⬇️ Please click the tabs below to select Non-High-Flow Hotend or High-Flow Hotend to complete installation or replacement and the subsequent configuration.
¶ 1. Selection Guide
The Snapmaker U1 is equipped with 0.4 mm stainless steel hot ends as standard equipment. You can purchase hardened steel hot ends with different nozzle diameters from the official Snapmaker store as needed.
| Nozzle Diameter | 0.2 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.6 mm | 0.8 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Material | Hardened Steel | Hardened Steel | Hardened Steel | Hardened Steel |
| Print Quality | Extremely fine detail and top-notch quality for tiny elements | High-quality prints with crisp detail for models of standard size | Decent quality but with less distinct detail on smaller models | Basic-quality prints for smaller models, with more noticeable layer lines |
| Recommended Filaments | No particles or debris filament such as Pure PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, etc | General and conventional composite filaments such as PLA, PETG, PVA, ABS, ASA, PC, TPU, PA, etc | High-flow filaments such as SnapSpeed PLA, TPU, PETG, PVA, ABS, ASA, PC, PA, etc | All kinds of common filaments, especially suitable for low-viscosity filaments |
| Recommended Settings | Optimal layer height: 0.05–0.12 mm (25–60% of nozzle diameter). General recommendation: 0.1 mm | Optimal layer height: 0.1–0.3 mm (25–70% of nozzle diameter). General recommendation: 0.2 mm | Optimal layer height: 0.15–0.45 mm (25–70% of nozzle diameter). General recommendation: 0.3–0.4 mm | Optimal layer height: 0.2–0.6 mm (25–70% of nozzle diameter). General recommendation: 0.4–0.5 mm |
| Applications | Miniature models, elaborate logos, text, molds | Toys, mechanical components, decorative items | Large structural components, household functional parts, industrial or engineering components, high-strength models | Large structural components, household functional parts, industrial or engineering components, high-strength models |
| Maximum Printing Temperature | 300 °C | 300 °C | 300 °C | 300 °C |
The hardened steel hot end is suitable for abrasive filaments containing hard particles, while the stainless steel hot end is suitable for most non-abrasive, general-purpose filaments without fibers or particles.
Nozzle and Filament Compatibility
| Brand | Category | Series | 0.2 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm (Stainless Steel) | 0.6 mm | 0.8 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snapmaker | PLA | Basic | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Snapmaker | PLA | SnapSpeed | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Snapmaker | PLA | Matte | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Snapmaker | PLA | Silk | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Snapmaker | PETG | HF | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Snapmaker | TPU | 95A HF | / | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Snapmaker | TPU | 90A | / | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Mixing different nozzle diameters in the same print job is currently not supported.
Using the 0.2 mm hardened steel hot end with TPU 95A HF is not recommended; use 0.4 mm or larger instead.
¶ 2. Hot End Replacement
Refer to the U1 hot end replacement guide to replace the hot end.
The video tutorial Ceramic Heater & NTC Thermistor Replacement includes content related to hot end replacement. You may also choose to watch the video.
¶ 3. Firmware Configuration
Firmware Version Requirement: V1.3.0 or higher. Update locally via the touchscreen or download the required version from the U1 Firmware Release Notes.
After replacing the hot end, perform the following operations on the touchscreen:
- Set the Nozzle Diameter: On the touchscreen home screen, tap to enter Settings, then navigate to
Maintenance>Toolhead Info.
If the nozzle diameter does not match the setting in the sliced file, the touchscreen will display a pop-up reminder.
- Re-run Calibration: On the touchscreen home screen, tap to enter Settings, then tap
Device Calibration. Re-run the Multi-toolhead Offset Calibration and Heated Bed Leveling.
To watch video tutorials for Multi-toolhead Offset Calibration and Manual Leveling, go to: Multi-toolhead Offset Calibration | Home Calibration & Manual Leveling.
- Perform Dynamic Flow Calibration: Before starting any print job on the touchscreen, tap
Start>Next>Dynamic Flow Calibrationfrom the home screen, then start the print.
To watch the video tutorial for Dynamic Flow Calibration, go to: Dynamic Flow Calibration.
If you are using 0.2 mm hot ends, dynamic flow compensation is unreliable. Performing Dynamic Flow Calibration is not recommended for 0.2 mm nozzles.
¶ 4. Software Configuration
Snapmaker Orca Version Requirement: V2.3.1 or higher. Check for updates using the software's built-in update function, visit the official Snapmaker website, or download the required version from the Snapmaker Orca Release Notes.
After replacing the hot end, perform the following operations in Snapmaker Orca:
Refer to the Snapmaker Orca Quick Start Guide for U1. Ensure Snapmaker Orca is connected to the printer. Click Synchronize nozzle information to synchronize the printer's nozzle diameters to the software.
