The new version tool head boards of the X1 series include the extruder board, the interface board, and the connecting FPC. They can be replaced according to the actually damaged parts.
IMPORTANT!
It's crucial to power off the printer before performing any maintenance work on the printer and its electronics, including tool head wires, because leaving the printer on while conducting such tasks can cause a short circuit, which can lead to additional electronic damage and safety hazards.
When you perform maintenane or troubleshooting on the printer, you may be required to disassemble some parts, including the hotend. This process can expose wires and electrical components that could potentially short circuit if they come into contact with each other or with other metal or electronic components while the printer is still on. This can damage the electronics of the printer and cause further damage.
Therefore, it's essential to switch off the printer and disconnect it from the power source before doing any maintenance work. This will prevent any short circuits or damage to the printer's electronics. By doing so, you can avoid potential damage to the printer's electronic components and ensure that the maintenance work is performed safely and effectively.
If you have any concerns or questions about following this guide, open a new ticket in our Support Page and we will do our best to respond promptly and provide you with the assistance you need.
The main differences between the new and old versions of the tool head boards.As shown in the pictures below, V8 is the old version, and V9 is the new one.
1. Combine the cable and ground wire into one FPC;
2. The reinforcement method at both ends of the connecting cable is changed from silicone fixation to bracket reinforcement;
3. The direction of the NTC connector on the interface board is changed;
4: The direction of the connector used to connect the extruder main board and the front housing is changed.
Note: Use a hair dryer to heat the silicone glue that applies to the connectors before disconnecting it to prevent damage to the connectors, or use tweezers to remove some glue first. It is also recommended to apply silicone glue for reinforcement after reconnection.
When installing the FPC, it is crucial to pay extra attention to the installation direction. If the direction is incorrect, the FPC's BTB connectors will not be aligned properly. Please do not attempt to force the installation, as this may damage the BTB connectors.
If you find installing FPC and small screws on the tool head difficult, you can also use the following workaround: installing the three parts while having them on the table. Once connected, place them in the Tool Head by sliding in the FPC from the right to the left
1. Place the 2 Tool Head boards on the table/workbench in front of you
2. make sure the ribbon style cable is orientated correctly, based on these pictures:
The FPC cable has a row of text, and the direction of reading along the text should be towards the small board(the interface board) along the arrow direction.
3. Assemble the cable while having the boards on the table, make sure not to overtighten the screws, and to have the metallic shields keeping the connector in place, like this:
4. When ready, hold the boards in above orientation.
5. Then slide the ribbon side cable in position in top of the Tool Head, from right to left
6. When this is done, you can proceed with steps 8, 9, 10, 12 and further in the wiki
Open the front housing assembly, disconnect the connecting cable, and then remove the front housing.
Use the H1.5 Allen wrench to Loosen the screw of the cutter lever with the H1.5 hex key to make it sag naturally, and press to disconnect the PTFE tube from the extruder.
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Remove the 8 screws fixing the tool head housing with the H1.5 hex key on both sides, and remove the tool head rear cover and middle frame.
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Disconnect the USB cable from the extruder main board, and then remove it with the bracket from the tool head.
Unscrew the screws at both ends of the connecting FPC with the H1.5 hex key and remove the brackets, disconnect the cable, and remove it from the tool head.
Note: The 4 screws used here are smaller in size. Avoid tightening the screws vigorously to prevent the screws from breaking and cannot be mixed with other screws.
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Disconnect 4 cables connecting to the interface board, remove 2 screws with an H1.5 hex key, and remove the interface board.
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Warnings: The thermistor plug has a buckle/latch (different than the fan and heater) that they need to push to unlatch rather than pull on the wires/plug till the whole PCB connector comes off.
Disconnect 3 cables connecting to the extruder main board, remove the 3 screws with an H1.5 hex key, turn the extruder main board to the left, disconnect the two laser cables, and remove the extruder main board.
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Install the extruder main board onto the tool head and lock in 3 screws. Then connect the camera flexible cable, install the bracket, and lock in two screws.
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Connect the 5 cables to the extruder main board respectively, pay attention to the direction of the connectors, and it is recommended to reinforce the connections with silicone as they did before disconnected. Arrange the 3 cables of the lidar as shown in the figure to avoid damaging and affecting the installation of the enclosure.
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Install the interface board onto the tool head and screw in 2 screws. Then connect the cable of the Hall board (extruder). It is recommended to apply the silicone glue for reinforcement, and then connect the 3 hotend cables.
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The "male" BTB connector should be connected to the small board(the interface board).
The "female" BTB connector should be connected to the big board(extruder board).
We strongly recommend you carefully check the BTB connectors on the FPC and the board before installation. The female BTB connectors must correspond to the male BTB connectors.
If you find it difficult to distinguish the direction using the BTB connectors, you can also determine it by observing the direction of the text on the FPC cable.
The FPC cable has a row of text, and the direction of reading along the text should be towards the small board(the interface board) along the arrow direction.
After confirming the direction of connecting the flat cable, install it into the slot above the tool head. Then connect them to the connectors of the interface board and the extruder main board, and reinforce them with crimping brackets and screws.
Note: The 4 screws used here are smaller in size. Avoid tightening the screws vigorously to prevent the screws from breaking and cannot be mixed with other screws.
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Connect the USB cable to the extruder main board, press the USB cable into the cable base, and then mount the cable bracket in place.
To check if the TH board assembly is installed correctly before installing the tool head housing, you can perform the following 2 tests:
1. Use a short filament to test whether the Hall sensor of the extruder can detect the filament normally. For example, when the filament is inserted, there will be a green mark here, and the green mark will disappear when the filament is pulled out.
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2. Set the hot end temperature to 60 ℃. When the temperature is higher than 50 ℃, the hotend fan will be turned on. Should the printer not be able to pass these two tests after installing the Tool Head board, it is likely that the flexible cable that is connecting both boards is not installed properly. Please reinstall it.
Install the middle frame and rear cover of the tool head, and lock four screws on both sides, respectively.
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Lift the cutter lever by hand, slide the cutter into the extruder along the cutter slot, lock the fixing screw, and connect the PTFE tube.
Connect the front cable as shown in the figure below and then close the front housing.
Note: Use a hair dryer to heat the silicone glue that applies to the connectors before disconnecting it to prevent damage to the connectors, or use tweezers to remove some glue first.
We hope that the detailed guide we shared with you was helpful and informative.
We want to ensure that you can perform it safely and effectively. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the process described in this article, we encourage you to reach out to our friendly customer service team before starting the operation. Our team is always ready to help you and answer any questions you may have.
Click here to open a new ticket in our Support Page.
We will do our best to respond promptly and provide you with the assistance you need.