1 Topic by nobias

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Topic: Zip tie on Printhead

My Solidoodle 3 printer came with a broken zip-tie around the print-head. I had assumed it was there for shipping. But i found comment on the web that seems to say that it is not to be removed as it holds the wires to the head so they don't bend or move as the head moves. Looking at the head i would say that makes sense ...

However the zip-tie was broken during transit (or maybe even before shipping - It looked like the kind of break you get by over tightening) and the head was free to move - the rail clips had not stopped the movement as they were also pushed down the rails in both the X & Y directions.

I intend to make a wire retainer no matter what, since as I said it looks like it would be a good idea to stop the wires bending back and forth at the point they connect to the components anyway. However - Is that the only reason for the zip-tie or is there another reason for it? Or is it supposed to be removed?

Thanks

2 Reply by Quintox303

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Re: Zip tie on Printhead

I cut off the zip tie from my print head almost as soon as I got it. There is kapton tape holding the wires against the stepper motor anyway so as long as they aren't loose to maybe be melted away from the extruder then it is fine.

For a wire retainer/organiser, Lawsy has designed a very nice cable chain for the solidoodle that can be found on thingiverse, just search "cable chain lawsy". Sorry I cant post links.
You might need to play around with the number of chain links needed for the solidoodle 3 but this will hold the wires in place and out of the way.
Hope I helped,
Matt

3 Reply by nobias

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Re: Zip tie on Printhead

Thanks, yeah my printer seems to be somewhat different than most others it seems. for instance there is no kapton tape (or anything else) wrapped around my print-head.

also in looking on the web I found one image or video (and only one) that even vaguely looks like my extruder, It has no acrylic faceplate for instance - like all the Model 3's seem to have.. However the one that IS on there is an excellent design, so no worries on that anyway.

4 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Zip tie on Printhead

You have the newer aluminum extruder assembly like the SD4's and the X-axis runs on bearings, correct?  There should have been something saying "REMOVE ZIP TIE"

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5 Reply by nobias

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Re: Zip tie on Printhead

Yes the head rides on linear bearings and there WAS a notice to remove the Zip-tie holding the Carriage in Place, but this tie was just wrapped around the head (before it broke in transit), it was not holding the head itself in place. This was why i was asking if it was to be a cable holder or a shipping holder.

The notice also mentions removing "the 4 Orange Retaining Clips that hold the carriage and extruder in place during shipment" yes they were orange but there were only two - One on each rail (the second Y-Rail didn't have one) and answer me this piece of logic for me -- Whats the point of putting clamps on a LUBRICATED rail?

I could move these clamps easily with one finger because of that lubrication. Plus there was no bubble wrap anywhere within the box to further help keep things in  place like I've seen in other unboxing vids. And since the bolt holding the belt in place also came loose basically there was nothing to stop the head from moving VERY freely in both the x and Y directions as it was shipped to me.

Would this repeated slamming of the head back and forth on the x-rail cause any hidden damage? like to the motor, wire connections, the plastic molded parts, etc? it did cause the stop switch to be misaligned and the tang is now bent, and likely have to be replaced. but I'm also worried about the parts that don't look damaged having a much shorter life now.

6 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Zip tie on Printhead

The motor itself should be fine but you'll want to inspect the wires.  I would think they're going to be ok but you never know.  As far as damage other than what you can see.  Try and determine if the rods are bent and double check end stop switches.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

7 Reply by nobias

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Re: Zip tie on Printhead

Well guys had a really great experience with tech support and the zip tie is for holding the wire bundle in place while printing. i replaced it and works great.

Now I have to do a mod to make sure the wire bundle (its all inclosed in a mesh sleeve) up out of the way. If left alone it gets caught between the Z Axis Platform support and the Print-head carriage as it moves left from the home position. Otherwise its not a problem unless the model requires the head to move all the way to the back side of the build area.

8 Reply by n2ri

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Re: Zip tie on Printhead

my SD2 still has a tie on motor and wires going around 'X' carriage between belt adjusters. it also helps some with keeping filament from snagging on the indent on motor cooling fan shroud (still catches some). seems lame but not any issues due to it. need a better deflector over fan shroud gap on left rear corner though.

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs