I do not want this sounding like a rant. I truly would like a better solution.
From the build document:
[quote][b]
Warning:
If you do not tighten these pieces firmly enough you risk having a leaking extruder. This is irreparable.
Then again, if you use too much force you can strip the threads of the barrel rendering the piece useless!
We recommend tightening the nozzle with a torque of 3.5 Nm.
[/b][/quote]
Let me get this straight. If I do not tighten the Hot End Nozzle enough, it makes the Hot End “irreparable”. And if I tighten too much, it will break the barrel. Then they could of mention that there would be gaps between the nozzel, heater block, and white spacer. Is that by design? Was the heater block suppose to be loose on the barrel? How to you achieve 3.5 Nm? That is right 3.5 Newton Meters or other wise 2.58146752 foot pounds. Do they provide a source to get the wrench for the proper torque? Most torque wrenches do not go below 10 foot pounds. Finding torque wrenches to meet those requirements with the ability to torque 3.5 Nm are in the price over $100 USD. Perhap the instruction should be like, we could hand tighten and then use wrenches to tighten a half rotation. Or, redesign the Hot End with a thicker barrel which could prevent snapping the barrel.
As with all things, please apply common sense when tightening the nozzle. If you feel it is tight enough, don’t keep overtightening it, it is not a water pipe I will post a picture of the end result so you can use it as a reference
The second printer I built the extruder leaked because I did not want to strip the copper tube.
I tried the following and it worked.
I have also posted this fix and it has helped others.
Do this at your own risk.
Raise thee Z axis to 150 or above
Remove the bolts for the hot end.
Remove the Teflon tube.
heat the hot end to 180 - 190
With a pair of channel locks (maybe called a pipe wrench or pliers)
Gently grab the large opening.
Do not crush it
With a 13mm wrench (spanner) gently tighten the nozzle just a little.
If you go to far you will mess up the threads on the nozzle or the tube.
Reassemble and try to print again.
Keep an eye on it for awhile.
no, it’s not supposed to be loose. There’s a bent washer made of spring steel that should be mounted above the heater block, pressing it against the nozzle. This ensures good thermal contact between the two parts.
Thanks for the input. I just wish I could get spare parts in a timely manner in the United States. I just need a Barrel and a Nozzle. I have been told the Hot End assemble is on back order for another month. I never thought it would take me over 3 months to get this built.
I will post a picture of the end result so you can use it as a reference