Add-ons February 2022

Modix is proud to announce its new print-head design, “Griffin”. The new print-head consists of a custom extruder made by Bondtech (based on the BMG model) and of a new hotend designed by Modix. The new design consists of the following improvements:

Higher flow rate & higher printing temperatures: The new and more powerful extruder provides a double drive-gear system that grabs the filament from both sides. The heat-block is made of nickel coated copper, for a faster heat transfer and compatibility with higher printing temperatures. The design includes the advanced Slice Engineering Bi-Metal heat-break that extends the melting zone inside the heat-block by being mostly made of copper as well. In addition, an upgraded PT-1000 temperature sensor will enable printing in higher temperatures of up to 500°c. An optional water based hot-end cooler will also enhance the capability of printing in hot environments (will be available at a later stage). The hotend components are rated for 500°c and so far were verified in printing of up to 340°c.

Higher reliability: Large scale 3D printing usually involves the risk of the print-head scratching or crashing into the thick layer models resulting in bent or broken heat-breaks. The new print-head provides a rigid mounting of the heat-block, so it’s naturally more reliable and reduces these situations. The main reason for this is that the heat-block is now mounted on three faces instead of only one. It can withstand a much stronger impact thanks to this additional bracing. The longer-type E3D Super Volcano can also be attached to the rigid mounting as well, using a dedicated adapter.

Improved User Experience: The new print-head design makes nozzle replacements much easier, and even allows a quick swapping of the entire filament melting subsystem. The rigid mounting of the heat-block allows one handed nozzle replacement, making it even easier to test different nozzle diameters.

Easy Swap: The design of the mounting bracket and the D shaft style of the Slice Engineering heat-break gives users the ability to slide the entire filament melting subsystem in and out with ease. This will allow users to dedicate a complete setup for a specific filament type. i.e. keeping one setup for abrasive carbon filled filament and another one for prototyping with PLA.

Compact Design: The new design maintains the previous design benefits of compact design that preserves the generous Z-axis travel and is compatible with the vast offering of E3D Volcano nozzles coming in numerous sizes and materials.

Smart: The new print-head allows automatic Z off-set calibration between the nozzle and the BL Touch probe. This is by far easier and more precise than the manual procedure. A dedicated sensor allows the BL-Touch and the nozzle to touch the surface, consequently. The precise relative distance (the “offset”) is saved automatically to the printer.

* The Griffin Print head is compatible with owners of V3 printers and customers who upgraded from V2 to V3 with both Duet and Mechanical upgrades.

* Mounting the E3D super volcano to the Griffin print head will require an additional mounting bracket that will soon be available.