I've been having limited success with my printer.

When I first got the printer (used at that) it printed fairly well. I printed #3DBenchy.. the little boat was perfect! Now not so much. There's some drooping and gaps. Another indicator of a nozzle issue is the test line that prints before it starts printing the actual object. A single line to clean the tip and get things moving. It used to print super smooth. Now it prints with a saw tooth edge pattern.

I think after much futzing, I've either got a bit of debris in the nozzle that won't clean or the tip is deformed (soft bass).

Looking at the replacement MK8 nozzles I spot some hardened steel nozzles that feels like a good upgrade to avoid deformation issues... or if the heat transfer is weird, I can just buy a 20 pack and pitch them as I notice a problem.

Looking for some advice from the more experienced.

Also, since you're here. The standard seems to be 0.4mm. Any reason to get different sizes? keep in mind, my printer is circa 2012.. Makerbot "Replicator"

Thanks,
faz

Thanks all for the comments! The idea of the hardened tool steel tips was interesting, but worried about rust and heat transfer.
I'll stick with brass and perhaps play with a few different sizes.

I love the idea of the Teflon feeder tube. I actually think my feeder tube is too short. When reaching far forward it does flatten out quite a bit. There's got to be a lot of static pressure on the filament. A longer arc AND Teflon would be a great!

Awesome advice!
faz

I think so. My printer has two print heads. Both had their issues.

Yesterday I swapped nozzles to see if the angle of attack would change... it did and actually print quality went up considerably. I swapped them back and it was printing poorly. I probably dropped the nozzles during one of many jams.. or knocked it with my wrench causing a deformity. 0.4mm is pretty tiny.

New nozzles and Teflon tube is on the way!

faz

Hmmm.. I did do this but only cranked it up to 230C... that's the high end of PLA. I did not want to hurt the motor.

I'm reasonably sure the nozzle is clear, but I don't have a needle that small. The new nozzles I bought come with 5. I'll know in the future.

This is all great stuff.
thanks,
faz

I missed the part about getting "medieval" on it with a pair of pliers and a blow-torch. Awesome!
faz