E3D unveiled their latest update to the Volcano line of hotends – the SuperVolcano upgrade. It boasts up to 11 times the volumetric throughput of the V6, a very long heatzone and an extra powerful heater. E3D released the new hotend to match the recent changes in 3D printing ushered in by the need for larger prints.
Aside from the SuperVolcano’s speed capabilities, it also brings in an impressive flow rate, thicker lines and increased interlayer bonding.
E3D also released a new range of nozzles. The nozzles are available in Brass, Nickel Plated Copper and Hardened Steel. As a result, the SuperVolcano can operate at 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 mm, assuming a high speed motion system and large build volume. The company also tested each nozzle extensively and found 1.0mm nozzles as the optimum size for improved speed-detail ratios.
E3D also fitted the SuperVolcano with a piece of high temperature fibreglass sleeving which replaces the normal sock. This insulates the block and prevents the heat loss. The sleeving can run at continuous operating temperatures of 260°C and even higher according to E3D. This does however result in a reduced lifespan.
A Hotend Upgrade For Larger 3D Prints
The purpose of the new hotend is to cater to a new generation of large scale 3D printers. The SuperVolcano is pushes through a lot more material and a lot faster with the proper adhesion and heating requirements. To showcase its capabilities, E3D printed a series of Benchies with varying hotends.
Using 500% increased scale Benchy, they developed a comparative test for the tools. Given similar nozzle diameters (0.8mm), track widths (0.96 mm) and track height (0.35), the V6 produced a print in 17h 5 mins, while the Volcano managed it in 14 hrs 6 mins. On the other hand, the SuperVolcano’s 12 hrs 53 mins time is a massive improvement, blowing both out of the water.
In further testing, a 926% scaled Benchy (44cm high) proved that the SuperVolcano can pull off a volumetric throughput of 6600 mm³ per minute. This print also took an impressive 19 hrs 45 mins to complete. The new hotend is set to make a splash considering the demand for large-scale, high-strength automotive and aerospace parts.
Featured image courtesy of E3D. Datasheet for the SuperVolcano is available here.