E3D V6  

Re: E3D V6

Hi Max

Question is, why would you want to change to the V6? The Lite6 is marginally a better hot end for this printer.

The V6 and Lite6 are interchangeable, so unless you need to do some more mods when changing to the V6 (there are some which I would strongly recommend) the V6 will simply sit in the same housing as the Lite6.

Peter

Re: E3D V6

Well the thing is, I bought the V6 because it was pretty inexpensive on Amazon. I am trying to put together another 3D printer and while working on a budget I cant just go out and buy the best out there. I would have bought a Chimera! Anyways, so the printed parts for the Original Prusa i3 would work with this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010MZ8RKW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

Thanks!

Max

Re: E3D V6

Its not E3D V6 ;-).

But it should fit to our extruder without problems.

Re: E3D V6

Max

I think that may be a Chinese clone and beware the 40W heater cartridge; they are prone to thermal runaway.

Peter

Re: E3D V6

Hi Peter,

Could you tell us more about those mods you would suggest for the E3D v6?

Thanks!

Re: E3D V6

Anil

There are a few mods which would make the V6/Lite6 more efficient:

Print a modified part fan nozzle - one which does not direct any airflow at the heater block
Invert the heater block so that the heater cartridge is closer to the nozzle - this would require the thermistor cable re-routing from the right hand side.
Improve the heat transfer between heater cartridge and block - the hole is the block is oversized which means the cartridge is not as efficient as it could be at transferring the heat
One other mod that I can't remember at present, but if I do, I will let you know.

Peter

Re: E3D V6

Hi Peter,

Print a modified part fan nozzle - one which does not direct any airflow at the heater block

That would be interesting, any thoughts on how this would look like? I've noticed that the stock Lite6 has a ~40w cartridge which is probably due to the fan hitting the nozzle. It would be interesting to think about this.

Invert the heater block so that the heater cartridge is closer to the nozzle - this would require the thermistor cable re-routing from the right hand side.

Yes I noticed this when I was assembling my V6, I will probably do this to avoid the heat getting too high up the disipator.

Improve the heat transfer between heater cartridge and block - the hole is the block is oversized which means the cartridge is not as efficient as it could be at transferring the heat

Currently they provide some thermal paste for the disipator, maybe some of it could be used on the heater cartridge, what do you think about this?

One other mod that I can't remember at present, but if I do, I will let you know.

Can't wait to hear it!

Thanks!

Re: E3D V6

Hi Anil

PR are now shipping the printer with a 40W heater cartridge to overcome these issues and the fact that over 20% of the earlier 30W cartridges being supplied be E3D were 25W or less! A 30W cartridge works fine, but PR can't afford to take the hit on demic supplies.

I made some mods to the fan housing; mainly the nozzle and inside the housing which caused the airflow to be more concentrated and towards the part rather than the heater block.

There is no need to reorient the heater block; it is fine as it is, just a tad wasteful... PTFE tubing is fine up to 245 degrees and there really is no need to print above that temperature. 1.75mm ABS from PR has a print temp range of 200 to 230 degrees.

I also thought about thermal paste, but there are a couple of issues with it. Firstly is sets like cement when it gets hot and secondly, I really don't know how well it would perform over 200 degrees. The thermal paste supplied is the same type as used for CPU heat transfers (up to 110 degrees). I believe it is silicone based, which I think degrades badly over 230.

Peter

P.S. Again with all this, wait for a while and enjoy your printing. Josef may have some surprises in store...

Re: E3D V6

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your very interesting comments, I think you're right about the thermal paste.

Would you be open to sharing your modified housing?

Re: E3D V6

Anil

Attached. Not very good and not all slicers like it, but it works well for me...

Again, don't go rushing into this, spending time doing mods when you could be printing something useful...

Peter

Re: E3D V6

Thanks Peter!