If the nozzle diameters used for slicing in Snapmaker Orca do not match the diameters set on the printer's touchscreen, the print job will not proceed.
You can also manually select the appropriate nozzle diameter for slicing. Once set, the process configuration package will adapt automatically.
¶ 5. Troubleshooting
The Snapmaker official YouTube account had also posted a related video tutorial, click to watch: U1 Video Guide: How to Use Liber High Flow Hotend.
Compared to the standard hotend, the High-Flow Hotend significantly improves filament melting efficiency, making it especially suitable for printing large-scale and high-volume models.
¶ Best-Fit Print Scenarios
Best-Fit Print Scenarios
- High-efficiency printing scenarios — ideal for batch production and rapid prototyping
- Large-volume models with long, continuous extrusion paths
- Strength-oriented settings, such as thicker walls and higher infill rate
¶ Installation & Replacement
The installation and replacement process for the high-flow Hotend is the same as for the standard hotend. Please refer to the U1 Hotend Replacement Guide to replace your hotend.
You can also watch the video tutorial "Ceramic Heater and NTC Thermistor Replacement", which covers hotend replacement.
Once the High-Flow Hotend is installed, you will need to configure both the firmware and the software accordingly.
¶ Firmware Configuration
Firmware version requirement: V2.0.0 or higher. Please update locally via the touchscreen, or download the required version from the U1 Firmware Release Notes.
After replacing the hotend, follow these steps on the touchscreen:
- Set the nozzle diameter:
1️⃣ On the touchscreen home screen, go toSettings>Maintenance>Toolhead Info.
2️⃣ Based on your actual installation, set the corresponding toolhead's hotend type to High-Flow Hotend, select the nozzle diameter accordingly, and tap Confirm to save.
Please ensure that all nozzles are of the same diameter. Mixing different nozzle diameters within a single print job is currently not supported.
- Re-calibrate the machine: On the touchscreen home screen, go to
Settings>Device Calibration, and re-run Multi-toolhead Offset Calibration and Heated Bed Leveling.
For video tutorials on Multi-toolhead Offset Calibration and Manual Leveling, see: Multi-Head Offset Calibration | Home Calibration & Manual Leveling Tutorial.
- Perform dynamic flow calibration: Before starting any print job, go to the home screen and tap
Start>Next>Dynamic Flow Calibration, then start printing.
For a video tutorial on Dynamic Flow Calibration, see: Dynamic Flow Calibration.
¶ Software Configuration
Before printing, you'll also need to complete the software configuration in Snapmaker Orca specifically for the High-Flow Hotend.
Snapmaker Orca version requirement: V2.4.0 or later.
You can obtain the required version in one of the following ways:
1️⃣ Upgrade via the built-in update checker in Snapmaker Orca
2️⃣ Download the latest version from the Snapmaker website
3️⃣ Download the required version from the Snapmaker Orca Release Notes
💡 If you are using a Snapmaker 3D printer for the first time
You can refer to the Snapmaker Orca Quick Start Guide (for U1). Make sure Snapmaker Orca is connected to your printer.
Once you have installed the hotend and the correct version of Snapmaker Orca, follow the steps below to complete the configuration.
- After completing the corresponding settings on the printer's touchscreen, make sure Snapmaker Orca is connected to the printer, then click
Synchronize Nozzle Information.
You can check the diameter and flow type settings for each nozzle via the path shown below. If anything doesn't match your setup, modify the settings on the printer's touchscreen and re-sync the nozzle information.
Make sure at least one nozzle is set to high flow.
- In the
Filamentspanel, click the icon in the top-right corner toSync Filament Information— this imports the filament data currently loaded on the printer into Snapmaker Orca.
Please make sure you are using at least one filament that includes a High-Flow preset.
To check whether your loaded filament includes a High-Flow preset, or to modify its preset parameters, follow the path shown in the image below:
- Select a process preset** that supports high flow. You can view or adjust specific preset parameter by following the steps shown in the illustration.
If, after completing step 3, the
Speedpanel does not show a[High Flow]section, the selected process preset does not include high-flow parameters. In that case, go back to step 3 and select a different preset.
- Hover over the
Slice platebutton in the top-right corner of the software and selectCustom Mode.
- Click the
Slice platebutton in the top-right corner of the Orca interface. In the pop-up window, assign filaments to different flow-type nozzles by dragging.
💡 Models sliced with High-Flow mode have significantly shorter estimated print times.
- Click the
Printbutton in the top-right corner of the software and selectUpload & Print.
To adjust nozzle assignments for individual filaments, you can either return to the previous step or modify them in the pre‑print window (see below).
