Compatible Thermocouples & Thermistors for Mosquito and Copperhead Hotends

Which temperature sensors (thermocouples/thermistors/RTD) do the Mosquito® and Copperhead™ Hotends work with?

The Copperhead™, the Mosquito® Hotend, and the Mosquito® Magnum Hotend work with all temperature sensor types commonly found in 3D printers. Instructions for using these temperature sensor types with our hotends are shown below:



Cartridge sensors of 3 mm diameter such as those from Slice Engineering®: 

1. Remove either retaining screw (M3 low head socket cap) from the hot block.
2. Apply Boron Nitride Paste inside the hot block’s sensor slot with the provided applicator swab and onto the surface of the cartridge.
3. Insert the sensor into the sensor slot.
4. Reinstall the removed retaining screw.
5. Wipe away any excess Boron Nitride Paste using a cotton swab, then allow it to dry as described in the preceding section.

Extra comments on cartridge sensors:
Some printers, like the Raise3D Pro2 printer, have stock cartridge sensors that are longer than hot blocks sold by Slice Engineering®. If you try to install this sensor on a Slice Engineering® hot block, you will notice the sensor protruding from the hot block.




To get around this issue, you can purchase a smaller cartridge sensor (with a 3 mm diameter) or you can purchase an M3 threaded stud sensor. The threaded stud sensor can be screwed into the retaining screw holes on the hot block (see the picture below and the next section).



Note: Some temperature sensors require firmware updates. Moreover, not all 3D printers allow firmware updates. Please check to ensure that your printer can allow firmware updates before purchasing a temperature sensor. 

Threaded stud sensors with M3 threads:

1. Remove either retaining screw from the hot block.
2. Apply Boron Nitride Paste onto the threads and shoulder of the sensor.
3. Install the sensor into the threaded hole previously occupied by the retaining screw
4. Wipe away any excess Boron Nitride Paste using a cotton swab, then allow it to dry as described in the preceding section. 

Glass bead sensors:

To achieve accurate temperature measurements with this sensor type, Boron Nitride Paste must fill the space between the glass bead and the wall of the sensor hole. This is achieved by potting the sensor into the hole. 
1. Fill the sensor slot with Paste and insert the glass bead deeply into the wet paste 
2. Anchor the sensor’s leads to the Copperhead™ heatsink using the included Panduit zip tie for cable control and strain relief. 
3. Wipe away excess Boron Nitride Paste using a cotton swab or sponge and allow it to dry as described in the preceding section.

Dimensions of Mosquito® and Copperhead™ Hot Blocks:

The Mosquito® and Copperhead™ Hot Blocks both have:
1. An M3 x 0.5 threaded stud sensor hole with a 6 mm length
2. A cartridge sensor hole with a 3 mm diameter and 23 mm length
3. A cartridge heater hole with a 6 mm diameter and a 23 mm length


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