Electroformed Nozzle
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Published on August 4, 2012
Description
The purpose of this experimental design is to take a step toward a more "replicatable" hot end. The procedures outlined here could potentially be used to make a functional hot end using basic raw materials and simple processes, without the need for precision tools such as a metal lathe or drill bits and other cutting tools.
This prototype can extrude Polycaprolactone at about 120C.
The main tube is electroformed copper.
The insulating portion is cast plaster.
The heater coil is made of enamel insulated copper wire.
Temperature feedback is accomplished by measuring the resistance of the copper heater coil.
Electroforming works for many metals that have desirable properties (such as nickel). The electroforming method may serve to be a useful technique for converting other 3D printed forms into metal parts.
This prototype can extrude Polycaprolactone at about 120C.
The main tube is electroformed copper.
The insulating portion is cast plaster.
The heater coil is made of enamel insulated copper wire.
Temperature feedback is accomplished by measuring the resistance of the copper heater coil.
Electroforming works for many metals that have desirable properties (such as nickel). The electroforming method may serve to be a useful technique for converting other 3D printed forms into metal parts.
Instructions
Full writeup on Reprap Wiki
reprap.org/wiki/Electroformed_Nozzle
reprap.org/wiki/Electroformed_Nozzle
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If you used nichrome instead of enameled copper would you be able to run at 230 C.
Yes, I understand that. :)
The motivation for using copper instead of nichrome is to reduce the number of vitamins, from a self-replication standpoint.
The 120C limitation is due to the enamel insulation failing. With better insulation a copper coil should easily reach 230C.
But nichrome is certainly better suited for t
he job.