LDO Apogee toolhead mod for installing KE or Phætus Dragon UHF hotend on an Ender 3 V1/V2/Pro

This remix aims to integrate the MK8 nozzle mounts into the X carriage itself instead of mounting them onto the existing X carriage of the Ender 3. Due to this, a linear rail is required to mount this variant. I may consider creating an alternate which can be mounted to the standard Ender3 X carriage just like the original but as my intended use-case is with a machine that has MGN12 linear rails on X and Y I haven't done this.

The build process for this toolhead though will be fairly similar to the one for the original Apogee toolhead, except for the required installation of 2x heat set inserts into the X carriage to allow the screws for the hotend to bite into them and secure everything tightly. Use the PTFE liners that are provided with the Ender 3 KE hotend to install this and trim them so that they interface cleanly with the Orbiter and the top of the hotend. The ender3 KE hotend uses the PTFE tube as a guide and the very end of the nozzle will actually slip into the PTFE tube. If you need to replace these liners at any point in future you need PTFE Tube with a 3mm ID and 4mm OD.

I would strongly advise using a more temperature resistant filament to print at least the X Carriage. PLA warps very easily under compression or tension and PETG can warp easily with heat. Use ABS, ASA or PC for at least the X carriage to ensure best reliability.

Recommended print settings:

X carriage bracket:

0.2mm layer height
95% infill
4 perimeters
Supports: enabled (I recommend tree supports to cut down on material usage)

fan shroud:

0.12mm layer height
30% infill
4 perimeters
supports: enabled

CR-Touch mount:

0.2mm layer height
15-30% infill
4 perimeters
supports: enabled

Update 21-01-25

Updated versions of the X carriage and CR-touch mounts after initial tests found the CR-touch was slightly too high, requiring shimming to get the Z offset where it needs to be for a successful calibration.

Additionally, linear rail bearing block mounting position has been lowered to change the distance from the X rail the belts are pulled away from to ensure optimal dimensional accuracy. A further alteration to the positioning is planned but not yet done.

Update 11-11-25a

Added a fan shroud and X mount for the Phætus Dragon UHF hotend, aka “The Phat Dergy” bracket.

The CRTouch mount for the KE bracket will work with the UHF.


Update 11-11-25b

New variant of the KE bracket which changes the nozzle height to match the Dragon UHF mount and changes the belt position to align it better to the X axis.

IF USING THE FLIPPASNIPPA AND PFAB SYSTEM --


You will want to print an updated version of the PFAB unit, which will be available shortly now that I've tested and verified the improved PFAB arm to be reliable.

The FlippaSnippa will still be fully compatible as the updates haven't affected the height of the X carriage.