Extruder assembly different from manual

jklier 2019-01-27 16:46:42 UTC #1

The extruder assembly I received was flipped from what is shown in the manual. So the release lever for the filament is on the right rather than the left. Is this going to cause any issues? So far it looks like it won't be a problem but wanted to make sure.

csorrows 2019-01-27 17:11:04 UTC #2

Nope, just make sure it's going together mirrored. I wonder if they changed the package. What color are the leads going to the hotend heater cartridge?

If they are blue, they are shipping the package from the i3 Mega which if I remember correctly, is mirrored.

jklier 2019-01-27 17:32:34 UTC #3

Yes, they are blue. I mentioned it to tech support and was told they'd send another assembly. That was two weeks ago and I haven't seen anything yet. I went ahead with the build and it doesn't appear to be an issue.

When you say "going together mirrored" do you mean make sure the extruder lines up with the filament feed opening?

I think my main concern is whether the filament motor will be turning the proper direction.

csorrows 2019-01-27 17:39:51 UTC #4

Yes, that is exactly what I mean. They are insanely overloaded over there at Folger Tech so it probably slipped through the cracks. I'll whisper in John's ear for you.

You did get the extruder assembly from the i3 Mega. The only difference is the wire color and the mirrored extruder. I can't see anything else different between the 2.

You are correct about the stepper direction, it will need to be reversed to use that assembly.

UPDATE: I sent John a message recapping what you have said. I gave him your email address to reference, I hope you don't mind.

jklier 2019-01-27 18:22:28 UTC #5

No, I don't mind. I appreciate the help. No big deal to reverse the stepper if that's all it takes.

I also discovered today that I'm missing the little heat sinks that go on the motor drivers and also the knob that goes on the LCD. Hopefully I can get the heatsinks sent out quickly. I guess I can keep the electronics box open and blow a fan in there while I'm getting it set up.

csorrows 2019-01-27 20:31:55 UTC #6

Those little heat sinks do little good anyway as the chips are sunk to the PCB and designed to dissipate their heat into the ground plane. They are really only helping with the little heat that gets into the casing.

jklier 2019-01-27 23:53:24 UTC #7

Good to know and thanks! I went ahead and did setup with the back open and a fan blowing in, just in case. So far everything worked on the first go! Just need to level the bed and try a print.

csorrows 2019-01-29 17:58:56 UTC #8

I talked to John about your extruder assembly. It is indeed the FT-6 assembly as all of the 24V heater cartridges now have blue leads. The extruders are packaged separately and the supplier probably shipped a mirrored extruder in the box. I don't see it causing any issues though, as we did not select the direction extruder to solve any issues and either one should work perfectly fine.