Extruder cables interfere with x-axis movement
 
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steve.a
(@steve-a)
Eminent Member
Extruder cables interfere with x-axis movement

I've managed to assemble the printer and print the tree frog and dragon successfully, but I noticed that my extruder cables occasionally coil up and either get stuck between the electronics box and the extruder or catch on the bulldog clips as the extruder head gets close to the X 0 position.

When I cable-tied the extruder cables to the electronics box, i put the cable tie around the cables, the 3mm filament, and the spiral cable wrap. I didn't see the 3mm filament provided so I used another filament I had already.

I noticed in some other pictures that other people hadn't cable tied the spiral wrap to the electronics box, but I thought I should do this to prevent the cables being flexed and eventually breaking. Not sure if this is the cause?

I also saw that other people had modified their printer to include the flexible cable chain (not sure if this is the right term) rather than the spiral wrap. Is there a model that someone can recommend that works well with the i3?

Cheers,
Steve

Posted : 19/04/2016 12:16 pm
Paolo
(@paolo)
Eminent Member
Re: Extruder cables interfere with x-axis movement

Hi Steve,
I think you need to use the spiral sheath. It takes the beam of cable in proper position.
Ciao,
Paolo

Posted : 19/04/2016 12:31 pm
PJR
 PJR
(@pjr)
Antient Member Moderator
Re: Extruder cables interfere with x-axis movement

Steve

It is important to cable tie the spiral wrap and cables at both ends and the 3mm filament should support the bundle of wires upwards and curl back down to the RAMBo housing.

It's difficult to get a good photo:

Peter

Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…

Posted : 19/04/2016 12:50 pm
richard.l
(@richard-l)
Member Moderator
Re: Extruder cables interfere with x-axis movement

Is there a replacement for the 3mm filament that can be used? Mine broke about 3 months ago and the cable wrap is slowly sinking down. I can't justify spending $20 for a roll of 3mm filament when all I need is 10' to replace what's there and in case it breaks again.

Posted : 19/04/2016 3:03 pm
PJR
 PJR
(@pjr)
Antient Member Moderator
Re: Extruder cables interfere with x-axis movement

Richard

Mine broke in a couple of places last week; I used 3 strands of 1.75mm, melted together at one end (with cigarette lighter) to form a 3mm piece about 20mm long.

Peter

Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…

Posted : 19/04/2016 3:10 pm
richard.l
(@richard-l)
Member Moderator
Re: Extruder cables interfere with x-axis movement

Peter,

Don't know why I didn't think of that! Will try when I get home from work.

Posted : 19/04/2016 5:02 pm
steve.a
(@steve-a)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Extruder cables interfere with x-axis movement

Peter,

Thanks for the pic. Yes thats what I have at the moment (spiral tied at both ends by cable ties) although my filament (which wasnt the one provided in the kit) spirals where as yours is a single arc, and thats the problem. I will swap out the filament I have in there at the moment as I think thats the problem.

Cheers,
Steve

Posted : 19/04/2016 10:23 pm
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