Topic: Da Vinci 1.1 plus extruder replacement
Hi all,
Well I've decided to have a go at replacing my extruder. After many failed attempts at trying to print PLA I tried numerous different ways of removing the heat from the extruder connector but alas, none worked.
So, I had a mk8 extruder sitting there going spare from my last DIY build so I embarked on the challenge. Now, the main problem with the 1.1 plus is I'm guessing I need to remain on it's own built in firmware because I wanted to retain it's touchscreen operation. This means the diameter of the extruder cog on the motor must remain the same so it doesn't over or under extrude. I measured the vinci one and that was 10.82mm. I then measured the mk8 and although it's teeth are bigger this one measured 10.76mm.. that' pretty dam close in my book so this might just work!
Next I wanted it to be a simple install. Trying to retain the original carriage was the plan. Once I had swapped over the original heating element and the temp resistor and installed them in the mk8 I had to rotate the hotend so it cleared the old carriage. Once installed the nozzle is only about 1mm in height difference from the original so you can compensate for this by the bed leveling adjustments. Sadly my head is slightly off center now so I will need to adjust the x limit by added about 10mm to it.
I also needed to reverse the motor as it was extruding the wrong way. This was simple to do by swapping the pins around in the vinci motor connection plug. You just have to reverse them so 1.2.3.4 wires become 4.3.2.1.
So currently I'm waiting for a 0.4mm nozzle which will allow me to print some parts to finish it off, but I'm very happy with it so far. :-)

I've also been working on a touch screen cartridge reprogrmmer. Again, just waiting to get my printer up and running so I can print an inner mount to glue it in to an empty cartridge.


Will update next week with the finished results.






