SIMAX3D Dual Drive BMG Bowden Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This simax3d bmg extruder 3d printer review looks at a Bowden-style upgrade for your machine. It is a dual drive extruder designed to handle softer filaments with greater precision. The unit features an internal transmission ratio of 3:1, which improves accuracy during printing. It is built for direct mounting on common DIY frames. You get one black unit in the package. The design focuses on reliable filament feeding, making it a practical choice for upgrading older printer models. It supports a wide range of materials from PLA to TPU.
What stands out
- Dual drive mechanism with a 3:1 internal transmission ratio for high accuracy
- Compatible with soft filaments like TPU as well as PLA, ABS, PETG, and Nylon
- Compact dimensions of 4.74 inches in length and 2.2 inches in height
- Lightweight design weighing only 3.99 ounces for easy installation
- Works with Creality Ender 3 Pro, Ender 5 Pro, and CR10 series
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should buy this if you own a Creality Ender 3 Pro, Ender 5 Pro, or CR10 and want to print flexible materials like TPU. The dual drive system helps prevent slipping on soft filaments. It also suits users printing Nylon or Carbon Fiber who need consistent extrusion. If you are upgrading a Wanhao D9 or Anet A8, this part fits those frames too. The 3:1 ratio provides the torque needed for challenging materials. It is a straightforward hardware swap for existing owners.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you need a direct drive extruder. This unit is a Bowden design, meaning the motor is not close to the nozzle. It is not suitable for printers that require a direct drive configuration. You also should not buy this if you plan to use it on a printer that does not support the mounting pattern of the listed models. The package includes only one extruder. If you need a complete replacement kit or a different drive style, this specific part will not meet your needs.
Verdict: This dual drive BMG extruder is a solid upgrade for Creality and similar DIY printers needing better performance with soft filaments. It delivers the necessary torque and accuracy for flexible materials without overcomplicating your setup.
Key specs explained
Extruder Type: Bowden Extruder, Dual Drive Extruder
This unit combines a Bowden tube setup with dual drive gears. The dual drive mechanism grips the filament firmly, reducing slippage. This design is especially useful for flexible materials like TPU, which often jam in single-gear systems. You get better control over extrusion without moving heavy motor weight to the print head. It suits users upgrading older printers for advanced materials.
Internal transmission ratio: 3:1
The gears reduce motor speed by a factor of three while increasing torque. This higher torque allows the extruder to push filament more forcefully. You benefit from improved accuracy and consistent layer adhesion. This ratio helps prevent under-extrusion, particularly with dense or flexible filaments. It offers a mechanical advantage that standard direct drive extruders may lack.
Recommended E-steps: 385
E-steps define how many motor steps are needed to extrude one millimeter of filament. The listing suggests 385 steps for this specific extruder. You must calibrate this value in your printer firmware to ensure accurate material flow. Using the recommended setting helps achieve precise dimensional accuracy. It prevents over-extrusion or under-extrusion issues that can ruin print quality.
Weight: 3.99 ounces
The extruder weighs just under four ounces. This lightweight design reduces the moving mass on your printer axes. Lower inertia allows for faster acceleration and deceleration during printing. You can achieve smoother corners and less ghosting in your prints. This weight is suitable for upgrading standard DIY printers without requiring structural reinforcement.
Dimensions: 3.2 x 2.2 x 4.74 inches
These physical dimensions define the space the extruder occupies. You need to verify that your printer frame has enough clearance to accommodate this size. The compact footprint is designed to fit common DIY models like the Ender 3 or CR10 series. Proper fitment ensures stable mounting and reliable operation. Check your existing setup before purchasing to avoid interference with other components.
Design and Build Overview
According to the listing, the SIMAX3D Dual Drive BMG Bowden Extruder is available in a single black color. The unit weighs 3.99 ounces and measures 4.74 inches in length, 3.2 inches in width, and 2.2 inches in height. These dimensions suggest a compact form factor designed to fit within standard printer frames without requiring extensive modification to the existing structure. The compact size allows for straightforward installation on most DIY 3D printers, including Creality CR10 and Ender 3 series models.
The extruder features a dual drive mechanism with an internal transmission ratio of 3:1. This mechanical design improves accuracy by gripping the filament more firmly. The dual drive gears reduce slippage, which is critical when printing soft filaments like TPU. The listing notes that you should manually adjust the tension of the hand twist screw to a suitable level. Over-tightening can cause filament winding on the wheel, so careful adjustment is necessary for optimal performance.
This component is marketed as an upgrade part for high-performance printing. It supports a wide range of materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, Carbon Fiber, and Wood. The black finish is standard for this type of hardware, blending with most printer assemblies. The design prioritizes reliable filament feeding over aesthetic customization. You get one piece per package, making it a direct replacement or addition to your existing setup. The build focuses on functional durability rather than decorative elements.
Setup and daily operation guide
You install this SIMAX3D Dual Drive BMG Bowden Extruder as a direct replacement or upgrade for your existing machine. The listing confirms compatibility with most DIY 3D printers. This includes the Creality CR10 and Ender 3 series. It also fits Wanhao D9, Anet A8, E10, and Geeetech A10 models. You must verify your specific printer model matches these supported systems before purchasing. The unit arrives as a single black component weighing 3.99 ounces. Its compact dimensions of 4.74 by 3.2 by 2.2 inches allow it to fit into standard printer frames without major structural changes.
