Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?  

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

No. The genuine Prusa I3 MK2 is supported as parts of out of the box with the kit and ready built. Your are on your own with a non standard nozzle, But go for it anyway and tell us your experience, that way we will all learn.

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

Swapping the nozzle is simple enough. There are few pitfalls like accidentally bending the heatbreak in the process and its "safer" to swap them while hot. But overall, this is no big deal. Here's a video on how to swap it on the MK2:

If this is your first printer, i'd say leave the hotend as is (hotend comes fully pre-assembled, nozzle already in) for your initial build and once you know everything works well and got your basics down, swap it then.

PS: most of the carbon filled PLA filaments aren't actually much stronger than regular PLA.. It's more for show than actual part strength. I get more durable prints from filaments like PlaTeC/Greentec, ABS or (tricky to print) nylon.

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

Nozzle changes arent scary, just you do have to do them right. Don't be afraid to do that, but definitely read up and view a few of the nozzle change videos (Tom Sanlanderer, Makers Muse, 3D Printing Nerd, Nillabean, etc)

Work with your stock parts until you learn your way around the printer and it's settings, and youll have a much easier time of it- but dont be scared either.

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for the replies. I did not realize the hotend comes assembled, and yes this will be my first printer so as Stephan and Nigel suggested I will be going with stock for now.

Thanks again guys, cheers 🙂

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

The carbon fibre filaments I have used are disappointing. Not very strong, not very heat resistant.

The best use for carbon infused filament is scrubbing out the inside of the nozzle. For that purpose alone, a hardened nozzle is useful. 😀

I'd buy a hardened nozzle and install it before putting the extruder in the printer. Much easier that way, and you can print anything when you are ready. The 'support for stock' is still the case anyway, make sure you get the 0.4mm hardened nozzle and then it is stock.

And I would certainly ask Prusa to include the silicone sock (or socks) in the kit.

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

I went for months with no idea why my old printer wasn't working right before I figured out that the glow in the dark filament I was using had messed up my nozzle by enlarging the hole. I have a hardened one now but haven't installed it yet. I've heard that you need to allow for extra heating time with them, but can't confirm from personal experience.

Either way definitely get it working stock first so you can compare.

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

Hardened nozzles are easy to install. I haven't noticed any additional time heating.... the nozzle always reaches temp before the bed anyway so even if the difference is there it wouldn't make much difference.
As mentioned, even if you don't use CF it's handy going down the hardened route. I love printing woodfill, have used glow in the dark and plan on using Copperfill as soon as I can get my hands on some.
Just do it. 😀

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

I've now run a hardened nozzle in two different printers for several days of printing and have not had any trouble with them at all. Make sure you install the correctly though =]

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

Richard

Have you had to make any changes (ie temp) when using this nozzle?

What temps and speeds are you printing at?

Peter

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

I haven't made any changes; I am using the prusa supplied config and default speeds so far and I'm currently printing at 285C with high temp Proto-pasta PC-ABS. I've not needed to make any changes on the other printer I put it on either, and I've used PLA, ABS, and PC-ABS with it so far. No difference in printing noticed.

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

OK, thanks. Very interesting.

I have the E3D plated copper nozzles arriving tomorrow; I think I will try those first and then the steel one.

Peter

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

I have spare hardened steel and stainless steel nozzles for my Genuine Prusa I3 MK2. I have not yet used them, I am playing with RigidInk PLA Plus. A comment from a colleague on the pint I showed him, it looked injection moulded, with PLA Plus. Its my new goto material right now.

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

I have the E3D plated copper nozzles arriving tomorrow; I think I will try those first and then the steel one.Peter

After my first clog in months I decided to install mine last night as well as the plated copper heat block since I had the hotend apart. Need to redo the PID but it seems to be working great.

Re: Should I go with the hardened nozzle from the start?

Richard

Thanks for the info. I didn't bother with the block, but I have been having a few blockages recently and have used 2 nozzles (standard) in 3 days.

Problem is that I don't know how the plating will affect the unloading (multi-material). I guess there's only one way to find out. Will try to find the time to fit it tomorrow.

Peter