Bondtech LGX PRO Extruder

This LGX PRO extruder from the LGX family by Bondtech is a more powerful, faster and more sturdy version of the LGX extruder. The LGX (Large Gears eXtruder) extrusion system is a leap forward in the world of extruders since it offers a more compact extrusion system with superior performance to the already excellent BMG extruders, especially in flexible filaments.

Video 1: How the LGX extruder is made. Source: Bondtech.

The LGX PRO extruder was designed in mind with industrial additive manufacturing with demanding materials, indlucing advanced, abrasive and flexible filaments. The LGX PRO extruder has CE, RoHS and REACH certifications and is available for 1.75 mm filaments or 2.85 mm filaments.

Image 1: The LGX PRO vs the LGX extruder. Source: Bondtech.

The LGX PRO extruder is made of high quality materials that ensure its superior performance and durability. The housing is made of PA 12 GF for better mechanical and thermal strength, and the drive gears are made of hardened steel (nitrocarburized SS1914 with coating). The LGX PRO extruder is equipped with a 30 mm NEMA 17 pancake motor and offers a push force of 7-10 kg.

Image 2: The gears of the LGX PRO extruder. Source: Bondtech.

The maximum working temperature of the LGX PRO extruder is 100 ºC. Since the extruder's motor reaches a self-heating temperature of about 80 ºC (@ 1000 mA), it is crucial that the chamber temperature never exceed 180 ºC if a 3D printer with a closed chamber is used.

Image 3: The different tension settings on the LGX PRO extruder. Source: Bondtech.

The tension on the LGX PRO extruder can be adjusted depending on the extruded material with the help of the tension lever placed on top of the extruder. This solution makes manual tension adjustment with a screw redundant and increases the preciseness, repeatability and speed of tension settings. The recommended settings are as follows:

0. Filament loading and unloading without pressure from drive gears.
1. Rigid materials.
2. Semi-flexible materials with a hardness of approximately Shore 95 A / Rigid materials that need more grip.
3. Flexible materials with a Shore hardness of 85-95 A.
4. Soft materials with a Shore hardness of 75-85 A.
5. Very soft materials with a Shore hardness of 60-75 A.

Versatility and compatibility

The LGX PRO can be safely mounted on the Copperhead, Mosquito, Mosquito Magnum, and Mosquito Magnum+ Air and Liquid hotends by Slice Engineering.

Image 4: The LGX PRO extruder is compatible with many Bondtech hotends. Source: Bondtech.

By default the LGX PRO extruder is a direct extruder but it can be transformed into a Bowden or reverse Bowden extruder with the Bowden Interface Plug. It is also possible to use the LGX PRO extruder with the Bondtech Aluminum Interface Plug (purchased separately). This feature is especially useful in high flow applications where the risk of hotend oscillation is higher due to the buildup of pressure, as well as with longer hotends such as Magnum+. The Interface Plug provides the LGX extruder with more rigidity and support for such applications.

Image 5: The LGX extruder used in a Bowden setup. Source: Bondtech.

The smart, compact and light design of the LGX PRO extruder ensures not only versatility but also the ease of mounting and maintenance. Multiple mounting holes allow for various mounting setups to increase compatibility with hotends. The LGX PRO extruder is also equipped with a multifunctional interface socket to accomodate tools and quick swapping. The cleaning of the extruder's gears is very easy thanks to the maintenance windows that allow easy access.