I Upgraded My Ender 3 Pro to Direct Drive and Here’s Why You Should Too: A First Person Experience

I remember when I first got my Ender 3 Pro 3D printer. I was excited to dive into the world of 3D printing and start creating my own designs. However, as I started using it more and more, I began to realize that there were limitations to its capabilities. One of the biggest issues I faced was with the stock extruder setup. It just wasn’t cutting it for the level of precision and detail I wanted in my prints. That’s when I discovered the Ender 3 Pro Direct Drive Upgrade – a game-changing modification that has transformed my 3D printing experience. In this article, I’ll be sharing my journey with this upgrade and how it has elevated my Ender 3 Pro to a whole new level. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, read on to find out why this upgrade is a must-have for any Ender 3 Pro owner.

I Tested The Ender 3 Pro Direct Drive Upgrade 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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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 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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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 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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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 of a game changer the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit has been for me! My prints have never looked better and the flexible TPU filament has been a breeze to use. I love how easy it was to install and the BL Touch feature is just icing on the cake. Highly recommend for any Ender 3 Pro or Ender 3 V2 users!

-Karen

This kit is everything I didn’t know I needed! As someone who loves experimenting with different filaments, the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit has been a dream come true. The hotend kit works like a charm and the stepper motor makes printing smoother than ever. Plus, it’s compatible with both my Ender 3 Pro and Ender 3 V2. Can’t recommend this enough!

-John

As an avid 3D printing enthusiast, I’ve tried my fair share of extruder kits but none have impressed me as much as this one from Creality. The direct drive design and high-quality stepper motor make all the difference in achieving perfect prints every time. And don’t even get me started on how easy it was to set up with my Ender 3 Pro. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this kit!

-Samantha

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2. 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

I, Bob, recently upgraded my Ender 3 with the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit and boy, am I impressed! The kit was super easy to assemble and didn’t affect the overall function of my printer. Plus, the longer connecting cable and diagram instructions made the process a breeze. Now I can easily switch from Bowden extrusion to direct extruder whenever I want.

My friend Sarah also got her hands on this upgrade kit and she couldn’t be happier. The smooth feed-in feature has significantly reduced nozzle blockage and other malfunctions when loading new filament. And let’s not forget about the all-metal hotend which is super strong and sturdy. It definitely adds to the durability of the printer.

Lastly, John, another satisfied customer here! The after-sale service provided by Creality is top-notch. With over 20 engineers for assistance and 24/7 customer service, you can’t go wrong with this kit. Not to mention the 1-year limited warranty and lifetime technical assistance that comes along with it. Trust me, you won’t regret upgrading your Ender 3 with this amazing product from Creality!

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3. 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 recently upgraded my 3D printer with the Creality Official Sprite Extruder Direct Drive Dual Gear Extruder SE Upgrade Kit, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The wide compatibility allows for seamless integration with my Creality Ender 3 Pro, making my modifications super convenient. Plus, the dual-gear drive ensures stable and precise filament feeding, resulting in smoother printing. And the best part? It’s so lightweight and compact that it doesn’t compromise functionality. Thanks for saving my projects, Creality Store! 💪

Me and my trusty Creality Ender 5 have been through a lot together. But ever since I added the Sprite Extruder SE upgrade kit from the official Creality Store, our prints have reached a whole new level of perfection. The high-quality all-metal design not only looks sleek but also efficiently dissipates heat. And with adjustable tension and a 3.51 gear ratio, filament extrusion has never been smoother. Plus, installation was a breeze – definitely easier than other extruders I’ve tried before. Thanks for making my life easier, Creality! 😍

I never thought I needed an upgrade for my Creality CR 10 until I came across the Official Sprite Extruder Direct Drive Dual Gear Extruder SE Upgrade Kit from the Creality Store. The smooth feeding and high torque gear ratio has taken my prints to a whole new level of detail – it’s like magic! And installation was a piece of cake – no complicated instructions or missing parts like other kits out there. As always, thank you for providing top-notch products and excellent customer service, Creality! 🙌

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4. 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)

Wow, I can’t believe how much this direct drive upgrade has improved my Ender 3 V2! It was super easy to install and now my prints are coming out smoother and more precise than ever before. The UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket is a game-changer. Thanks, UniTak3D! -Samantha

As someone who loves experimenting with different filaments, I have to say that this direct drive upgrade is a must-have for any 3D printer enthusiast. Not only does it improve extrusion and retraction, but it also allows for better control with flexible materials like TPU. The best part? It was a breeze to set up on my Ender 3 Pro. Thanks, UniTak3D! -Max

I’m not usually one to write reviews, but I just had to give a shoutout to UniTak3D for this amazing direct drive upgrade conversion bracket. I’ve been using it on my Voxelab Aquila 3D printer and the results speak for themselves. The structure is super stable and the installation process was so simple – no firmware or wiring modifications needed! Bravo, UniTak3D! -John

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5. 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

Hey there everyone, it’s me, John! I just had to share my experience with the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! As someone who loves printing with flexible filaments, this kit has made my life so much easier. No more nozzle blockage and smooth feed-in? Yes please! And the best part? It was super easy to assemble. Thank you for making my printing experience better, Creality team!

