Ep. 78: Radek of RH3D on E3NG, Virtu E3, and the Future of Open-Source 3D Printers

In this episode, we are joined by Radek of RH3D. Brought to you by Sovol. Get $10-20 OFF on Sovol 3D Printers: https://jle.vi/sovol (use code NEXTLAYER)

Radek is the engineer, architect, woodworker, and maker behind RH3D, a project best known in the 3D printing community for breathing new life into aging Ender 3 printers. His most recognized work, E3NG, reuses approximately 68–78% of an Ender 3 to build a fundamentally new, more capable 3D printer—challenging the idea that old machines should simply be replaced.

Born in the Czech Republic and raised in a family of mechanical engineers, Radek was immersed in problem-solving and hands-on creation from an early age. His path took him through architecture school, years running a woodworking business, and eventually back to architecture—while continuing to design and develop advanced 3D printer projects part-time under the RH3D name.

Whether you’re an Ender 3 owner, a maker who loves modding and rebuilding machines, or someone interested in sustainable approaches to 3D printing hardware, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-world engineering experience.

🤫 Get behind the scenes and exclusive content on my Patreon: https://patreon.com/thenextlayer

💬 JOIN MY DISCORD: https://jle.vi/tnl-discord

🎥 IN THIS EPISODE: 🎥

00:00 Introduction

01:08 Radek’s Background: Architecture, Engineering Roots & First Printer

03:36 Origin Story of the E3NG: From Cheap Upgrades to Full Conversion

05:37 Czech Maker Culture & Why Engineering Runs Deep

08:06 What Is the E3NG? CoreXY Conversion, Reused Parts & Enclosure Benefits

11:21 Open-Source, Part-Time Development & Community Support

13:18 Virtu E3 Revealed: Next-Gen Ender-Based Performance Printer

15:11 Speed Talk: 40K Accels, Rigid Frame, and All-Wheel-Drive XY Options

16:36 Lessons from Thousands of Builds: Feedback Loops, Testing, and Design Discipline

19:49 Virtu E3 Design Choices: Linear Rails, Triple-Z Bed, and Fewer Options on Purpose

20:43 Open-Source Toolheads: Let the Community Build the Variants

21:42 No-Hassle Build Recommendations: Budget, Hotends & Upgrade Paths

24:12 Electronics Picks: SKR vs Octopus for Multi-Tool Setups

26:17 What’s Next: Hotend Changers, Toolchangers & the Patent Question

28:30 Virtu E3 Release Timeline + The Feeling of Seeing Your Design as a Kit

29:35 Kits, Commissions, and Crediting Creators (LDO, Fabreeko, FYSECT)

31:35 MMUs on E3NG: Pico, BoxTurtle, and Radek’s DIY Multi-Motor MMU

35:29 CAD Tools & Late-Night Maker Life (Fusion, Onshape, FreeCAD)

36:34 Wrap-Up

🔗 CONNECT WITH RADEK: 🔗

👉 Follow Radek / RH3D on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RH3D_cz

👉 RH3D: https://rh3d.xyz/

👉 Follow RH3D on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RH3D_cz

🛒 RECOMMENDED GEAR: 🛒

📍 Complete list of 3D Printing accessories: https://kit.co/jlevi/3d-printing

📍 Complete list of my videography gear: https://kit.co/jlevi/content-creation

📍My favorite thing to 3D Print: https://jle.vi/multiboard

📍My recommended electronics & control boards: https://jle.vi/bigtreetech

📍 My favorite 3D printing "accessory": https://jle.vi/magigoo | https://jle.vi/whambam

📍 My favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker

📍 Check out the official TNL merch: https://shop.thenextlayer.com/

📍 PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING USING MY LINKS! FULL LIST CAN BE FOUND AT: https://jle.vi/links