3D Printing - Hotend Guide
The hotend is a critical component of a 3D printer, being the element that melts the filament to facilitate the printing process. In this guide, we focus on the current most popular hotend options known for their high-speed capabilities and ease of use. These hotends cater to the prosumer market, striking a balance between performance and user-friendly operation. We will discuss the specifics of each hotend, their performance, adaptability, and present a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision for your next 3D printing project.
| Hotend Quick Links | |
|---|---|
| Rapido Hotend | Click Here |
| VzBot3D & Mellow3D Goliath Hotend | Click Here |
| Dragon Hotend | Click Here |
| Mosquito Hotend | Click Here |
| E3D Revo Hotend | Click Here |
Rapido Hotend
The Rapido hotend, a high-flow offering by Phaetus and Triangle-Lab, has emerged as a popular choice among pro-consumer 3D printing enthusiasts. Its affordability, paired with a wealth of mounting support and a proven reliability record, has bolstered its popularity in the community.
What sets Rapido apart is its revolutionary heating block design, featuring a unique ceramic, cylindrical heater that ensures uniform heating and a larger melting zone. This design accelerates heat-up times, achieving a range of 24-280°C in less than 60 seconds, a feature particularly appreciated by frequent printers.
The hotend is advertised to achieve a volumetric flow rate of up to 32mm³/s, a capacity that exceeds the needs of many. With two modes, High-flow and Ultra-High-Flow, users can toggle between them using an included adapter, adapting to the demands of different printing projects.
The Rapido is more than just a hotend replacement; it's a high-flow upgrade designed to enhance the performance of your printer significantly. Its cylindrical heater design ensures that the filament is heated evenly from all sides, unlike the side heating in typical hotends. This feature facilitates a high volumetric flow rate that might surpass the capabilities of many stock printers, turning your machine into a rapid, filament-laying beast.
In terms of thermistor options, the Rapido offers a choice between the PT1000 and the 104NT-4-R025H42G thermistor. The PT1000 is a high-temp sensor allowing for printing temperatures of up to 500°C, while the 104NT thermistor caps at a heat resistance of 290°C, which is sufficient for a majority of available filaments. It's advisable to opt for the PT1000 if your controller can support it, as most do.
Versions:
There are currently two versions available, the 1.0 & 2.0. The 2.0 is an update to the 1.0, with a newer heating element and thermistor. It uses a screw-in thermistor for easier replacement and the heating element is square instead of round which helps with expansion and contraction and also allows for easier replacement.
There is basically no difference in performance between the two versions. The 2.0 is just easier to service.
Variants:
As mentioned above, there are two variants available, High-Flow (HF) and Ultra High-Flow (UHF). The UHF Rapido comes with a volcano-style adapter, extending the melting zone for even faster printing speeds. It is advertised as being able to hit 75mm³/s flow rate but this really depends on the filament type, nozzle diameter, and layer height.
While this version is suitable for those looking to push their printing speeds, it does come with a caveat. The UHF mode extends the overall height of the hotend, necessitating modifications to part-cooling ducts and probe mounts, which could be a bit troublesome to set up.
I recommend getting the UHF version but if you don’t, there’s no need to worry. You can very easily purchase the UHF adapter later if you choose to upgrade. There are two versions of the adapter available, version 1 & version 2. Version 1 allows you to use any V6-style nozzle on the Rapido while version 2 only accepts volcano-style nozzles.
PRO TIP: Since the Rapido 2.0 entered the market, you can find the original Rapido still available and for a great deal. If you do some searching, you could grab a Rapido UHF for under $100.
| Rapido Hotend Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Variants Available | High Flow / Ultra High Flow |
| Price (HF) | $99 USD |
| Price (UHF) | $109 USD |
| Max. Flow Rate (HF) | 45mm³/s |
| Max. Flow Rate (UHF) | 75mm³/s |
| Max. Temp (HF) | 290°C |
| Max. Temp (UHF) | 350°C |
| Voltage | 24V |
| Power | 115W |
| Heater Type | Cylindrical Ceramic Heater |
| Thermistor Options | HF - 104NT-4-R025H42G / UHF - PT1000 |
| Silicone Sock Included | Yes |
Goliath Hotend
The Goliath Hotend is rapidly becoming the go-to choice for the pro-consumer segment of the 3D printing market, where it's valued by users seeking top-tier hardware to maximize their machine's capabilities. With a focus on pushing the boundaries of what's possible in 3D printing, the Goliath stands out for its ability to handle extreme temperatures and maintain performance stability, securing its place at the forefront of high-end printing applications.
