The Plated Copper-Alloy Volcano Heater Block:
These blocks are engineered for ultimate high temperature performance. Made from a special high temperature copper-alloy with a softening point of well above 500C (compared to aluminium blocks which begin to lose integrity beyond 350°C), and much-increased thermal conductivity these copper blocks are perfect for high temperature applications while working perfectly with everyday filaments like PLA, ABS and spoolWorks EDGE.
In addition to high temperature performance these blocks have an advanced nickel based plating, this plating considerably reduces the adhesion of plastic to the block. This is great for everyday filaments keeping things clean and shiny, but is particularly important at temperatures above 300°C where a silicone sock can't be used.
Why Copper? Copper has more than 3x the thermal conductivity of brass, and the copper alloy we use has been hardened and treated to reduce the oxidation that occurs in copper at high temperatures. A small side effect is that the copper's higher thermal conductivity will also slightly increase your heat-up times, but it can provide tighter temperature control as well.
This copper-alloy is very temperature resilient, and will not start to soften or anneal until way beyond 500°C. It's perfect for the high-temperature printing that aluminium heater blocks can't handle.