E3D Silicone Socks

[Rick]

Hi guys/gals these look like a pretty cool easy mod! I think that this will also solve the problem some have had with the layer cooling fan causing fluctuations in the hot end temps. 


E3D Silicone Socks

Looks like you also have to upgrade to a cartridge style thermistor.  They do have a upgrade kit for that.

[animoose]

I have a pack of these on order. I'm going to see if I can make them fit on a standard heater block (well, almost standard as I use a screw-in thermistor), if not I'll order the upgrade kit.

[animoose]

I fitted this at the weekend. I didn't buy the upgrade kit: I am using a standard E3D v6, except that I have a screw-in stud thermistor (http://www.ebay.com/itm/E3D-version-of-M3-Stud-Thermistor-for-Reprap-Prusa-3D-Printer-Hot-End-Hotend-/321490496841?var=&hash=item4ada53ad49:m:mLA3XrbhP8nnAylK0jesqhg). I had to trim back the silicone to fit round it.

I had some worries because only the very tip of the nozzle sticks out, less than it looks like on the E3D pages. I might need to back it off a fraction of a turn. Laziness has prevail so far: if I did this, I think it might need to tighten the heat break down again. I was worried that the sock might hit the print as a result, but so far this has not been the case. I've done a few small prints so far, and it keeps the temperature stable, and also helps filament sticking to the nozzle. This has been a bugbear for me, with ooze from before the print starts sometimes getting stuck and then deposited in the first layer. Filament does not stick to the silicone and I've had a cleaner start to my prints as a result.

Very nice so far.

[scottadams]

Thanks for posting about that, animoose. I have the same thermistor and thought I too might be able to slightly trim the silicon sock to fit. Glad to know it will work. Looks like I'll be getting some new socks!