Hi all
A higher nozzle diameter has the benefit of being able to print faster due to to bigger layer width. There is a tradeoff, you’ll have to lower print speed and/or raise temperature to maintain proper layer adhesion. That means that there is an optimal nozzle size for a given print speed/temperature combination. You also don’t want temperature too high because it will burn/degrade your filament.
In my experience layer adhesion is quite poor with a nozzle of 0.8mm and it also prevents you from printing finer details (gear teeth for example). The tradeoff versus a 0.4mm nozzle doesn’t seem worth it especially if you print overnight.
What are your experiences?
I change nozzles depending on the project.
0.4 and 0.5 are nice for smaller parts with fine details. But for mineatures / small figures, I tend to 0.3 or even 0.2 nozzles. 0.1 only for exceptional small and detailled works, since these nozzles constantly tend to clogging. And then there are taller parts which have to be strong, like shelf brackets or vases. That’s where my 0.8 and even 1.0 mm nozzles do shine.
Last, but not least: You don’t need a high-flow hotend for wider nozzles. Any hotend will do (tested with an old Ender2), as long as you adjust speed and temperature accordingly. Some trial and error is the key.
Side note: You don’t need to level the bed after each nozzle change. Keeping this in mind saves quite some time and effort.