Topic: SD Stock Hot End Improved
Just wanted to relate my latest endeavor...
Went for over a year without a clog on my stock SD Hotend; until it failed in the midst of some heavy print jobs of course! Luckily, I had purchased a spare when I bought the SD2. Replaced it and started to unclog the old one. Worked out OK...all clear and clean.
Then I started reading up on PEEK and comparing it to some other material I was familiar with: Vespel from DuPont. Vespel is a thermoset material which has a capacity to work at 300c with no effect on mechanical properties (threads). So I decided to try something...
I had a plug of the Vespel which I got years ago as a sample to evaluate in bearing applications...Being the pack rat that I am, I dug it out and made a new "stock" hotend! I could have just machined the Vespel only and used a stock threaded barrel, but I wanted to try a 2.0mm bore instead of the 3.0mm. So I made a new barrel from scratch as well...see photos and progression below:
Threaded barrel from scratch:
New Vespel replacement for PEEK Insulator:
And the final assembly:
Have not tested it yet...I'm still running a string of prints for a hot job; but if it works as planned, there are 2 main benefits:
Pros:
- I can print at higher temps
- I don't lose any print height since the Hotend is not any longer
Cons:
- More apparent moire due to condensed melt chamber diameter
Wish me luck...The moment of truth still awaits!
Ord Bot Hadron - RAMPS 1.4 - Bulldog XL - E3D v6 - 10" x 10" PCB Heated Build w/SSR - Glass Plate
Thanks for All of Your Help!