1 Topic by aclark1983

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Topic: Solidoodle4 Print Head

Over the last few weeks I have been trying to order a new print head from Solidoodle for my Solidoodle4 printer.  No luck and my guess is that replacement parts might be few and far between.  Anyway, the part that seems fubared on my printer after I cleaned the nozzle is the threaded rod.  I am just going to get a few manufactured along with any other parts that I might need.  I went through the trouble to model the hot end complete with McMaster and Digikey parts that are suitable replacements.  I threw it up on GrabCad if anybody is interested.

https://grabcad.com/library/solidoodle-4-print-head-1

Attached the .STEP for fun.

AC

2 Reply by heartless

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Re: Solidoodle4 Print Head

most of us have ditched the stock hotend and replaced it with an E3D - either the v6, or the Lite6 if you are on a budget.

it does require adjusting & reflashing the firmware however

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

3 Reply by AZERATE

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Re: Solidoodle4 Print Head

heartless wrote:

most of us have ditched the stock hotend and replaced it with an E3D - either the v6, or the Lite6 if you are on a budget.

+1
You seem proficient. So why the extra work?? For $35 USD you can grab an affordable E3D!!!
If you are being productive and helpful on a stock-consumer end deal, that's one thing. But you sound far more resourceful. Check into the E3D Lite6 if you are on a budget. there are many helpful users around happy to help with the upgrade as far as firmware and mechanical assistance goes.

Printit Mason and Printit Horizon printers
Multiple SD2s- Bulldog XL, E3D v5/v6/Lite6, Volcano, Hobb Goblin, Titan, .9 motor, Lawsy carriages, direct Y drive, fishing line...the list goes on
Filawinder and Filastruder #1870.....worth every penny!

4 Reply by aclark1983

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Re: Solidoodle4 Print Head

All good points!  I have a SD4 at home but also used a grant to buy several for my local middle school.  I have been helping the teacher get up to speed with lesson plans and solid modeling.  My machine is about 9 months older than the machines at the school and to date we have only had minor problems.  (Jams, adhesion problems, mid print shutdowns)  My home printer is the first one of the batch to have an issue that might require parts and because there is not a supply chain it can possibly turn into a huge pain.  For the sake of simplicity replacement hot ends are the easiest rout.  (Two connectors and a fastener)  I may give the ED3 a shot and evaluate if it is worth replacing the heads on the other machines.

A little additional history - also operate a Taz, Taz 5, and Taz mini.  The Taz runs dual heads with the option to switch one of the dual heads to the flexystruder nozzle.  The Taz 5 is configured with a custom high temperature head complete with an external controller set up to extrude PEEK.  The Taz mini is set up with a raspberry Pi and OctoPrint for remote monitoring and printing.  Also have access to a Form1, MarkForged, and a variety of crappy Makerbots but they are not my primary machines.

5 Reply by heartless

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Re: Solidoodle4 Print Head

The E3D's are definitely worth it. I have one of each (a v6 and a lite6) and both are high quality items. just make sure you are getting the real deal - there are a LOT of clones out there of lesser quality.

If you are in the US, I can highly recommend buying from filastruder.com - the proprietor is an active member here (elmoret) and a good guy to do business with.

I have to admit, I am a little jealous of all the machines you have access to! LOL

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

6 Reply by aclark1983

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Re: Solidoodle4 Print Head

Thanks for the information.  I just ordered a V6 from filastruder.com and am going to give it a shot.

Has anybody had success running OctoPrint with Cura as the slicer on a SD4/3/2?  I was able to print on my machine but the quality was not great and I never successfully dialed in settings.

Now that I have some downtime on the machine I am upgrading the bed to a glass top with a PEI coating.  PEI is a miracle material for adhesion and removal of ABS.  Taz 5 and Taz mini went to it in the latest versions of the machine and it is amazing.

7 Reply by heartless

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Re: Solidoodle4 Print Head

I use Repetier Host and Slic3r, so afraid I cant help you with that one.. hmm

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

8 Reply by aclark1983

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Re: Solidoodle4 Print Head

E3D v6 up and running.  Had no issues with the installation or firmware flashing other than the .HEX file that was generated to update the firmware was not the same that was listed in the instructions.  Ended up machining the E3D head to fit the stock Solidoodle metal mount so I got around begging friends to print parts.  Re-used the SD4 thermister, fit well.  Thanks for all the help!  Now I can get back to my print bed upgrades...