Hi all - I have a wanhao duplicator i3 2.1. Long story short I took off the nozzle for cleaning but seem to have threaded it either during removal or replacement - now it just spins freely in the nozzle mounting block both directions, and I cant remove it any more.
So I’ve ordered a new nozzle mounting block and standard 0.4mm brass nozzle. However when I disassembled the mounting block there are two sets of wires connected to it - one is the thermistor which is easy to remove, but the second one I dont know what it is and it doesnt seem to be removable? There are two soldered wires connecting it on one side (beside the thermistor mount) and a round plug on the other side which doesnt fit any tool.
Does anyone have any idea how to remove this second set of wires so I can put in the new mounting block? I’ve searched forums and how-to vids but cant seem to see any mention of it?
Thanks in advance!
2 Likes
That is the heater. Look for a tiny hole with a set screw in it on one of the sides of the block. You also may need to take some fine sandpaper of emery cloth and clean the end sticking out that does not have the wires so it will slide out easier. It may be a pain to get out.
There is a screw on the underside of the block.
take the thermal tape off and you’ll find a little grub. That’s for your heater to release it.
Yes that tube is your heating element. Once tight they are hard to remove. You need to loosen screws that sandwiches it into the heating block and remove it carefully
Yes that tube is your heating element. Once tight they are hard to remove. You need to loosen screws that sandwiches it into the heating block and remove it carefully
Perfect! Didnt see that tiny screw hole under the mounting block - once the screw was removed, a light tap with a hammer on the round end of the heater tube and it slid right out quite easily. Pic attached for future reference if anyone is having any problems.
Fitted the new block and nozzle, reassembled and is now extruding well again. Thanks guys!
I had to remove the factory ceramic insulating tape from the heating block which to be honest was falling apart anyway - I’ve ordered a new one but things seem to be OK without it at the moment - apart from heating up quicker is there a specific advantage to having the heating block wrapped in insulating tape?
1 Like
Insulates heat. Maintains heats enclosed within block. You can do without it if you have to.
The more important part of your hot end is the connection between nozzle and tube. The need to mate each other. Also tighten nozzle once more while hot
You can run without it but try not to for long. I had to and the first thing I saw was big temp changes especially on the left one with the fan going. It had a hard time maintaining temp at times and was off by as much as 10 degrees.
Also the block could melt plastic that is close by.
