SnakeBite Remix Failure

thingiverse

Inspired by the_digital_dentist's SnakeBite extruder, I attempted to make a version that didn't require special parts or machining. The idea was to orient M3 bolts in such a way as to create a right-handed "thread" on one gear and left-handed on the other. That way the filament would be moved in the same direction by the gears rotating in opposite directions. It works but not well enough. Rotating the gear does move the filament along but also cuts out plastic debris. If the filament is held with enough force, it strips. I only experimented with using one gear and rotating it by hand but it's enough to let me know this particular setup isn't viable. In the process of making this I discovered Parkinbot's excellent gear generation script: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:636119 I've posted this failure so others could learn from it or maybe spark new ideas.