How to properly tighten a Bondtech CHT BiMetal ™ nozzle

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Use this torque wrench to prevent breaking the Bondtech CHT BiMetal ™ Nozzles

Use this torque wrench to prevent breaking the Bondtech CHT BiMetal ™ Nozzles

Article Update : safety limits increased

The Bondtech CHT BiMetal safety Torque limit is very low, so we made our best to improve it. A small redesign and the use of stronger Copper, raised the safety limits.

We are confident to say the same calibrated Slice Engineering 1.5Nm Torque Wrench you can use to do/undo all Bondtech and Slice Engineering nozzles can now be used on the Bondtech CHT BiMetal.

Find this Torque Wrench on our shop here >>>>

To use a more affordable torque wrench, and even safer option, continue reading the article.

Tightening a BiMetal nozzle can be a risky task, especially when using an uncalibrated or too-strong torque wrench. Standard wrenches may break the nozzle during tightening, leaving you with a costly and frustrating replacement. At Bondtech, we want to help you have an exciting 3D printing experience. That’s why we have devised and implemented a plan to help customers avoid BiMetal nozzle breakages!

The Challenge

Bondtech CHT® nozzles have a special design with 3 inner channels that split the filament from the core, increase the contact surface from the metal with the plastic to melt it faster, and for that reason have thinner outer walls. They bring significant thermodynamic advantages, at the cost of mechanical strenght.

The main feature of the BiMetal nozzles is that they are made of two different metals: copper, which is a soft metal, and hardened Steel, which is a tough metal. The copper provides the nozzle with enhanced thermal performance, while the Vanadium Steel gives it strength and resistance to abrasive materials. However, the copper is the weaker link in this combination, making the nozzle more prone to breaking when tightened with too much torque.

To understand the problem better, we decided to test different versions of BiMetal nozzles to measure how much torque is necessary to break them. Our testing revealed that a regular torque wrench may apply too much torque to the nozzle, causing it to break.

We setup a test rig with the following features:

  • Controler : Prusa i3 MK3S
  • V6 hot block
  • Bondtech HeatLink 24v 50W heater
  • Bondtech HeatLink 300C Thermistor
  • Screw heat break
  • Nozzle temperature : 290C

Here are the test results of the samples we tested:

Nozzle Thread Type Test Fail Torque Sample #
BiMetal CHT RepRap M6 Full Thread in 2.36 Nm #1
Bondtech CHT BiMetal ™ RepRap M6 Full Thread in 2.55 Nm #2
Bondtech CHT BiMetal ™ RepRap M6 Full Thread in 2.46 Nm #3
 
Bondtech CHT BiMetal ™ MK8 Full Thread in 1.51 Nm #1
Bondtech CHT BiMetal ™ MK8 Full Thread in 1.87 Nm #2
 
Bondtech CHT BiMetal ™ Vol 3.5mm thread in 1.68 Nm #1
Bondtech CHT BiMetal ™ Vol 3.5mm thread in 1.62 Nm #2
Bondtech CHT BiMetal ™ Vol 3.5mm thread in 1.76 Nm #3

The Solution

Our solution to this challenge was to design a torque wrench that delivered enough tightening torque to install and remove a nozzle without going over the breaking point. To do this, we printed several design iterations of the torque wrench and tested them to measure the delivered torque.

After testing several prototypes, we chose a design that provided the perfect torque and tightened the nozzle without breaking it. In our tests, we saw that the right amount of torque should be around 0,5 to 0,8 N.m. After creating the mesh and geometry files, we FFF printed and tested some torque wrenches samples, and we also did it with the SLS manufactured parts we’ll include in our purchasable tool.

By slicing, printing, and post-processing the parts, we created a torque wrench perfect for tightening BiMetal nozzles without breaking them – the optimal amount for proper tightening and longevity.

The Good News

We are sharing the 3D printable design file so you can FFF print it yourself. If you do not have access to a 3D printer, you will be able to purchase this wrench directly from us on our website (check the product link below).

Having the right tools makes all the difference in 3D printing. Tightening a BiMetal nozzle is easy and safe with the correct understanding and tools, and it can be done without any issues. We achieved the perfect torque balance to prevent breaking the nozzle by designing and manufacturing a torque wrench specifically for BiMetal nozzles.

We encourage everyone to take advantage of this offer and create the best 3D prints possible.

Happy tightening!

Download the Bondtech CHT BiMetal ™ nozzles Torque Wrench here

Find here the STL files to 3D print the plastic parts of the Bondtech Torque Wrench for BiMetal nozzles.

To use this torque wrench you need a metal tool bit with a 6mm HEX that you fit into the torque wrench.

We have 2 rotor versions to use with 2 different tool bits you may have:

  • female quarter inch HEX;
  • male quarter inch SQUARE.

 

Always use a metal tool bit applied to this Torque Wrench Handle to tighten or untighten your nozzle.

The HANDLE of the Torque Wrench, formed by a lid and a knob, can be printed in both PLA or PETG.

The ROTORS have different models depending on the material to use.

Download and use the right ROTOR version and material for your case.

To 3D print using PLA or PETG

Click to download this file


Roll back and forth to zoom in and out.
Click and drag to rotate the view.

To 3D print using PLA or PETG

Click to download this file


Roll back and forth to zoom in and out.
Click and drag to rotate the view.

To 3D print using PLA

Click to download this file


Roll back and forth to zoom in and out.
Click and drag to rotate the view.

To 3D print using PETG

Click to download this file


Roll back and forth to zoom in and out.
Click and drag to rotate the view.

To 3D print using PLA

Click to download this file


Roll back and forth to zoom in and out.
Click and drag to rotate the view.

To 3D print using PETG

Click to download this file


Roll back and forth to zoom in and out.
Click and drag to rotate the view.

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