Da Vinci Pro Hotend Nozzle Replace with MK8 Heat-throat and V6 J-Head Heater Block

thingiverse

Update 11 Jan 2021: The Dual Fan Side adapter is now available for download at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4686251. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Update 28 April 2020: Revised the non-exploded hotend bill of materials and assembly to correct the incorrect diameter PTFE tubing specified. Drawings and assembly have been corrected. Added additional sources to the spreadsheet for parts necessary to complete the repair. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: 1. XYZ Printing, producers of the Da Vinci line of 3D printers, has not approved or consulted on this modification to the OEM hotend. 2. Use at your own risk; no implied warranty, liability, or financial responsibility is assumed by the originating designer of this repair and/or retrofit. This is a repair/retrofit of the OEM hotend replacing the heat throat with a MK8 40mm long and a J-Head heat block and nozzle. The number of 3D printed parts is minimal and includes a new cooling fan duct, and filament guide to permit easy loading. The parts needed to complete the retrofit are listed with a known vendor and link at the time of posting. All design files in native Fusion 360 format, STEP, and detailed assembly drawings are also included in the download package. Now that's out of the way; my experience with this repair was better than I could have hoped, and it is installed in my printer producing plastic. Some very important points based on my experiences: 1. Clean the mating surfaces on the heat-sinks with 70-99% IPA until they are clean. 2. Use the recommended thermal compound or comparable at assembly; avoid white grease compounds completely. 3. Too much thermal compound is not better; it just creates a mess and doesn't conduct heat as well. 4. Perform an assembly without compound first to become more familiar with what tools or fixtures you will need. 5. If your only experience is with the OEM nozzle, put a silicone sock on the heater block; it does wonders for temperature stability when printing all compatible filaments. 6. Have fun; it might take some time to dial in your settings, but it won't take long. My first print was similar to a V6 J-Head with minor tweaks on retraction and run-out distances. Comments, questions, and suggestions are always welcome.