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How to Install an E3D v6 HotEnd on a Makerbot Replicator 2 or equivalent

Written By: MatterHackers (and one other contributor)

Comments: 0
Favorites: 0

Main guide photo

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

22

Time Required

2 hours

Introduction

At MatterHackers we are constantly tinkering with our machines. In the back of the office we discovered a discarded Makerbot Replicator 2 just itching for a face lift. Since we have gotten quite a few requests to make this upgrade available for you makers, we thought we'd give it a shot. As it turns out, with just a few tools it is an easy modification, and (more importantly) the results are fantastic.

This guide was written for the single extruder Makerbot Replicator, however it should be applicable to the dual extruder model as well. The kit now includes a design for a dual extruder mount.

Note: This guide will work for any machine with a Mark8 (MK8) Extruder. For example: MakerBot Replicator 2, Makerbot Replicator 2X, Flashforge Creator X, Flashforge Creator Pro, Powerspec PRO, Monoprice Maker Architect, CTC Bizer, Wanhao Duplicator 4 and a few other equivalent machines.

Tools

Parts

Step 1 Preparation

Image 1/1: E3D Mount

Print out required parts:
- E3D Mount
- E3D Lock
- EZStruder Mount
Remove and disassemble the Makerbot hotend.

Step 2 Assembling the E3D v6 Hot End

Image 1/3: Screw nozzle and heat break into heating block. When properly assembled there will be a slight gap between the head of the nozzle and the block.

Image 2/3: Apply thermal compound to heat break threads.

Image 3/3: Screw the heat break into the heat sink.

See E3D's wiki for detailed assembly instructions.
Screw nozzle and heat break into heating block. When properly assembled there will be a slight gap between the head of the nozzle and the block.
Apply thermal compound to heat break threads.
Screw the heat break into the heat sink.
Attach the cooling fan.
Attach the E3D Mount Lock to the top of the heat sink.

Step 3

Image 1/1: Secure the cartridge using provided screw and 2mm allen wrench.

Insert the heater cartridge into heat block of the E3D hotend.
Secure the cartridge using provided screw and 2mm allen wrench.
Note: The MakerBot uses a 24 volt heater cartridge. Use the original cartridge, but in the event that the part needs to be replaced be sure a 24 volt heater cartridge is used.

Step 4

Image 1/1: Insert the thermocouple into E3D.

The MightBoard RevG does not support the thermistor that comes in the E3D kit. Instead you will need to purchase the E3D Type K Thermocouple Cartridge.
Insert the thermocouple into E3D.
Secure with the thermocouple in place using a 3 mm grub screw.

Step 5

Image 1/1: Secure with M3x10 screws and nuts.

Place E3D Mount on the printer's carriage with the E3D hotend placed so that the wires are below the carriage.
Secure with M3x10 screws and nuts.

Step 6

Image 1/1: Important Safety Note - be sure that the heater block is clear from touching any part of the bracket. The heat will melt any plastic that comes into contact with the heater block.

Attach the E3D Mount Lock to E3D Mount using M3 x 10mm screws as pictured.
Important Safety Note - be sure that the heater block is clear from touching any part of the bracket. The heat will melt any plastic that comes into contact with the heater block.

Step 7 Wiring for the E3D

Image 1/1: Find and unplug Extruder A and the original thermocouple.

Remove the covering from the bottom of the Makerbot.
Find and unplug Extruder A and the original thermocouple.
Also unplug Extruder B if you are working on a dual and want to replace both.

Step 8

Image 1/1: Snip the red/black wires to 12cm.

Snip the black/white wires to 12cm.
Snip the red/black wires to 12cm.
Do not cut the green/black or yellow/black wires.

Step 9

Image 1/1:

Strip heat sink fan and heating cartridge wires to prepare for splicing.

Step 10

Image 1/1: Match wire colors for fan.

Solder or crimp wires together.
Match wire colors for fan.
Colors do not matter for heater cartridge.

Step 11

Image 1/1: Plug in the E3D thermocouple. The black wire goes to the red terminal on the board and the red wire goes to the yellow terminal.

Plug extruder(s) back into the board.
Plug in the E3D thermocouple. The black wire goes to the red terminal on the board and the red wire goes to the yellow terminal.

Step 12

Image 1/1: Important Safety Note - DO NOT walk away when executing this test. In fact, keep your finger on the power and be sure the heating is performing as expected.

Use the 'Preheat' utility to test heat the new block.
Important Safety Note - DO NOT walk away when executing this test. In fact, keep your finger on the power and be sure the heating is performing as expected.
If the temperature decreases instead of increases, then you have the thermocouple plugged in backwards.

Step 13

Image 1/1:

While the hot end is warm, tighten down the nozzle to make sure the heat break and the nozzle are snug and no oozing can occur.

Step 14 Assemble the EZR Struder

Image 1/1: Skip this step if you are replacing this motor with a new NEMA 17 motor.

Remove the hobbed gear from the old extruder motor using the 1.5mm Allen wrench.
Skip this step if you are replacing this motor with a new NEMA 17 motor.

Step 15

Image 1/1:

Attach the hobbed gear that came with your EZR Struder with the hobbed part up and the set screw towards the motor.

Step 16

Image 1/1: Do not remove the zip tie on the EZR Struder until you have some screws in place. The two halves of the extruder are under tension and the zip tie is holding them together.

Screw the EZR Struder to the stepper motor using 4 screws.
Do not remove the zip tie on the EZR Struder until you have some screws in place. The two halves of the extruder are under tension and the zip tie is holding them together.
Make sure the red lever is oriented opposite the wire connector.

Step 17

Image 1/1: [https://www.matterhackers.com/downloads/AMIfv95pfKwuUYZ51q9GygrWtSFYPSAjAGHBItEiy5TtOqTGkmAIXuHzs34jvK8sSfyyTz4TFytofeJuIa94t3-eZJux6S7jRAdhDwOmxw6XYDDRTF5MzHNcjOHnotTtDHRmzFBKi1TiDKzGloMOBbQ-qoznA9DyIRUNvRzvdH5rqghP5FChBQE|Hole Template]

Attach the EzStruder Mount Template to the back of the machine making sure that it lines up above where the filament will be located and is clear of the motors on the inside.
Hole Template

Step 18

Image 1/1:

Drill holes for each screw using the template as a guide.

Step 19

Image 1/1:

Screw the mount into place from the inside of the machine (M3x10 [4]).

Step 20

Image 1/1:

Place the EzStruder into the mount and screw it in place using two screws.

Step 21

Image 1/1: Plug in motor.

Attach the bowden tube to both the extruder and hotend.
Plug in motor.
Wrap wires back up in the wire sheath.

Step 22 Finishing Touches

Image 1/2: Put knob on EZR Struder.

Image 2/2: Put knob on EZR Struder.

Put silicone sock on heater block.
Put knob on EZR Struder.

Conclusion

There you have it! You just upgraded your printer.

You will next want to calibrate your extruder. Here is a guide to do so.

Author

with 1 other contributor

MatterHackers

Member since: 05/18/2015

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