3D Printer Heat Breaks Compared | All-Metal, Bi-Metal, or PTFE-lined? V6-style Hot-Ends

UPDATE: Just so you're aware, some of this information is out-of-date. Keep in mind, I made this video over a year ago, and was only a couple months into 3D printing in general. It's just a generalized opinion and shouldn't be taken as serious advice.

I've learned a LOT since January of 2023, so I'll be posting an update with my current thoughts on the subject (I now use an all-metal heat-break, but NOT the "bi-metal" variety).

It's still a fun video and I had a lot of fun making it, with the animations etc...

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This video should apply to most 3D printers, especially the E3D V6 and similar hot-ends -- any style where you have a choice between an All Metal (or Bi-Metal) and PTFE-lined heat break. Stick to the end for an issue specific to the Bi-Metal version that cost me time and money, and almost ruined Christmas!

This is also partly a follow-up to my video, where I created (and shared!) an adaptor, allowing the installation of a V6-style hot-end on the Monoprice MP10 aka Malyan MA10 3D Printer.

▶    • Monoprice MP10 V6-Hotend Conversion (...  

But it is mostly general observations I've made using the "all metal" and "bi-metal" heat breaks. I kept getting jams, and through the process of elimination, I found myself going back to a standard PTFE-lined heat break.

Watch the full video for all of the details as to why this may be a better choice in some (if not most) circumstances.

All animations and 3D graphics were created using OpenSCAD - I use it to create all of my STL models, and recently discovered that it's quite nice for just creating animations and models to use in videos. Let me know what you think of this style in the comments!

▶ https://openscad.org/

(I'm thinking of actually printing an over-sized V6 hot-end assembly cross-section... I think I have all the right colors on hand... might make for a nice prop, like the things you find in a doctor's office 😅)

Below are some Amazon Affiliate links. Using my links does NOT add to your cost, but helps me earn a tiny commission which helps me keep this channel going (any prices are USD at the time of publishing):

** These items are specifically for V6-style hot-end assemblies **

As I mention at the end of the video -- stock up on spare parts!

10-Pack of PTFE-lined Heat Breaks ($11.39):
▶ https://amzn.to/3X9ZRLX

5-Pack of Heater Blocks ($8.79):
▶ https://amzn.to/3QCqmXG

3-Pack Aluminum Heat Sinks (Collet/Clip style):
▶ https://amzn.to/3ZCb3Ta

5-Pack of Collets & Clips:
▶ https://amzn.to/3iDnbTg

3-Pack Aluminum Heat Sinks (threaded top style):
▶ https://amzn.to/3iHMYcL

10-Pack of Threaded-style Collets:
▶ https://amzn.to/3XwkQIm

Capricorn Premium PTFE tubing:
▶ https://amzn.to/3WfBKtH

20-Pack 0.4mm V6 brass nozzles ($8.99):
▶ https://amzn.to/3iz1a8a

The whole V6 kit (fans, heat sink, etc) for 12-Volt (used in previous video):
▶ https://amzn.to/3iDjywx
(NOTE - this comes with a bi-metal heat break 😒, but is NOT assembled so you can use the $1 PTFE version in its place)

The HDX boxes I use to organize these parts:
▶ https://amzn.to/3GzZZgy (shown at end of video)
And -
▶ https://amzn.to/3iEYztg (for smaller parts like screws etc)

Just a shout-out to Printables.com -- you can find good parts organizers there as well that you print yourself 😃 I have a couple models on there, including the MP10-to-V6 adaptor. See previous video or search for Justin Nelson...

ANYTHING ELSE you might want to search out on Amazon, please start with my link:

▶ https://amzn.to/3GFzx59

Find me on the socials (except for the bird/billionaire one): ‪@JustinNelsonsProjects‬

If you **REALLY** want to help me produce more frequent, high-quality content, consider becoming a Patron:

▶   / justinnelsonsprojects  

Thanks so much for watching (and reading!)

If anyone wants to reach out about a product review or sponsorship, email justin at justinnelsonsprojects dot com (please don't email with questions -- use the Comments section for that kind of thing!)

Now for the YouTube robot uprising to know where my "chapters" are -- Humans not required to read further 😂

0:00 - Introduction (DUH)
0:41 - Standardized = Good!
1:10 - Reasons I thought I needed All/Bi-Metal Heat-break
1:43 - A bit about PTFE (Teflon™)
2:40 - Brief Tangent about Teflon Cookware
2:52 - Advantages of PTFE vs Metal
3:57 - Super Scientific Comparison
4:46 - Where and How Jams/Clogs Occur (my theories anyway)
6:03 - Summary of my Conclusions
6:27 - Teaser on Next 3D Video (Wiring!)
6:57 - How a Broken Nozzle almost ruined Christmas!
7:06 - Why Bi-Metal is even worse than just All-Metal
7:18 - Stock MP10 Hot-End Saved Christmas (But buy/keep SPARE PARTS!!!)

Thanks for reading way the heck down here! Questions, comments, etc - please leave below, and consider a Sub and a Like!