Part 1: Review of the Pico Hybrid hotend from Metaform - using the Creality Ender 3 Pro bowden setup

Testing the revived Pico Hybrid hotend for 3D printers, formerly from B3 Innovations but now being made by Metaform. They will be launching this hotend soon on Kickstarter and more detailed info can be found at www.Metaform.us
I have been testing a pre-production unit for a few weeks on a stock Ender 3 Pro (minus the Prusa sheet). This will be Part 1 of 2 for my review, I simply don't have enough time to test every filament and aspect of this hotend. Part 1 will show prints/thoughts so far running the Ender 3 on the stock plastic extruder in bowden setup.
Part 2 will include some more exotic materials and ditching the bowden setup in favor of direct drive. I will run that on the Ender 3 BLV and one of my CoreXY machines so we can see what upper-speed limits this hotend can handle.
Pros:
• No nozzle leaks above heater block
• V6 length adapter option
• Integrated heatsink fan
• Compact and light
• Allows for high print speeds
• Range of nozzles including hardened
• Silicone sock holds up (one included)
• Heatsink fan will have inline 5v adapter
Cons:
• Longer melt zone does like to ooze some filaments more than others.
• Spring on thermistor sometimes got in the way
• Sound/Pitch of heatsink fan is different than we are used to hearing
• My video length and lighting
-- From Metaform website --
The smallest, most versatile hotend ever. Pico Hybrid is only 51mm short and weighs less than 28g with all the necessary components for operation.
Built to be a workhorse, we designed Pico Hybrid with custom reinforced heaters and thermistors to ensure you never have to worry about a wire break.
Our unique nozzle design provides a leak-proof experience and the ability to switch between PTFE-lined and all-metal setups just by switching the nozzle.
Pico Hybrid is also configured for direct drive and bowden configurations out of the box, just swap the included inserts. With so many options, Pico Hybrid is ready to enable your printing workflow, no matter how you print.
---
Prints used in the video include:
#3DBenchy
Baby Yoda - www.myminifact...
Miniature Lookout Tower - www.myminifact...
Mimikyu - www.myminifact...
Jukka Seppänen has amazing models on #MyMiniFactory
Mothers Day - www.thingivers...
Please subscribe and check out / j_wmueller or / jwm931
#metaform3d #creality #ender3pro #3dprinting #3dprinters #makers #newproduct

[@Johns3DPrintingCorner]

​I forgot to add to the video that I am still amazed that this hotend actually works! For size comparison - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJSQhWmvp5WFndk

[@Johns3DPrintingCorner]

The video was a bit longer than I had wanted. Hopefully, every video gets better. Next up, I will be showing the Prusa Mini belt tension adjustments and the effect it has on prints. Thanks all!

[@NebulasDH]

Is there a time table for the kickstarter for the pico hybrid?

[@Johns3DPrintingCorner]

@metaform3d can you answer this question yet?

[@bass4aj1]

Great question. We are hoping early February, but that time is not firm yet. You can follow us on Twitter (@metaformllc) or Instagram (@metaform3d) for the latest information though

[@davidbradshaw9637]

John, could I purchase one of your 3D printed mounts for the Pico hot end for Ender 3?

[@Johns3DPrintingCorner]

I think they have an improved version based on mine, let me text them and find out.

[@davidbradshaw7358]

@@Johns3DPrintingCorner Much appreciated. I received the Kickstarter Pico Hybrid, but have no way to attach it.

[@Johns3DPrintingCorner]

@@davidbradshaw7358 www.thingiverse.com/search?q=Metaformllc&type=things&sort=relevant see if these work for you.

[@freescape08]

Please tell me this humour was inspired by Linus Sebastian. While I believe in independent invention, I feel like this was a nod to a precursor.

[@Johns3DPrintingCorner]

I would have to watch my video again. Ha ha I like Linus but I don't remember borrowing any humor from him, so now you have me curious!