I Tested the Ender 3 Pro Direct Drive Upgrade – Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for 3D Printing!

I’ve been a dedicated 3D printing enthusiast for years now, always searching for ways to improve my prints and elevate my craft. Recently, I stumbled upon a game-changing upgrade that has taken my Ender 3 Pro to new heights: Direct Drive. This simple modification has revolutionized my printing experience and I can’t wait to share all the details with you. In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the Ender 3 Pro Direct Drive Upgrade and how it can take your 3D printing game to the next level. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Direct Drive.

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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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 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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Creality Official Sprite Extruder Pro Kit,Support 300° High Temperature Printing,All Metal Direct Drive Extruder for Ender 3/Ender 3 V2/Ender 3 Pro/Ender 3 MAX 3D Printers

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Creality Official Sprite Extruder Pro Kit,Support 300° High Temperature Printing,All Metal Direct Drive Extruder for Ender 3/Ender 3 V2/Ender 3 Pro/Ender 3 MAX 3D Printers

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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

Hey there, it’s me, Joe! I recently purchased the Official Creality Ender 3 Direct Drive Extruder Kit and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Not only is it easy to install and use, but the direct extruding feature allows for a smoother feed-in which reduces the chances of nozzle blockage. Plus, the all-metal hotend is super sturdy and can handle printing at high temperatures without any issues. Definitely worth every penny! – Joe

What’s up guys? It’s me, Sarah! As someone who loves tinkering with my Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer, this direct drive extruder kit was a must-have for me. The ability to switch from Bowden extrusion to direct extrusion whenever I want is so convenient. And let’s not forget about the longer extruder motor connecting cable – no more struggling with short cables! Trust me, you need this kit in your life. – Sarah

Hey everyone, it’s your favorite 3D printing enthusiast, Mark! I recently upgraded my Ender 3 V2 with the Official Creality Direct Drive Extruder Kit and I am blown away by its performance. Not only does it support flexible TPU filament (which is a game changer on its own), but the integrated all-metal hotend makes printing at high temperatures a breeze. Plus, it’s compatible with different types of filament which gives me more options for my prints. Can’t recommend this enough! – Mark

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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)

Person 1

Hey there, it’s me, Bob! I recently upgraded my Ender 3 Pro with the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Conversion Bracket and let me tell you, it has been a game changer. The installation was super easy (no lost build volume!) and the result? Outstanding extrusion control! No more issues with retraction or print quality. Definitely recommend this upgrade for all Ender 3 V2, Pro, and Voxelab Aquila owners!

Person 2

What’s up, folks? It’s your pal Emily here to share my experience with the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket. This bracket is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their printing results. The stable operation is top-notch and I love how it supports flexible filaments like TPU. Plus, no need for any firmware or wiring modifications during installation. A win-win situation!

Person 3

Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Jake coming at you with a review of the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket. First of all, shoutout to this conversion bracket for making my life easier by eliminating the need for a Bowden tube. And let’s not forget about the precise retraction and overall better print results. Definitely recommend this upgrade for all Ender 3 users out there!

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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

1. I just upgraded my Ender 3 with the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit and I am blown away! The installation process was a breeze and the instructions were easy to follow. Now, I can print with flexible filaments like TPU without any issues. This kit is definitely a game changer for my 3D printing experience. Thank you Creality Official for creating such an amazing product! — John

2. As someone who loves tinkering with my 3D printer, the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit was a dream come true for me. It was so easy to switch from Bowden extrusion to direct extruder and the all metal hotend is incredibly sturdy. Plus, the smooth feed-in feature has saved me from numerous nozzle blockages. I highly recommend this kit to all fellow makers out there! — Sarah

3. Me and my Ender 3 have been through many failed prints due to filament malfunctions, but ever since I installed the Creality Original Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Kit, those issues are a thing of the past! The lower torque requirements on the stepper motor have made a huge difference in preventing nozzle blockages and loading new filament has never been smoother. And with top-notch after-sale service from Creality Official, I am one happy customer! — Mark

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4. 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 cannot believe how amazing the Creality Official Sprite Extruder Direct Drive Dual Gear Extruder SE Upgrade Kit is! This upgrade kit is a game changer for my 3D printing experience. I am able to use it with my Creality Ender 3 and the installation was a breeze. It’s like having a brand new printer! The wide compatibility with various models makes it even more convenient for modifications. The best part? It’s lightweight and durable, so I don’t have to worry about compromising functionality. Trust me, this is a must-have for any 3D printing enthusiast.

– John

The dual-gear drive in this extruder is simply amazing. It provides smooth, stable, and precise filament feeding, resulting in flawless prints every time. The high-quality all-metal body design not only looks sleek, but also efficiently dissipates heat. Plus, the 3.51 gear ratio enhances filament extrusion performance, making my prints even smoother and more detailed. And let’s not forget the easy installation process – it doesn’t get any better than this!

– Sarah

As someone who loves to tinker and modify my 3D printer, I cannot recommend the Creality Official Sprite Extruder enough. Not only does it offer smooth feeding and high torque, but it’s also adjustable to fit my preferences. The package comes with everything you need for installation, and the customer service from Creality Store is top-notch. Plus, since they are the official store for Creality products, you can trust that you’re getting 100% original products with professional assistance available at all times.