Filaments sliced with a High-Flow setting can only be printed using a High-Flow nozzle.
Make sure the installed nozzle flow type matches the file's setting; otherwise, an error will occur.
The touch screen would also show pop-up warnings:
Sliced with standard flow, but a high-flow hotend is installed. |
Sliced with high flow, but a standard-flow hotend is installed. |
In this case, the print job cannot proceed. Please correct the settings and retry.
Please also note
Mixing different nozzle diameters in the same print job is currently not supported.
¶ Filament Compatibility
See the table below for filament compatibility information.
Filament Compatibility Table
| Filament | Liber Hotend Compatibility | Cold Pull Required |
|---|---|---|
| SnapSpeed PLA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Matte PLA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Silk PLA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Silk Dual-Color PLA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Wood PLA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Glow PLA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Rainbow PLA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Gradient PLA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Marble PLA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Galaxy PLA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| PLA Translucent | ✔️ | ❌ |
| PLA-CF | ✔️ | ❌ |
| PETG HF | ✔️ | ❌ |
| PETG Translucent | ✔️ | ❌ |
| PETG-CF | ✔️ | ❌ |
| ABS | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| ASA | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| ASA-CF | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| ABS-GF | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| PA6-CF | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| PA6-GF | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| PAHT-CF | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| TPU 90A | ✔️ | ❌ |
| TPU 95A HF | ✔️ | ❌ |
| PVA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Support for PLA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Support for ABS | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Support for PA | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| PC | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| PEBA 90A | ✔️ | ❌ |
*The compatible filament list is subject to the final confirmation of the Snapmaker High‑Flow Hotend official release version.
High-Flow nozzles are not recommended for the following filaments:
CF- or GF-filled materials, TPU (whole series) and Wood PLA
The High-Flow Hotend is not recommended for filaments containing CF, GF, or wood fibers — these fibers may tangle or carbonize at high speeds, leading to clogs. Flexible TPU (whole series) also risks feeding instability. Using such materials with the High-Flow Hotend may result in print failure. We recommend using a different hotend with these filaments.
¶ Switching from High-temperature to Heat-sensitive Filaments
After printing with high-temperature filaments (such as ABS, ASA, PA, PC, etc.), if you want to switch to heat-sensitive filaments (such as PLA, TPU, PETG, etc.) with the same toolhead, you need to clean the hotend's heat break via a cold pull process before starting the next print to prevent clogs. Please follow these steps carefully:
1️⃣ On the touchscreen of your printer, tap Filament > Unloading Mode > Unload to remove the high-temperature filament.
2️⃣ Load the heat-sensitive filaments. At the feeder on the side of the machine, manually push the filament toward the guide tube until its tip reaches the toolhead.
3️⃣ Set the nozzle temperature to the temperature required for the high-temperature filament you're using.
4️⃣ On the printer touchscreen, tap Toolhead > Extrude. This will push out the remaining high-temperature filament from the nozzle, followed by the newly loaded heat-sensitive filaments.
5️⃣ Lower the nozzle temperature to 220–240°C and keep extruding during the cooling process.
6️⃣ Wait until the temperature stabilizes and the new filament flows out smoothly.
7️⃣ Set the nozzle temperature to 85°C and wait for the nozzle to cool down.
8️⃣ Once the nozzle has cooled, slowly and steadily pull the filament upward out of the toolhead to complete the cold pull. If the pulled filament ends in three strands, the cold pull was successful — this effectively reduces the risk of clogging.
9️⃣ Cut off the split end of the filament, reinsert it into the toolhead, and you're ready for the next print.
The pulled filament end splits into three strands.
💡 If you cannot extrude when flushing the old filament with the new material, try raising the nozzle temperature or using a cleaning needle to clear the nozzle. For more details, see "Troubleshooting" below. ⬇️
🙂 For a more direct walkthrough, visit Snapmaker official YouTube account to watch a video guide.
¶ Troubleshooting
If your Hotend clogs, try "cold pull" to clear it.
1️⃣ Heat the hotend to the printing temperature required by the clogged filament
2️⃣ Use PLA filament to continuously flush the nozzle until all remaining residue is cleared
3️⃣ Once the PLA filament flows steadily, lower the temperature to 85°C
4️⃣ Slowly and steadily pull out the filament to remove any internal residue
💡 If the clog is severe, use a cleaning needle to clear the nozzle before performing cold pull.
For detailed instructions on cold pull, refer to U1 Cold Pull | Snapmaker Wiki.
For daily maintenance, keep your filament dry and avoid leaving the hotend at high temperatures for extended periods when not in use — this helps reduce the risk of clogging.