I have a Mini that’s about 4 years old. It works great. I see there is a new line of print heads out and was looking for opinions on which head is best. My current head works well, are the new ones any better? Also I do like that the new line prints flexible filiment.
JD
Hey JD,
The direct replacement for your stock tool head would be the Mini Aerostruder: https://www.lulzbot.com/store/tool-heads/lulzbot-mini-aerostruder-tool-head
With this tool head you won’t need the optional adaptor like you would on the SE tool head for the Mini 2. It has a 0.5 mm E3D hot end assembly. It will print both standard and flexible filaments.
The other options that are available are the HS, HS+, and HE tool heads all of which will also print Carbon fiber filaments because of their hardened steel tool heads. They will also require the optional adapter. Here is a list of there nozzle sizes:
The HS has a 0.8 mm nozzle and had pretty good detail.
The HS+ has a 1.2 mm nozzle and is used more for rapid prototyping.
The HE tool head is 0.5 mm and is the stock tool head for the TAZ Workhorse. However there are no filament profiles developed for that model so you would have to do some testing. If you purchase this tool head, you would have to set up your Mini to use the SE tool head and then start by raising the temperature of your tool head by about 10C to start. Hardened steel requires a hotter nozzle then the brass nozzle on your current tool head because of its density.
It looks like the SE tool head works with the adapter plate. If this is the case why would I want to go with the tool head recommend above, Isn’t the SE tool head better? Or is there some problem running the SE tool head on a Mini 1?
FYI, I’m running an SE on a Mini 1.04, and it’s been excellent so far. It’s my first FDM printer, and I’ve only been using it for a week or so, but so far, so good.
There are other Titan-based toolhead options from IT3D, who will be around to provide support if you need them as well - FYI,