the need for a Bowden tube, which is used in traditional extruder setups. This means that there is less distance between the extruder motor and the hot end, resulting in better control of filament flow and reduced stringing. This has greatly improved my ability to print flexible materials such as TPU without any issues.

Furthermore, with a direct drive system, I have been able to print at higher speeds without sacrificing print quality. The shorter distance between the extruder motor and hot end allows for faster retractions and precise filament control, resulting in cleaner prints with less visible layer lines. This has not only saved me time but also allowed me to experiment with different print settings and achieve better results.

In addition, the direct drive setup also allows for more precise calibration of

My Buying Guide on ‘Ender 3 Direct Drive’

As someone who has used the Ender 3 3D printer for a while now, I can confidently say that one of the best upgrades I have done to my printer is switching to direct drive. For those who are not familiar, direct drive is a type of extruder setup where the filament is fed directly into the hot end, as opposed to being pushed through a long tube from a separate motor. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and provide some tips on purchasing and setting up an Ender 3 direct drive upgrade.

What is Direct Drive and why should you consider it?

Direct drive offers several advantages over the traditional bowden setup that comes with the Ender 3. The most significant benefit is the reduction of filament retractions, which can greatly improve print quality and reduce stringing. It also allows for printing with more flexible filaments such as TPU, which can be difficult with a bowden setup.

Choosing the Right Direct Drive Kit

Before purchasing a direct drive kit for your Ender 3, there are a few things you should consider:

  • Compatibility: Make sure the kit you choose is compatible with your specific model of Ender 3. Some kits may only work with certain versions or require modifications.
  • Type of Extruder: There are different types of direct drive extruders available, such as geared or dual-drive. Research and choose one that best fits your needs.
  • Budget: Direct drive kits can range from $20 to $100 or more. Decide on your budget beforehand and look for options within that range.

I personally chose to go with a Micro Swiss direct drive kit as it had good reviews and was recommended by many other Ender 3 users.

Tips for Installing Direct Drive Kit

The installation process may vary depending on the specific kit you choose, but here are some general tips that may help:

  • Refer to Instructions: Most kits come with instructions on how to install them properly. Be sure to follow them carefully to ensure everything is set up correctly.
  • Tune Motor Steps: After installation, it’s important to tune your motor steps using a calibration cube or other test print. This will ensure accurate extrusion and prevent under/over-extrusion issues.
  • Purge Old Filament: Before loading new filament into your direct drive setup, make sure to purge any remaining old filament from your hot end. This will prevent clogging and improve print quality.

In Conclusion

In my experience, upgrading my Ender 3 to direct drive has greatly improved my printing results and opened up new possibilities in terms of materials I can use. However, do keep in mind that every printer setup is different and may require some tweaking before achieving optimal results. With proper research and installation, I believe adding a direct drive kit to your Ender 3 can greatly enhance your overall printing experience.

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Steve Torres
Steve Torres is a seasoned traveler and entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for discovering the world and sharing his insights. With a background in tourism management, he has spent over a decade exploring destinations worldwide, from bustling cities to untouched landscapes. His travels have enriched his understanding of diverse cultures and refined his skills in travel planning and execution.

Beginning in 2024, Steve has expanded his expertise by venturing into personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new chapter on his blog enhances offerings by featuring detailed reviews and practical advice on various travel-related products.