Filament Heads
Filament heads are how we print (using FFF or FDM) with filament-based materials which are deposited at over 150°C, depending on the head.
Note that at present, our Filament heads work with 1.75mm filament (actually, 1.6mm to 1.9mm), but not 3mm filament.
Materials for Filament Heads
The following materials can be printed from Filament heads.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- Flame Retardant ABS
- ABS - PC Alloy
- Conductive ABS
- Smart ABS
- BendLay
- Flex 45
- HIPS (High-Impact PolyStyrene)
- LayBrick
- LayWoo-d3
- MoldLay
- Ninjaflex
- Nylon
- Taulman 618, 645, 910
- PC (PolyCarbnoate)
- PEI (PolyEtherImide) - AKA Ultem
- PEEK (PolyEther Ether Ketone)
- PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate)
- PETG PolyEthylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified)
- PLA (PolyLactic Acid)
- EcoFlex PLA
- Conductive PLA
- SS PLA (Stainless Steel infused)
- PlastInk_Rubber
- PP (PolyPropylene)
- PVA (PolyVinyl Alcohol)
- T-Glase
- Ultem
Filament Heads
Filament-based printing is available through the following heads:
Discontinued heads:
- General Filament Head Videos:
- MK1-250 Extruder for Standard Filament Videos:
- MK2-250 Extruder for Flexible Filament Videos:
- MK1-450 Extruder for High-Temperature Filament Videos:
Please see our Data Sheets as well.
Table of Filament Heads
The following table compares the properties of the various Filament heads, including which heads are recommended for which materials. The MK1 heads drive material from one side, with a spring-loaded bearing system to maintain pressure and positioning. The MK2 heads drive the material from both sides, and are designed for more flexible filaments.
Head | Min Temp | Max Temp | Filament Type | Filament Size in mm |
Nozzle Type |
Nozzle Sizes in mm |
Recommended For | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FH2-260 high torque |
150°C | 250°C * 265°C |
Standard | 1.75 +/- 0.15 |
E3D v6 compatible |
standard options |
ABS, HIPS, LayBrick, LayWood, Nylon, PC, PET, PETG, PETT, PLA, PP, PVA, T-Glase | High Torque for Standard 1.75mm Filaments |
FH2-450 high torque |
275°C | 450°C | Engineering | 1.75 +/- 0.15 |
E3D v6 or MK8 compatible |
standard options |
PEEK, PEI (Ultem), PEKK, PPSU | High Torque for High Temperature 1.75mm Filaments |
HT3-260 high torque |
150°C | 250°C * 265°C |
Standard | 2.85 +/- 0.15 |
E3D v6 compatible 3 mm bore |
standard options |
ABS, HIPS, LayBrick, LayWood, Nylon, PC, PET, PETG, PETT, PLA, PP, PVA, T-Glase | High Torque for Standard 2.85mm Filaments |
HT3-450 high torque |
275°C | 450°C | Engineering | 2.85 +/- 0.15 |
E3D v6 or MK8 compatible 3 mm bore |
standard options |
PEEK, PEI (Ultem), PEKK, PPSU | High Torque for High Temperature 2.85mm Filaments |
Research Papers Citing Hyrel Filament
These are now listed by year here.
Firmware Versions for Filament Heads
Firmware information is listed on our Firmware page.
Changing Nozzles
How to disassemble the nozzle from the MK1 head:
- Carefully:
- Heat to the printing temperature of the material loaded.
- Move the manual lever to the left, retracting material until it is free of the hobbed shaft, then remove by hand.
- Turn off heat to the head and remove it from the yoke.
- With a 1/4" driver or wrench, remove the nozzle.
- Inspect the nozzle cavity for any stray material; if found, remove with tweezers, solvent, air pressure or other means.
How to reassemble the nozzle on an MK1 head:
- Carefully:
- Ensure your MK1 has no filament loaded.
- With a 1/4" driver or wrench, attach the nozzle.
- Use normal procedure for heating and loading filament.