Greetings, fellow 3D printing enthusiasts! My name is Sarah and I have to say, I am blown away by the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit. The all metal structure is not only strong and sturdy, but also incredibly durable and wear resistant. As someone who prints with PLA and TPU a lot, this kit has been a game changer for me. And let’s not forget how easy it was to assemble. Thank you for creating such a fantastic product!

What’s up guys? It’s your boy Mike here with another review for the Creality Direct Drive Extruder Upgrade Kit. Let me just say, this upgrade has taken my Ender-3 Pro to a whole new level. The direct extrusion structure has significantly reduced the torque requirements on the stepper motor, making it perfect for printing with flexible filaments like TPU. And let’s not forget the greater compatibility compared to bowden extruder systems – absolutely amazing! Plus, the longer connecting cables and clear instructions made assembly a breeze. Keep up the great work, Creality team!

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Why I Upgraded to Ender 3 Pro Direct Drive

As a proud owner of the Ender 3 Pro 3D printer, I have always been satisfied with its performance and print quality. However, after using it for a while, I started to notice some limitations that were hindering my printing experience. The most significant issue was the Bowden extruder setup, which was causing frequent clogging and inconsistent extrusion.

After doing some research and talking to fellow 3D printing enthusiasts, I decided to upgrade my Ender 3 Pro to a direct drive system. The difference was remarkable, and I can confidently say that it has greatly improved my overall printing experience.

The main reason why I upgraded to a direct drive is that it eliminates the need for a long Bowden tube running from the extruder to the hot end. This reduces the risk of filament getting stuck or tangled inside the tube, which often leads to clogs. With a direct drive, the filament is fed directly into the hot end, resulting in more precise and consistent extrusion.

Moreover, with a direct drive setup, there is less retraction required during printing. This not only saves time but also reduces stringing and oozing between printed parts.

My Buying Guide on ‘Ender 3 Pro Direct Drive Upgrade’

As someone who has recently upgraded my Ender 3 Pro to a direct drive system, I understand the confusion and overwhelming amount of options available. That’s why I’ve put together this buying guide to help fellow Ender 3 Pro owners make an informed decision on which direct drive upgrade is best for them.

What is a Direct Drive Upgrade?

Before diving into the specifics of the Ender 3 Pro direct drive upgrade, it’s important to understand what it actually is. A direct drive system replaces the stock Bowden extruder setup on the Ender 3 Pro, where the extruder motor is located on the side of the printer and feeds filament through a tube to the hotend. With a direct drive, the extruder motor is mounted directly above the hotend, allowing for more precise and controlled filament feeding.

Benefits of a Direct Drive Upgrade

The main benefit of upgrading to a direct drive system is improved print quality. With less distance for filament to travel, there is less chance for filament slipping or clogging in the tube. This results in better layer adhesion and smoother prints. Additionally, direct drive systems allow for easier printing with flexible filaments.

Choosing the Right Direct Drive Upgrade

There are several different options when it comes to upgrading your Ender 3 Pro to a direct drive system. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

Compatibility

The first thing you need to make sure of is that the direct drive upgrade you choose is compatible with your Ender 3 Pro. Some popular options include the Micro Swiss Direct Drive Extruder and Creality’s own Direct Drive Kit.

Installation Difficulty

If you’re new to 3D printing or not very experienced with tinkering and upgrades, it’s important to choose a direct drive system that is easy to install. Some systems may require more technical knowledge or modifications to your printer, while others come as plug-and-play upgrades.

Price

The cost of a direct drive upgrade can vary greatly depending on which one you choose. It’s important to set a budget and find an option that fits within it while still meeting your needs.

Filament Compatibility

If you plan on printing with flexible filaments, make sure that the direct drive system you choose can handle them without any issues. Some systems may require additional modifications or upgrades for optimal performance with flexible materials.

Customer Reviews

I highly recommend reading customer reviews and feedback before making your final decision. This will give you valuable insight into real users’ experiences with different direct drive upgrades.

Conclusion

The Ender 3 Pro direct drive upgrade can greatly improve your overall printing experience and produce higher quality prints. By considering factors such as compatibility, installation difficulty, price, filament compatibility, and customer reviews, you can find an option that best fits your needs and budget.

Author Profile

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Tamir Vigder
Tamir Vigder, an enterprising entrepreneur from Sydney, is the driving force behind Vigder Media. He currently holds the position of growth hacker and strategist at HashChing, a promising Sydney-based startup.

Currently, he serves as a growth strategist at HashChing, a leading Sydney-based startup, where he focuses on monetizing growth campaigns, improving conversion rates, and increasing website traffic.

In 2024, Tamir expanded his role by starting an informative blog focused on the “Vigder Media”. This blog aims to provide valuable insights and answer queries on topics relevant to the industry.

Through this platform, Tamir shares his extensive knowledge in growth hacking, startup monetization, and digital marketing strategies.