Replacement of the HotEnd Heater Cartridge for the MK3S
Anyone have any tips on replacing the Hot End Heater Cartridge? I snagged one of it's wires and it broke off, so I ordered a replacement. It looks like that Cartridge is simply pressed into the heat sink (no threads), but I expect extracting it may be difficult since I've used the printer quite allot. I'm guessing it will be stuck after numerous heating cycles. I'd prefer extracting it without removing the entire HotEnd Assembly. Any help is surely appreciated.
Check the online assembly manual for pictures if you arent familiar with how its fitted. Its has a small grub screw located near the nozzle that keeps it in place. That needs loosening and then the heater cartridge can be removed. Of course how much crud plastic you have will determine how easy that is to do. That's another reason to always fit a silicone sock over the heater as it stops such build up.
The biggest pain is removing the wiring from the cable loom. and putting it all back again afterwards. That will require quite a bit of disassembly. Its why I ran a replacement cable that ended in the same connector the last time I had it apart. I can now swap heaters without doing anything more that undoing the grub screw. It pays to plan ahead 🙂 I did the same for the thermistor and fan wires too.
Heat the hotend to 285 degrees. Makes it much easier to remove the heater cartridge. Just remember it's HOT now.
What connectors?
[...] Its why I ran a replacement cable that ended in the same connector the last time I had it apart. I can now swap heaters without doing anything more that undoing the grub screw. It pays to plan ahead 🙂 I did the same for the thermistor and fan wires too.
What connectors did you wind up using?
Replacement of the HotEnd Heater Cartridge for the MK3S
Wow... thanks for the quick reply. I bought my MK3S as a kit, so I am familiar with the parts, however, the heater/extruder came as an assembly, so I didn't need to pay attention to how the heater was held. It looks like I can do that replacement without removing the head. Removing the wiring and plugging in the new wires aren't too bad. Thanks again, John
Replacement of the HotEnd Heater Cartridge for the MK3S
Great suggestion... I guess I'll heat it if I run into problems. Also, I suppose I'd need to use a heat gun with a pencil tip since the heater wire is broken and I cant use it to self heat the heat sink.
RE: Connectors
I plan to do the same using:
2 way JST XH2.5 for the heater (connector rated 3A, heater current 40W/24V =1.67A). Given the temperature environment, this is the lowest margin I would consider using.
2 way JST PH2.0 for the thermistor (v low current).
I may add a 3 way JST PH2.0 for the fan, I've not decided on this as yet.
[...] Its why I ran a replacement cable that ended in the same connector the last time I had it apart. I can now swap heaters without doing anything more that undoing the grub screw. It pays to plan ahead 🙂 I did the same for the thermistor and fan wires too.
What connectors did you wind up using?
I bought a replacement heater cartridge direct from e3d, it comes with the cartridge with their standard connector, it also comes with an extension cable that ends in 2 crimped ferrules. They will screw into the connector used on the einsy with no problems replacing the Prusa ones. As it’s supplied by e3d you know both the connector and wire specified to handle the current and any heat. That gives you the perfect setup a the connector sits handily tucked above the fan shroud and you can change the heater at will with any proper e3d one.
That's certainly simple!
I bought a replacement heater cartridge direct from e3d, it comes with the cartridge with their standard connector, it also comes with an extension cable that ends in 2 crimped ferrules. They will screw into the connector used on the einsy with no problems replacing the Prusa ones.
Well, that certainly makes life easier. I did not realize they provided that extension cable! Is one also provided with their thermistor?
Sorry Bob but it’s been so long I can’t recall about the thermistor.
Same connector for thermistor & heater cartridge?
Sorry Bob but it’s been so long I can’t recall about the thermistor.
If they're both the same connector, I suppose ordering 2 heater cartridges would work. Thanks for the tip!
Heat gun
A heat gun should work to heat the hotend enough to loosen the screws and thermistor. I never use the wire to remove the cartridge. Instead, I hold the hotend with pliers and push the cartridge out with a screw driver.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
reply from Labosky...
Good advice, thanks. I got lucky because it wasn't stuck... after I loosened the retainer screw and tugged a bit on the heater, it rotated free and I pushed it out with a screw driver just like you mentioned... not I'm waiting on my order from Prusa.