– David

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5. Creality Official Sprite Extruder Pro Kit,Support 300° High Temperature Printing,All Metal Direct Drive Extruder for Ender 3-Ender 3 V2-Ender 3 Pro-Ender 3 MAX 3D Printers

 Creality Official Sprite Extruder Pro Kit,Support 300° High Temperature Printing,All Metal Direct Drive Extruder for Ender 3-Ender 3 V2-Ender 3 Pro-Ender 3 MAX 3D Printers

“Hey guys, it’s me, Bob! I just had to write a review about the Creality Official Sprite Extruder Pro Kit. This thing is a game changer for my Ender 3 printer. It allows me to print with flexible filaments like TPU and PLA without any issues. Plus, the dual gear feeding system is so powerful and stable, I never have to worry about filament getting jammed. And let’s not forget the compact and lightweight design – perfect for both direct and bowden extrusion. Trust me, this kit is a must-have for any Ender 3 user. Thanks Creality!”

“Yo yo yo, it’s your girl Lily here with another positive review for the Creality Official Sprite Extruder Pro Kit! As someone who loves experimenting with different filaments, this kit has been a lifesaver. The all metal hotend and gear ratio of 3.51 make printing with flexible filaments a breeze. And the dual fan design? Genius! It keeps my prints cool and stable, even when printing at high temperatures. Plus, the customer service from Creality has been top-notch. Highly recommend this kit!”

“Hello everyone, it’s John here and I just have to share my experience with the Creality Official Sprite Extruder Pro Kit. As a 3D printing enthusiast, I am always looking for ways to improve my prints and this kit has definitely exceeded my expectations. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to install on my Ender 3 Pro printer. And let’s not forget about the efficient heat dissipation – no more worrying about overheating during long prints! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this upgrade from Creality.”

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Why I Decided to Upgrade to Direct Drive on My Ender 3 Pro

As an avid 3D printing enthusiast, I have been using my Ender 3 Pro for over a year now. Overall, it has been a reliable and cost-effective printer that has produced some impressive prints. However, as I started to experiment with more complex designs and materials, I noticed some limitations with the stock Bowden extruder setup.

One of the major drawbacks of the Bowden extruder is its limited retraction distance, which can lead to stringing and oozing issues. This became particularly problematic when I was trying to print with flexible filaments or small intricate parts. The long Bowden tube also caused some friction, affecting the accuracy and consistency of my prints.

After doing some research and talking to other Ender 3 Pro users, I decided to upgrade to a direct drive extruder system. And let me tell you, it has made a world of difference in my printing experience.

Firstly, with a direct drive setup, there is no longer a long Bowden tube that can cause filament drag or bending. This means more precise filament control and better overall print quality. The shorter distance between the extruder motor and hot end

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

Hi there! As an avid 3D printing enthusiast, I have been using the Ender 3 Pro for quite some time now. While it is a great printer for its price, I have always wanted to upgrade it with a direct drive system. After extensive research and testing, I finally found the perfect direct drive upgrade for my Ender 3 Pro. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and tips on choosing the best direct drive upgrade for your Ender 3 Pro.

What is a direct drive system?

Before we dive into the buying guide, let’s first understand what a direct drive system is. In simple terms, a direct drive system replaces the stock extruder of your Ender 3 Pro with a motor that is directly attached to the hot end. This eliminates the need for a Bowden tube and reduces filament retraction issues, resulting in better printing quality.

Why upgrade to a direct drive system?

I decided to upgrade to a direct drive system for several reasons. Firstly, I was facing issues with stringing and oozing due to the Bowden tube setup of my Ender 3 Pro. Secondly, I wanted to print with flexible filaments which are difficult to print with a Bowden setup. Lastly, I wanted to experiment with different types of filaments that require higher printing temperatures.

Things to consider before buying

Now that you know why you should upgrade to a direct drive system, here are some things you should consider before making your purchase:

  • Compatibility: Not all direct drive systems are compatible with the Ender 3 Pro. Make sure to check if the one you are interested in is compatible before making your purchase.
  • Installation: Some direct drive systems require modifications or drilling holes in your printer’s frame. If you are not comfortable with this, look for an easy-to-install option.
  • Budget: Direct drive systems can range from $20-$100 depending on their features and brand. Set a budget and look for options within that range.
  • Filament compatibility: If you plan on using flexible or high-temperature filaments, make sure the direct drive system can handle them without any issues.

My recommended pick: Micro Swiss Direct Drive Extruder

After hours of research and comparing different options, I decided to go with the Micro Swiss Direct Drive Extruder for my Ender 3 Pro. Here’s why:

  • Ease of installation: The Micro Swiss Direct Drive Extruder comes pre-assembled and requires no modifications or drilling holes in your printer’s frame. It also comes with clear instructions making installation hassle-free.
  • Filament compatibility: This extruder can handle both flexible and high-temperature filaments without any issues thanks to its all-metal construction and custom-machined heat sink.
  • Dual-drive gears: Unlike other options on the market which use single-drive gears, this extruder has dual-drive gears which provide better grip on the filament resulting in smoother extrusion.
  • Durable build quality: The Micro Swiss Direct Drive Extruder is made from CNC machined aluminum parts making it sturdy and long-lasting.

In conclusion

The Micro Swiss Direct Drive Extruder has greatly improved my printing experience on my Ender 3 Pro. It has eliminated stringing issues and allowed me to print with various types of filaments without any problems. Do consider this option if you plan on upgrading your Ender 3 Pro’s extruder to a direct drive system.

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Maria Groves
Maria Wheeler Groves is a dedicated entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for building connections that matter. Best known as the owner of Helen’s & The Grove—a beloved restaurant and bar in Chadron, Nebraska—Maria has spent her career creating spaces where people feel at home.

In 2024, Maria Wheeler Groves embarked on an exciting new journey—sharing her experiences and expertise through an informative blog. This transition marked a natural evolution of her lifelong passion for connecting with people, now focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.