E3d Metal Hotend

Testing the E3D-v4.1 All metal HotEnd on a [TVRRUG http://www.tvrrug.org.uk/] 3D printer.

= First impressions =

Machined parts fit perfectly and give a professional feel.

The grub-screw retained heater cartridge (with pre-fitted high-temp leads) is a much neater solution then the old-style resistors. (supplying the matching alankeys a nice touch).

The supply a J-Head style bulb thermistor, though the hole is drilled slightly larger and so feels a bit lose prompting me to add a dab of thermal paste. The also seems to be a hole drilled for a co-axil thermistor that might be a tidier solution.

Unfortunately the is no documentation on the tightening torque. I chose to finger tight the nozzle, then the heat shield, then the heat sink.

As promised matched j-head mounting and worked first time.

= Testing =

I am use to running my j-head at the low-end of the temperature bracket to minimise leaking. The e3d seemed less tolerant of this and produced better results hotter (not confirmed calibration but consistency was as expected). It also seemed to require more power to maintain temp. will confirm.

Initial tests are very promising, producing much less stringing and bobbling then my admittedly now mistreated j-head.

Ok if the fan goes off (no idea why it did) the you can't reverse out of or power though the blockage. Overall dose seem to require slightly more extrusion pressure (which coupled with my tight bowdens is pushing the limits).