Welcome to the SeeMeCNC Community

I currently have my MAX v2 set up with the stock effector plate and an E3DV6 hot end (with a printed mount supplied by MatterHackers), mounted conventionally above the plate.

The setup works fine, but I am wondering if there is any downside to mounting the entire hot end below the effector plate (a so called under-mount).

The upside would be that making better photographs or videos of the printing because the effector/balljoints/arms/fans would be significantly above the nozzle, out of the way.
My other printer has a very small hot end, and the cooling comes from directly above it, so the hot end itself is rather inconspicuous.

I can see that providing layer cooling might be a bit more challenging, but should be something that could be worked out pretty easily.

If I do mount everything below the effector plate, does that mean having to do an entirely new calibration sequence, or does it require changes to diameter or other settings?

I am considering a mount from 713maker.comm and I see that they offer an under-mount configuration. http://713maker.com/mounts.html

Any thoughts one way or the other are appreciated.

The big negative I've noted is you'd lose some effective Z build volume.

Thanks... I forgot to mention that I currently have WAY more build volume (height) than I am likely to ever need.
Moving things down an inch or so would not be a problem for me.

So are there any configuration changes necessary if I change the mounting (aside from a new Z zero setting)?

I can see the potential for mounting various things on the effector plate (pens, lasers, cutters, etc.) and want to get a good grounding in any potential issues.

I just noticed that on the PartDaddy live feed (https://video.nest.com/live/partdaddy), the hot end nozzle is way below the effector.

Only "negative" is loss of Z height.
No, you don't need to change any firmware settings other than setting your new Z0.

Actually I prefer under mount, it is easier to see print in progress and I have found hot end runs cooler and more reliable.
Several of my printers are setup this way.

One thing, any play/looseness/flex in your arms, joints or carriages will be greatly exaggerated with nozzle way below platform.
As long as you have a good tight and stiff setup, you will be fine.


FWIW, one of the printers I used the stock blower fan shrouds dropped down with a length of 3MM threaded rod and several lock nuts, slip a regular 3MM nut into slot where platform tab is supposed to go.
http://repables.com/r/171/

I run mine mounted under as-well.