The Goliath's architectural prowess is reflected in its use of a nickel-plated copper heat block, which is optimized for use with a powerful 100-watt 24v DC nichrome wire heater. This heating element ensures that the Goliath can swiftly reach up to 550°C, making it suitable for a wide range of materials, including those requiring high processing temperatures. Its bi-material heatbreak, fusing copper with zirconia, provides an efficient thermal barrier that minimizes conductive heat transfer while allowing for maximum heat retention at the melt zone—ideal for precision printing.
Precision is further enhanced with the integration of a PT1000 M3 brass sensor, which affords high-resolution temperature feedback, ensuring that the Goliath operates within the tightest of temperature margins. This kind of accuracy is indispensable when working with demanding filaments that require strict thermal regulation. Additionally, the hotend is engineered for convenience, designed to fit V6-type nozzles and accommodate a 9mm wrench for easy nozzle changes, emphasizing its user-centric design.
For assembly and mounting, the Goliath is best used with a CoreXY machine, known for their fast and precise printing capabilities. It necessitates either a vzbot toolhead for mounting or a tailored solution that caters to the specific configuration of the user's printer. The adaptability of the Goliath to various high-performance printing environments underscores its role as a versatile component in the enhancement of 3D printers.
Variants
When it comes to cooling, the Goliath offers options to suit different operational needs and printer setups. Users can select between an air-cooled or a water-cooled aluminum heatsink, depending on their printing conditions and the level of thermal management required. The water-cooled variant, in particular, is perfect for those running their printers in high-temperature environments or for extended periods, requiring consistent cooling performance.
| Goliath Hotend Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Variants Available | Air-Cooled / Water-Cooled |
| Price (Air-Cooled) | $120 |
| Price (Water-Cooled) | $140 |
| Max. Flow Rate | 100mm³/s |
| Max. Temp | Up to 550°C |
| Voltage | 24v |
| Power | 100 watt |
| Heater Type | Nichrome Wire |
| Thermistor Options | PT1000 M3 Brass Sensor |
| Heater Block Material | Nickel-Plated Copper |
| Silicone Sock Included | Yes |
Dragon Hotend
The Phaetus Dragon Hotend has carved a niche for itself in the pro-consumer sector of the 3D printing community. Known for its similarity to the Mosquito Hotend while being more budget-friendly, the Dragon Hotend has become a favoured choice among enthusiasts.
Central to the Dragon's appeal is its unique design featuring a nickel-plated copper heat block for rapid heating and a distinct heat break design that allows for both minimal size and structural integrity. This hotend is not just a replacement; it's an upgrade designed to enhance the performance of 3D printers.
The Dragon Hotend boasts superior heat break performance and increased structural rigidity which are crucial for preventing heat creep and ensuring durability. It also sports a high-temperature operating range, rated for up to 450°C, making it a versatile choice for a variety of printing materials.
One of the defining features of the Dragon Hotend is its compatibility. It's a drop-in replacement for the E3D V6 hotend, which means an easy transition for those looking to upgrade. Moreover, it comes in both high-flow and standard-flow models, catering to different printing speed preferences. The high-flow model, in particular, outperforms the E3D V6 hotend in maximum extrusion flow rate tests, showcasing its superior performance.
The Dragon does not come with a heater or thermistor, you will have to source those separately.
Variants
For the standard Dragon, there are 2 variants: the Standard Flow (ST) and High Flow (HF). The only difference is that the HF has a longer melting zone with a ceramic cover.
There is also a water-cooled version that comes in both ST and HF versions. To learn more about water-cooling, click here.
Pro Tip: I would recommend a Rapido over the Dragon. If you do some searching online you’ll find that a lot of users report clogging issues with the Dragon. I had this same experience with a Dragon HF. The Rapido is just a superior hotend in comparison.
| Phaetus Dragon Hotend Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Variants Available | Standard Flow / High Flow / Water-Cooled |
| Price | ST - $105 USD / HF - $116.90 USD |
| Flow Rate | ST 15-20 mm³/s / HF 25-30 mm³/s |
| Maximum Temperature | Up to 500°C |
| Voltage | 12v/24v |
| Power | Your choice of heater |
| Heater Type | Cartridge Heater |
| Thermistor Options | HF - 104NT-4-R025H42G / UHF - PT1000 |
| Heater Block Material | Nickel-Plated Copper |
| Silicone Sock Included | Yes |
Slice Engineering Mosquito
The Mosquito Hotend by Slice Engineering is a venerable name in the 3D printing industry, lauded for its ability to endure and excel with abrasive materials. As one of the earliest innovators of high-temperature printing solutions, the Mosquito has set a benchmark for performance and reliability, with its robust design capable of withstanding rigorous use over time.
