Mosquito Hotend Mount (Ender 3)

Modified a Creality Ender 3 FDM 3D printer to use a Mosquito Magnum Hotend to improve print quality, flow rates, and increase maximum print temperatures.

Type
Personal
Timeframe
Mar 2021
 - 
Apr 2021
Status
Complete

Overview

To extend the number of materials I could use in my Ender 3, I designed and printed a mount for a Mosquito Magnum Hotend and BL Touch. One drawback of 3D printing the mount was that it needed to work the first time since I only had one 3D printer.

Goals

  • Determine a preliminary design for a Mosquito Magnum Hotend (MMH) mount
  • Install a high-end heater cartridge and temperature sensor
  • Ensure proper hotend and part cooling fluid (air) paths
  • Optional bed leveling sensor mount
Multiple iterations of components in my Mosquito Magnum Hotend mount.
Multiple iterations of components in my Mosquito Magnum Hotend mount.

How Was It Made?

Temporary test installation of Mosquito Magnum Hotend (stock hotend seen above).
Temporary test installation of Mosquito Magnum Hotend (stock hotend seen above).
  • Used SolidWorks to create CAD models of the new mounting system
  • Constructed prototypes using a 3D printer with PLA filament
  • Performed fit and tolerance testing between assembly parts and off-the-shelf fittings and hardware
  • Iterated through assembly components and 3D printed final components in PETG for higher temperature resistance
  • Programmed custom Marlin Firmware using C++ to employ an auto-bed leveler and custom motor speeds

Results

Mosquito Magnum Hotend with auto-bed leveling sensor and upgraded fan in action.
Mosquito Magnum Hotend with auto-bed leveling sensor and upgraded fan in action.
  • Increased printing speed by 30%
  • Improved print accuracy by 10%
  • Replaced manual printer setup time with automatic sensor-based setup
  • Added engineering-grade filament possibilities to a low-end, affordable 3D printer
Technical Report