Heatblock replacement - molten PLA stuck in allen key screw on heatblock
Hi there,
First-time poster so apologies if this is the wrong place.
I've been working on replacing the heaterblock on my Prusa Mini+ but am running into a bit of a problem. The reason for the heaterblock replacement was PLA leaking over the top and sides of the heaterblock during the last print (likely due to an incorrect nozzle installation).
I've been following the guide here: https://help.prusa3d.com/guide/how-to-replace-a-heaterblock-heatbreak-mini-mini_122769 up to step 9.
I've successfully removed the thermistor screw, but am stuck on removing the heater screw - as it seems completely stuck due to the leaking PLA going into the screw threads, most likely. As you can see from the photos, I've removed as much of the PLA as I could but am now beginning to strip the actual allen screw top.
Is there a way to dissolve the PLA somehow or are there any other ideas I'm missing?
Would the alternative be to snip the cables, strip them and attach them to the new heaterblock slightly shortened? I would still be missing the piece that's currently held inside the heaterblock where the cables feed into (don't know the name, sorry).
Many thanks in advance!
Heat it 'til the plastic melts ...
You'll need some way to clamp it and a heat gun, don't forget to insulate your fingers from the allen key.
Cheerio,
RE:
The piece clamped into the heater block is the actual heater cartridge, which is attached to the cables and needs to be inserted into the new heater block (unless you replace the heater cartridge with its cables, too) so you´ll need it 🙂 Use a quality allen wrench, clamp the block, as @Diem says, heat it and use some pressure on the allen key when turning. What is the reason for the heatblock replacement? I can´t see any reason not to just clean the block outside, rebuild and print...?
Cheers
Chris
I try to give answers to the best of my ability, but I am not a 3D printing pro by any means, and anything you do you do at your own risk. BTW: I have no food for…