Despite its age, the Mosquito's design is far from obsolete. It uses a heater cartridge system that, while traditional, provides a steady and controlled source of heat to manage a variety of filament types. Its solid construction ensures minimal heat creep and maximal thermal efficiency, which is vital when working with intricate, high-resolution prints. This reliability has made it a go-to for professionals and hobbyists who require a hotend that can consistently perform under stress.
The Mosquito's compact form factor is designed with versatility in mind, fitting easily into most 3D printer configurations. Its effectiveness in a smaller footprint has made it particularly beneficial for printers with limited space, such as multi-extrusion systems. The hotend's ease of maintenance, highlighted by the one-handed nozzle change feature, underscores its user-friendly approach, allowing for quick swaps and adjustments to keep downtime to a minimum.
Variants
Recognizing the varied needs of 3D printing enthusiasts, Slice Engineering has expanded the Mosquito line to include the Mosquito Magnum, Mosquito Magnum+, Mosquito Magnum Liquid, and Mosquito Prime. The Magnum+ is tailored for users needing higher flow rates without sacrificing the Mosquito's signature temperature capabilities. Meanwhile, the water-cooled variant offers a solution for those operating in high-temperature environments or looking to print for extended periods, requiring robust cooling to maintain print quality and hotend longevity.
All hotends can be purchased with or without heaters and thermistors giving you ability to assemble the hotend that is right for your needs.
| Mosquito Hotend Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Variants Available | Check them out here |
| Price Range | Depends on model |
| Flow Rate (Estimated) | 20 |
| Maximum Temperature | 550°C |
| Voltage | 24V typically |
| Power Rating | Your Choice |
| Heater Cartridge Type | Standard and Magnum+ specific |
| Thermistor | Your Choice |
| Heater Block Material | Nickel-Plated Copper Alloy |
| Silicone Sock Included | Yes |
E3D Revo
The E3D Revo hotend marks a significant stride in the 3D printing realm, drawing attention from both seasoned and amateur enthusiasts. Its innovative features, coupled with its compatibility with various printers, place it in a favorable light amongst pro-consumer users.
One of the Revo's standout features is its RapidChange technology, which facilitates a swift and simple nozzle replacement, minimizing downtime and making maintenance a breeze. This feature, alongside its compatibility with a variety of printers, makes the Revo a versatile choice for many.
The core design of the Revo centers around ease of use and efficient heat management. Its heater block is crafted from nickel-plated copper, ensuring rapid heat up times and consistent temperature maintenance during print jobs. This is crucial for achieving high-quality prints with fewer imperfections. Besides, the hotend can comfortably handle temperatures up to 285°C, making it suitable for a wide array of filaments.
The Revo isn't merely about hardware; it extends its innovation to the nozzle design. The Revo Nozzle is designed for optimal flow, boasting sharp entry and exit points that reduce back-pressure and promote a smoother flow of filament. This design translates to better print quality and less post-processing.
Variants
Revo hotend offers a diverse range of variants catering to different printer models and user needs. Check out the full list here.
The E3D Revo definitely has the lowest flow rate on this list, around 12mm³/s, but now there are new high-flow nozzles that will reach around 50mm³/s when printing ASA. You can check them out here.
There are also new high-temp nozzles + high-temp heater block that allows you to print almost every type of high-great engineering filament. They also allow you to print abrasive filaments which the original Revo isn’t capable of. You can learn more here.
| E3D Revo Hotend Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Variants Available | Check Here |
| Price Range | From $98 to $189 USD |
| Flow Rate (Estimated) | Up to 12mm³/s |
| Maximum Temperature | Depends on version |
| Nozzle Change | Tool-free, QuickSwap |
| Voltage | 12V/24V options |
| Power Rating | 30W & 40W / 40W HT & 65W UHT |
| Heater Cartridge Type | Revo Heater |
| Thermistor | Depends on version |
| Heater Block Material | Nickel-Plated Copper |
| Silicone Sock Included | Yes |
3D Printing Guides
Trending Articles
Latest Articles
Explore our 3D Printing Cost Calculator to effortlessly estimate your project costs. This tool helps you calculate material, power, and additional expenses, ensuring accurate pricing for every print.