Hercules - QIDI X-Max Carriage for BMG & Dragon / E3D V6

Update June 6, 2022

BMG & Dragon / E3D V6 is now supported by Icarus 2 , I recommend going with that instead as it's a better and future-proof platform to build from:

Icarus 2

Support

All my designs and mods on Printables are free to use and remix. They have a non-commercial license. If you enjoy this or any of my other designs you can send me a small donation using the link below. Thanks :)

https://www.paypal.me/humebeamengineering

Update August 19, 2021

I've added a new file to print. It's a PTFE cutting jig so you can easily cut the exact length required for the hotend:

hercules-ptfe-cutting-jig-1.0.stl

It's made for the Trianglelab BMG 2.0 in the BOM. If you're using another BMG clone or an original Bondtech BMG it's likely a different length that is required, however, I have included the step file so you can easily edit it.

About

Hercules is a sturdy and dimensionally accurate one-piece carriage for the QIDI X-Max that was designed focusing on strength and ease of maintenance while keeping it lightweight. It uses self-securing cable management that doesn't require any cable ties. The PCB snaps in place and is moved to the side so it's not in the way of extruder access.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see some test prints using Hercules with BMG and Dragon.

The whole carriage is only roughly 100 g depending on infill and filament type used and the extruder and hotend are easily accessible without removing any other parts, although removing the blower fan attached with a single screw is recommended. Once the carriage is installed, there is no play between the bearings and the carriage.

Hercules is using the popular dual gear BMG extruder and Dragon / Dragonfly or V6 hotend.

It was originally a remix of cwills75's design which in turn is a remix from jhenrikb's carriage, who did the original. This is however, completely redesigned. I've kept the outer dimensions for the carriage and the mounting holes for the fan duct identical for cross-design compatibility. Thanks to jhenrikb and cwills75 and the other guys pioneering the work and for calculating e-steps and firmware settings.

Why?

Curiosity. I didn't find the original QIDI extruders as bad as some people did but had to find out if they could be improved. I also wanted to be able to print a wide range of filament without having to switch extruders or worry about unrecoverable QIDI high temp extruder clogs and gear slippage. Ease of maintenance is also a big plus.

Is it better?

With Hercules I'm using a Trianglelab BMG (Clone) extruder and Trianglelab Dragon hotend and it prints even better with cleaner lines and the dual gear extruder is night and day. Clogs are a thing from the past and no more grinded up filament stuck in the gear.

Here's a comparison picture by Hercules user techguychad:

What to print:

Print these files:

hercules-1.7.2.stl hercules-dial-holder-1.3.stl hercules-belt-peg-1.2.stl hercules-fan-duct-1.3.stl bmg-handle-short-1.0.stl hercules-ptfe-cutting-jig-1.0.stl

Optionally, print the PCB cover and ribbon cable holder clip as well (not required):

hercules-pcb-cover-1.1.stl hercules-ribbon-holder-clip-1.0

BOM - Bill of Materials

I buy most of my 3D printer parts from quality stores on AliExpress. Shipping takes a while from China but quality is excellent and the prices are good. I might add more stores to the BOM later but it's a lot of work keeping it updated and current so I will try to keep it short.

Hotend / Extruder

You can use a genuine Bondtech BMG Extruder and E3D V6 hotend or a Trianglelab V6 clone if you like. The Dragon hotend is the best though. You can go with either Standard Flow or High Flow Dragon, I have both and they're both great although the Standard Flow is a bit easier to print with.

Dragonfly Hotend

Both BMS and BMO supported.

AliExpress

BMG Extruder AliExpress

6x20MM 24V 60W Heater Cartridge AliExpress

T-K500 Thermocouple (3 x 15 mm)

The budget version is fine. Buy a spare.

AliExpress AliExpress

Sunon Maglev MF40202V2-1000U-A99

I use this Sunon Maglev fan, it's rated at just 21 dB(A). 7.7 CFM.