Daily use requires careful tension management. You must not adjust the hand twist screw too tightly when printing soft filaments. Over-tightening causes filament wiring to wind around the drive wheel. You need to manually adjust the tension to a suitable level for your specific 3D printer setup. This balance is critical for smooth operation.
The internal transmission ratio of 3:1 demands specific calibration. You should set your E-steps to approximately 385 for optimal accuracy. This high-precision gearing helps prevent slippage. You can use this extruder for a wide range of materials. It handles soft filaments like TPU effectively. It also works well with PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, Carbon Fiber, and Wood. Proper setup ensures reliable performance across all these diverse material types.
Before You Buy This Upgrade
Before you buy the SIMAX3D Dual Drive BMG Bowden Extruder, verify your printer’s compatibility. The listing states it fits most DIY 3D printers, including the Creality CR10 and Ender 3 series, as well as Wanhao D9 and Anet A8 models. Ensure your frame can accommodate the unit’s dimensions: 4.74 inches in length, 3.2 inches in width, and 2.2 inches in height. You will need to adjust your E-steps to approximately 385 to match the 3:1 internal transmission ratio. This setup is ideal if you frequently print soft filaments like TPU, though it also supports PLA, ABS, PETG, and nylon. Keep the tension screw loose enough for flexible materials to prevent winding on the wheel. This upgrade sits alongside other extruder options in 1 products, offering a focused solution for Bowden-style machines seeking better grip on difficult materials without requiring a full direct-drive conversion.
Check before you buy
- Confirm your printer model is listed as compatible.
- Check space for the 4.74-inch length.
- Prepare to set E-steps to 385.
- Adjust tension screw for soft filaments.
The product at a glance
SIMAX3D Dual Drive BMG Bowden Extruder
Best for: Upgrading DIY printers for flexible filament use
- Extruder Type
- Bowden Extruder, Dual Drive Extruder
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 4.74 × 3.2 × 2.2 inches
- Weight
- 3.99 ounces
View on Amazon: SIMAX3D Dual Drive BMG Bowden Extruder Affiliate link
This is a black dual drive BMG Bowden extruder designed to upgrade 3D printers. It features an internal transmission ratio of 3:1 for high accuracy. The unit measures 4.74 inches in length, 3.2 inches in width, and 2.2 inches in height. It weighs 3.99 ounces. This part suits users who want to print soft filaments like TPU or other materials such as PLA and ABS. It fits most DIY 3D printers, including Creality Ender and CR10 series models.
Pros
- Dual drive BMG Bowden design for improved filament grip
- Internal 3:1 transmission ratio for high accuracy
- Compatible with soft filaments like TPU and rigid types like Nylon
- Fits popular DIY printers such as Creality Ender 3 and CR10
- Compact dimensions at 4.74 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches
Cons
- Requires manual tension adjustment to prevent filament winding on the wheel
- Needs specific E-step calibration (recommended 385) for optimal performance
- Sold as a single upgrade part, not a complete printer
Good fit if
- You want to upgrade a Creality Ender 3 or CR10 printer
- You need to print flexible filaments like TPU reliably
- You are building a DIY 3D printer from scratch
Skip if
- You need a complete 3D printer out of the box
- You do not have experience modifying printer hardware
- You want a plug-and-play solution without calibration
Verdict: SIMAX3D Dual Drive BMG Bowden Extruder is a precise upgrade for DIY enthusiasts who need to print flexible materials. It fits users upgrading Creality or similar DIY printers who are comfortable with manual calibration.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | SIMAX3D Dual Drive BMG Bowden Extruder |
|---|---|
| Extruder Type | Bowden Extruder, Dual Drive Extruder |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 4.74 × 3.2 × 2.2 inches |
| Weight | 3.99 ounces |
| Size | 1PCS |
Frequently asked questions
Is the SIMAX3D Dual Drive BMG Bowden Extruder compatible with Creality printers?
Yes, it fits most DIY 3D printers, including the Creality CR10 and Ender 3 series. You can use it as a direct upgrade to handle flexible filaments better. Verify your specific frame dimensions before purchasing to ensure a proper fit for your machine.
What type of extruder is this unit?
It is a Bowden Extruder and Dual Drive Extruder. The dual drive mechanism grips filament firmly to reduce slippage. This design is especially useful for flexible materials like TPU, which often jam in standard single-gear setups. The internal 3:1 ratio improves print accuracy.
How big is the SIMAX3D extruder?
The unit measures 4.74 inches in length, 3.2 inches in width, and 2.2 inches in height. It weighs 3.99 ounces. These compact dimensions allow it to fit into most standard DIY printer frames without requiring significant modifications to the existing mechanical structure.
Can I use this for flexible filament printing?
Yes, it is best for upgrading DIY printers for flexible filament use. The dual drive gears provide the necessary grip to push soft materials like TPU through the Bowden tube. This reduces the risk of grinding or jamming that occurs with weaker extruder mechanisms.
Does it come with installation instructions?
The listing does not specify included instructions. You install it as a direct replacement for your existing machine. Since it requires manual calibration, you should be comfortable with technical adjustments. Check your printer manual for mounting details before beginning the upgrade process.
What color is the SIMAX3D extruder?
It is available in a single black color. The finish matches most standard 3D printer frames. This neutral appearance ensures it blends seamlessly with your existing hardware without drawing attention to the upgrade component during normal operation.
Is this suitable for beginners?
It is a precise upgrade for DIY enthusiasts who need to print flexible materials. It fits users comfortable with manual calibration. If you are new to 3D printing, you might find the installation and tuning process challenging without prior experience.