New Bear extruder 0.7.0-beta is finally out!

The full release note can be find here: https://github.com/gregsaun/bear_extruder_and_x_axis/releases/tag/0.7.0-beta

New main features

• Now supports MK2.5S and MK3S filament sensors.
• Added a Bear nozzle fan duct (shroud).
• Refined heatsink space for smoother airflow.
• Insertion and removal of E3D V6 made easier.
• Improved heat resistance on the lower portion of the extruder (including PINDA mount).
• Refined X and Z bearing pockets diameters to avoid overtightening.
• Lowered tolerances of the lead screw nut holes.
• Full travel length of X axis for MK2.5S (it has been reduced on original MK2.5S extruder) 
• Made several parts easier and cleaner to print.
• Several parts made are stiffer and more durable.
• Improved documentation and made easier to download files.

New optional parts

• Official support of E3D Gates idlers.
• Applied refinements from Bear X carriage to Bondtech Bear X carriage.
• Updated reverse Bowden cover to accommodate the IR filament sensor.
• Created an X carriage back to accommodate larger filament sensor cables.

Compatibility

• This Bear extruder version supports the new IR filament sensor introduced with latest Original Prusa MK2.5S/MK3S extruder.
• This Bear extruder version is compatible with original Prusa firmware for daily use. However, (XY)Z calibration and selftest require a dedicated Bear calibration firmware for these steps only.
• This Bear extruder version is compatible with original MK2.5 (non-S) and MK3 (non-S) original firmware except for the filament sensor.

Why do we need a Bear calibration firmware?

    1. To improve printing quality and reliability

The original Prusa MK2.5S/MK3S hotend was raised by about 7 mm. This placement increases the ambient temperature around heatbreak and heatblock which could leads to clogging, heatcreep, inconsistent layers, extruder body melting, reducing part cooling efficiency, longer retractions, more fragile X carriage, etc.

We then have decided to keep the same hotend position as our previous Bear extruder to provide best printing experience and reliability. Because of the difference with original Prusa extruder, we provide a customized firmware to pass Selftest and (XY)Z Calibration. After the exception of these steps, the original Prusa firmware is completely compatible with our extruder.

    2. To be more reactive on critical issues

With more control over the firmware we can more quickly respond to critical issues which are found and reported in the firmware. We are actively monitoring the firmware releases and issues to track potential problems.

How the Bear calibration firmware is made?

• The Bear calibration firmware has very minimal modification from the original Prusa firmware. Those changes are described in the release: https://github.com/gregsaun/bear_extruder_and_x_axis/releases.
• Those modifications have been tested and some bugs have been reported to the community firmware.
• The modifications are reviewed and code quality is taken with care.
• We automated the build to avoid human errors.

Parts that needs to be replaced since release 0.6.0-alpha

All parts have been improved and we recommend to re-printing them all. However, changes on X ends are intended to improve assembly and you don't need to update them unless you have problems with the Z axis.

Special thank you

• To Florian Daeubler for testing hotend cooling.
• To David Ogles and Nathan Denkin for the precious review of the assembly guide.
• To Vecko Kojchevski for help and inspiration on PTFE tube cutter and X carriage.
• To David Pesce, RH_Dreambox, Robrps, Stahlfabrik and anyone from the issue #20 for design and research of the nozzle fan duct.
• To Josh Jones for the work on the Bear calibration firmware.
• To Matthew Humphrey for its optional E3D idler design. 
• To Bear upgrade FB community for their support and help.
• To "The 602 Wasteland" community for their technical support and testing.
• My Patreons for their help, support and testing.
• To official distributors for their support and work.
• LDO Motors and Jason Yiming Bao for their support and work.