RE: Copper heat blocks for the Core One are turning out to be a bad idea
I came across this thread while doing research, having recently purchased (and now just installed) a nickel plated copper heat block in my Core One. I was expecting to see a difference in the time it took to come up to temperature — but it seems practically identical to the aluminum heat block. I’ve also had no difficulty with homing or printing.
I should say, this was not necessarily my first choice — but I needed to replace the aluminum heat block (after damaging the threads), and none were in stock.
RE: Copper heat blocks for the Core One are turning out to be a bad idea
I came across this thread while doing research, having recently purchased (and now just installed) a nickel plated copper heat block in my Core One. I was expecting to see a difference in the time it took to come up to temperature — but it seems practically identical to the aluminum heat block. I’ve also had no difficulty with homing or printing.
I should say, this was not necessarily my first choice — but I needed to replace the aluminum heat block (after damaging the threads), and none were in stock.
If you plan on experimenting with high temperature nozzle mods then you have to use nickel/copper. I use them exclusively on my Core One. I've also tuned the PID and have it in my startup g-code:
; PID for Copper Block M301 P25.03 I2.06 D76.09
RE: Copper heat blocks for the Core One are turning out to be a bad idea
Have you seen any improvements in volumetric flow rates (non high temp) with the copper block? Or are we still limited by the nozzle geometry and heater output vs the thermal conductivity of the heat block.
RE: Copper heat blocks for the Core One are turning out to be a bad idea
Armchair speculation- the heater block may be inconsequential compared to the entire head but remember that it's not solidly bolted to the head. It's hanging off a small tube, the nozzle. How well that fits the hole in the heatsink might change how much and at what frequency it resonates. The clamp screws are a bit higher up, so tolerance variations might matter. Also, different nozzles might have different wall thicknesses and stiffnesses. Maybe you need light weight copper. 😆
RE: Copper heat blocks for the Core One are turning out to be a bad idea
I've seen no obvious difference in printing PLA or PETG. If I hadn't replaced the Heat Block myself, I'd probably be unaware that a change had been made.