Nozzle sizes and types
So I'm starting to dig a little deeper into different printing aspects and one thing among the many I've been reading up on is nozzles. So obviously the mk3 comes standard with a .4mm nozzle. I've been reading the various reasons why you would want/ need to switch. I've dug deep enough to figure out in general smaller sizes can get you better detail but take longer and aren't really recommended for very large prints, while larger nozzles can get you bigger projects/ save you time but get less detailed the larger you go. Another thing I was reading is that if you were pushing very abrasive materials through you'd want a hardened nozzle or you'll wear out your standard ones. And if you do switch not only do you need to change it in slicer but you will have to recalibrate and adjust the z axis again each time. So, I was just curious if very many here find themselves switching frequently between different nozzles? Which ones (sizes, types, brands) have you found yourself using the most and to what desired results.
Any kind of info you have with your experiences would be helpful I'm trying to build my knowledge base.
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Re: Nozzle sizes and types
I've dumped my notes on nozzles here and impacts on print times here.
Once you get the procedure down, swapping nozzles takes a few minutes. I'll often swap a few times each day. It really opens up options.
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He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
Re: Nozzle sizes and types
An E3D nozzle Funpack will get you nozzles ranging from 0.15MM up to 0.60MM and is a cost effective way to get 5 new nozzles. I would also purchase a a backup of the 0.4mm nozzle - they are cheap and it is good to have one on hand. Hardened steel nozzles are useful for printing glowfill and brass/bronze/wood filaments. I purchased a 0.4mm and a 0.80mm hardened steel nozzle and use them a lot to switch between many different filaments. I will purchase a small one 0.15 or 0.25 in the future.
My suggestion to start is to get a very small and larger nozzle to start and experiment. since there are Slic3r and Prusa control settings for the 0.25 and 0.60 sizes already set, those are good bets to get started since it requires minimal adjustment in settings. I would also go Hardened steel since you can use it for printing PLA/PETG/ABS too as well as exotic filaments.
Changing the nozzle seems daunting, but follow the instructions in the Knowledge base and it is not that hard.
I adjust the live Z (not the z axis calibration) after each nozzle switch, since you have to as you are changing a variable but it is not that big of deal and it does not change that much, but it does change. Also, get some cleaning filament too as it helps when switching filaments/nozzles. Bobstro's page has info on it and it was very helpful advice and it does help prevent issues.
It seems that at the same time I am into adjusting settings for a new nozzle, a lot of related nozzle posts have been appearing which is very fortunate... Perhaps it is recency bias that I am noticing them, but it is very helpful!
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Re: Nozzle sizes and types
FYI: The E3D nozzle funpack includes:
An E3D nozzle Funpack will get you nozzles ranging from 0.15MM up to 0.60MM and is a cost effective way to get 5 new nozzles. I would also purchase a a backup of the 0.4mm nozzle - they are cheap and it is good to have one on hand.
0.15mm is listed as "experimental". I've only seen 0.20mm from the knock-off clones.
My suggestion to start is to get a very small and larger nozzle to start and experiment. since there are Slic3r and Prusa control settings for the 0.25 and 0.60 sizes already set, those are good bets to get started since it requires minimal adjustment in settings. I would also go Hardened steel since you can use it for printing PLA/PETG/ABS too as well as exotic filaments.
I think that's great advice, along with the suggested spare 0.40mm. 0.25mm is about as small as you really need even for miniatures. Any smaller than the smallest details and you're just wasting time and producing fragile prints. 0.60mm was a great intro to bigger printing and is well supported.
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He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
Re: Nozzle sizes and types
I've dumped my notes on nozzles here and impacts on print times here.
Once you get the procedure down, swapping nozzles takes a few minutes. I'll often swap a few times each day. It really opens up options.
😯 Wow that is a lot to take in I’m sure I’ll have to refer back to it once I get some nozzles.
Also on a note that was brought up I did see the amazon specials and was like there’s got to be a reason (quality or lack there of) they can sell you like a dozen+ for next to nothing.
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Re: Nozzle sizes and types
[...] Also on a note that was brought up I did see the amazon specials and was like there’s got to be a reason (quality or lack there of) they can sell you like a dozen+ for next to nothing.
Just remember it's a 3D process. Don't get hung up on "speed" when looking at 3D printing. It's speed X extrusion width X layer height that makes a difference in print times. (Thus my signature.)
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He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan