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Swappable Extruder/Hotend? Electrical connectors?  

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MileHigh3Der
(@milehigh3der)
Honorable Member
Swappable Extruder/Hotend? Electrical connectors?

I'm more a materials guy- definitely not a programming guy, but I can handle physical changes. What I really would like is to be able to swap the whole hot-end/extruder on the Mk3S (and maybe the Mini.  That way, when things get clogged and dirty, or things aren't going right, or I want to change the nozzle size/type, I can do it with out tearing apart the current set up. 

I can see a pretty straightforward way of making it physically happen- or at least I have some starting thoughts- but when it comes to making the electronics/cables swappable, I was looking on some insight as to the type or rating of connector? Mainly looking for some kind of slip-on/lock-on type of connector.  Just didn't' know what rating of one for the different cables/wires, especially the heating ones.

 

Any thoughts?  Has someone done this already?

Posted : 17/08/2020 6:06 pm
Journeyman
(@journeyman)
New Member
RE: Swappable Extruder/Hotend? Electrical connectors?

Still waiting for my Mk3S kit to arrive but on my elderly clone I have a 2-way dupont connector for the thermistor and a pair of lucar (vehicle flat blade) connectors for the heater. You could also use computer type 4-way molex connector which would put all four wires in one plug. You need suitable crimping tools for either method.

John

Posted : 21/08/2020 10:49 am
Neophyl
(@neophyl)
Illustrious Member
RE: Swappable Extruder/Hotend? Electrical connectors?

I have 'sort' of done this on my modified MK3.  Its multiple connectors though so I can swap individual bits out.

I used XT60 for the heater but XC30 would be more than enough, I had the 60's already though.
The fans I used 3 pin jst connectors.  They are 5v and low current anyway.
For the thermistor I used whatever it is that matches the ones that come with replacements from e3d (cant remember the type).  Looked like a small molex type, bit like you get on small airsoft battery packs.  Its a locking type from what I recall.

My stepper motor was already replaced when I did a geared extruder mod and it has a connector on anyway instead of being hardwired like the prusa ones so I didn't need to worry about that and as the PINDA and filament sensor are removable I didn't add inline ones in for those.

So I can swap fans, thermistor, heaters at will (handy for trying new part fan shrouds) or if I do replace the entire extruder for a different one I can do it without accessing the einsy box.

Posted : 21/08/2020 12:26 pm
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: Swappable Extruder/Hotend? Electrical connectors?

Please post photos.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 21/08/2020 2:43 pm
MileHigh3Der
(@milehigh3der)
Honorable Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Swappable Extruder/Hotend? Electrical connectors?

https://www.microcenter.com/product/610071/inland-psu-sleeved-cable-extension-kit---black--white?sku=971499&utm_source=20200821_eNews_Computer_Parts_R5814&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=R5814&MccGuid=02E48232-566D-42BF-9878-34F21E6E007A

microcenter has this in an email today.  Would that be enough to handle even the heater core?  Cut the current wires and reconnect them how?  Soldier and shrink fit over it?  Wire Nuts seem like they’d fail.  Or are their dedicated permanent connectors to splice them together.

Posted : 22/08/2020 11:11 pm
Journeyman
(@journeyman)
New Member
RE: Swappable Extruder/Hotend? Electrical connectors?

Those cables would possibly be OK as they are 16swg for computer power supplies. Problem is you would need matching sockets to make onto the existing cables and you would have to cut and solder them to the hot-end wiring. Solder joint where cables are subject to vibration not particularly good idea as they can be subject to brittle fractures. Really you need plug and socket you can insert into the existing wiring at a suitable point. These Molex Mini-fit connectors for example.

Come as housings and separate pins. You need the appropriate crimping tool to make them onto the wiring. They are very fiddly if you haven't used them before (but not as annoying as Dupont connectors which are much smaller). The two parts clip together so can't come apart by accident. I used one four way on my old clone.

Works quite well but not pretty. Having not got my Mk3S yet I don't know how the cables could best be routed. Good luck with the mod.

John

Posted : 23/08/2020 8:56 am
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