Choice in Quick change nozzles?

I’m currently using Bambu hotend assemblies in an X1C and changing them as required when I want to use a different nozzle size. But it’s a bit of a pain, it doesn’t take too long, though it feels like I’m taking a risk every time that I do it.

I am really quite interested in the Slice Engineering quick swap nozzle for the X1C. But the cost of €350 for the unit + 3x nozzles plus VAT etc is really a bit of a challenge to justify.

I was wondering has anyone tried the X1,P1 low cost hotends, with screw in hardened nozzles that are available on Aliexpress and even Amazon. If so, how well do they work?

Are you using the Complete Hot End or swapping the parts out each time?

The Complete Hot End version is just a couple of cable connectors.

Hi, I have 3x complete Bambu Hotends. 0.2, 0.4, 0.6. I don’t use the 0.2 often. I maybe use 0.4 60% of the time & 0.6 40% of the time.

Due to no replies, I am guessing that the thought of using low cost hotends, with screw in hardened nozzles that are available on Aliexpress and even Amazon. Are not a good idea for the X1,P1 ?

Now I have to save up money for the Slice Engineering if there are no alternatives.

Strange no replies from others.

I would have thought there would have been a diversity of opinions for this subject.

My concern would be the need to calibrate everything for the different nozzle setup and the changes to the heat profiles and nozzle distances any quick swap system would introduce.

Personally, I like how I don’t have to do too much to calibration to get things working.

At the price you quoted for the nozzle, I would consider getting an A1 and having it setup with a specific nozzle size, leaving you other printer with a different size. But the, I’m cheap and lazy, two qualities that are respected.

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Hi, yes. I was expecting a couple of hints/suggestions. From what I can see

  1. We have Slice Engineering @ $130 for complete hotend + $25 per nozzle.

  2. Bigtree Panda Revo @ $120 + $?? Hardened nozzle (found some hardened nozzles on AliExpress $17 for two 0.4 & 0.6 mm)

  3. Then there is the low-cost option. A heatblock compatible with the Bambu heater and thermister, complete with a 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm nozzles (which look to be the same/similar to the nozzles used by Slice engineering. For a total cost of $35

I have a hard time understanding why the Slice and Panda carry a similar high price (my problem with Slice is the substantial-added cost for shipping and customs cost). Then there is the low-cost Amazon/Aliexpress offerings where the total cost equals just the nozzle cost of the first two.

How much engineering is required, how similar is the performance? Just some of the questions that I was hoping to get some ideas from other folks here.

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I really think you should look at the Bigtreetech Panda Revo before anything from Slice.

Partially because the tech (if you’ll call it that) the low cost options are using is basically a copy of the BBL hotend with a different throat. Some like them. Personally if I’m going to screw out a nozzle I’d just as soon just take out 2 screws and replace with a real BBL nozzle. No time savings at all, and not that difficult either.

The Revo uses E3D design that allows you to simply unscrew with your fingers (unless it’s very hot) and reverse that to change the nozzle. There are also a few (expensive) options for nozzle material and sizes.

Can’t speak for Slice, but nothing I’ve seen makes me think it’s above or beyond anyone else.

I have the Panda Revo, have been using it since it launched. It’s a solid hotend with pretty good performance, esp with Obxidian nozzles.

I don’t want to be rude, but it’s been mentioned that it’s only 2 screws and 2 connections to change a nozzle. It really isn’t that big a time saver to just screw one in.
Remember you’ll have to heat up the hotend to remove or add nozzles with the cheaper ones, maybe the slice one.
There’s no real benefit if all you’re wanting to do is make it easier. One isn’t more difficult or faster than the other.

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Hi, yes maybe I’m overcomplicating things. I do agree that it’s easy to change the BBL hotend assembly. After doing it a few times I have got pretty efficient at it. But it still feels a bit risky. I had not thought about the need to heat the nozzle when just changing the nozzle tip. Good point. My learning ground with 3D printing was a Flsun Q5, indeed then I had to add heat to change the nozzle because some filament invariably got into the M6 nozzle thread. At least now I have received a recommendation to consider getting the Revo system over the Slice one. I can buy
this in country, so no crazy shipping costs and duty!

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I too have the Revo, quick change was not a reason I purchased it.

Agree 100%

Too much money burning a hole in your pocket I guess then!

:rofl:

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Not really, I’m cheap. Lucked out and just bought a used Revo X1 with two nozzles, a 0.4 high flow and a 0.4 Obxidian for €85. It just arrived, I think he forgot to remove the fan.

I have read that the Revo runs a bit hotter than the Bambu unit? I wonder why because it uses the same temp sensor. But it’s heater is a 360 degree surround one. Maybe thats the reason.

My reply was directed at @johnfcooley.

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Ha, I didn’t realize that. Thanks for your earlier comments, they did help me focus.

Cool.

I knew John wouldn’t mind my humour, I never know how others may take it, I try to bring on my stupidity slowly to start with people.

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Indeed I don’t, and you may just be right about the money.

No worries, I’m a simple retired UK guy living in Holland. It would be hard to offend me about anything. Got to say, this Bambu Forum is refreshing. Lots of help from folks here. I’m newish to 3D printing, so am quite likely to post a few silly questions here, although I do try to search for the answer prior to posting.

I’m very disabled guy from the U.K., no longer able to work (sold my company) I’ve spent time in Holland-on-Sea.

Just finished calibrating a new Filament. IEMAI PETG- High speed transparent. Using the e3D Revo HF nozzle. Really nice results. It printed up to my test max of 35 mm³/s NP. But I decided on 25 mm³/s. So this filament is about equal to Bambu’s PETG-HF. Happy with both this filament and the Revo setup. You mention quick change wasn’t a purchasing


reason. So what was?

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I think you answered the question yourself, but I’ll add to it a little.

I do go faster at times. The Revo has given me consistant quality through all the material I’ve used. Really though the print quality is a bit better than the stock nozzle, and I’d dare say better than the E3D nozzle.

I do change nozzles. I have .25-.6. Speed isn’t an issue, it’s convenience. I can keep all those nozzles in a smaller space right beside the printer. Space for the printer and it’s related items is at a premium for me. Everything matters.