.3 vs .4 nozzle

[Draud]

So I messed up on an order and mistakenly ordered .3 mm nozzles instead of .4. What are the benefits and drawbacks of using a .3 over a .4?

[gmay3]

I would say that the .3 nozzle is great. I started with the .4 hexagon nozzle and switched to the .3 to see if smaller details could be improved. I think it definitely does this, which is great. Higher detail and more threads of plastic on finishing layers, giving it a slightly smoother finish.

The only negatives I've found is that when trying to get a good slightly squished first layer, there's .1mm less plastic of play (room for error) getting the first layer to stick but not press the nozzle to the glass. Simply, what I mean is that it's a little harder to tune in your first layer. Some may argue that a .3 nozzle causes your prints to take longer though I wouldn't say there is any noticeable additional print time compared to the .4 nozzle.

[printbus]

As a side-advantage with the 0.30mm hexagon nozzle, you'll be able to buy OEM replacement nozzles should you ever need one. The 0.40mm nozzle is never in stock at MF or reprapdiscount.

[usarmyaircav]

$6.50 for the .3mm nozzle seems great, will need to think about getting one of them, anything I can do to make my prints look the best possible is great!

[SgtToe]

Hey Draud and gmay3, follow up question.

When you refer to the .3 nozzle are you referring to the .35 Jhead? I am planning to buy a kit soon and had just assumed that the .4 hexagon head was the best option offered with the kit. I am wanting quality over speed. Should I be considering the .35 jhead instead?

I plan to stick with whatever I order with the kit till it breaks, so want to make sure I am choosing right the first time.

Thanks

[usarmyaircav]

Unless I am mistaken, they are talking about the nozzle tip for the hexagon. standard is the .4mm but you can buy the .3mm seperately. Although I would think that Colin would sell the .3 nozzle with a printer order.

[gmay3]

printbus, that's a great point I had not even thought of!

When you refer to the .3 nozzle are you referring to the .35 Jhead? I am planning to buy a kit soon and had just assumed that the .4 hexagon head was the best option offered with the kit. I am wanting quality over speed. Should I be considering the .35 jhead instead?

I plan to stick with whatever I order with the kit till it breaks, so want to make sure I am choosing right the first time.

Thanks

I was referring to the hexagon hot end. If you want quality over speed and are planning to get the hexagon hot end, you're going to get the .4 nozzle bundled with it. For $6.50 though, you might want to think of adding it to your order from makerfarm so you don't have to pay the additional shipping. I ended up getting the .3 later during a filament shipment. Either way, I would get the hexagon with .4 nozzle over the jhead for the smaller nozzle diameter.

[Draud]

I'm talking about the hexagon. Thanks for the info everyone.

[SgtToe]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, "Light Bulb"

Thanks, just learned something new, I will definitely add one of those .3 nozzles for the hexagon hotend to my order when it happens. Hopefully, that will be in April.

[Draud]

So when I install the .3 is it better to heat up the nozzle first or can I do it cold?