Raise3D Pro 2 Heated Bed Thermistor Replacement Guide

Are you experiencing temperature inconsistencies or connectivity issues with your Raise3D Pro 2 3D printer’s heated bed? Understanding and addressing these challenges is key to ensuring optimal printing performance. Today, we will delve into the intricate process of replacing the heated bed thermistor on your Raise3D Pro 2.

This detailed guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps needed to navigate this essential maintenance task effectively.

Guide to Replacing Heated Bed Thermistor in Raise3D Pro2

Replacing the heated bed thermistor in your Raise3D Pro2 involves a few steps. Here’s a guide to help you through the process:

1. Turn off the power: Ensure the printer is powered off.
2. Open the front door: Access the build area.
3. Loosen the lock screws: There are two lock screws; loosen them to remove the build plate.
4. Remove the Heated Bed Power Cable:
   • Locate the terminal block on the left side of the bed.
   • Use a small flat-head screwdriver to loosen the two screws holding the power cable.
5. Unplug the Temperature Sensor Cable: Disconnect the cable from the thermistor.
6. Remove the heating plate:
   • Use a 5.5mm socket wrench to remove the 12 nuts under the Z platform.
   • Take out the heating plate (be cautious not to loosen the grub screws, as it affects bed leveling).
7. Separate the insulation plate and heating bed:
   • Remove the 12 nuts on the screws.
   • Use pliers to hold the nuts and a 2mm hex wrench to pull the screws out.
8. Disassemble the insulated plate and heating bed:
   • If needed, use a spatula to separate them.
9. Prepare the new heated bed:
   • Adhere it to the heating bed, paying attention to the breach location.
10. Reassemble:
    • Install the screws back into the heating bed.
    • Secure with pliers and a 2mm hex wrench.
    • Place it on the lifting plate through the screw holes and secure with 12 nuts under the Z platform.
11. Reconnect the wires:
    • Insert the wires into the power socket holes.
    • Tighten the screws (ensure the red (power) wire aligns with the corresponding red wire at each side of the power socket).
12. Plug in the heated bed thermistor.

Remember to follow safety precautions and consult your printer’s manual for specific details. .

Identifying Heated Bed Thermistor Issues in Raise3D Pro 2 Printer

Identifying heated bed thermistor issues in your Raise3D Pro 2 printer is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. Here are some common signs to watch out for:

1. Inaccurate Temperature Readings: If the printer’s control panel displays inconsistent or incorrect bed temperature readings, it could indicate a thermistor problem.

2. Prolonged Heating Time or Non-Heating: If the heated bed takes longer than usual to reach the desired temperature or fails to heat up at all, the thermistor might be malfunctioning.

3. Failed Prints or Warping: Frequent failed prints or warping of printed objects can be linked to thermistor issues. Proper bed temperature regulation is essential for successful 3D printing.

4. Unusual Smells or Burn Marks: If you notice any unusual smells or burnt marks on the heated bed, it’s a sign that something is amiss with the thermistor.

Now, let’s explore some steps to diagnose and address these issues:

1. Inspect the Heated Bed Traces: If the bed reports 0°C, there’s a possibility that the heated bed traces connecting to the thermistor are damaged or shorted. Replacing clips or adjusting bed leveling screws can inadvertently cause this fault.

2. Check the MOSFET: If your Pro2 printer heats up the hotend without a set temperature during boot-up, it might indicate a blown MOSFET on the motion controller board. Even if the component doesn’t appear visibly damaged, consider seeking professional support.

3. Replace the Thermistor: If you suspect thermistor issues, consider replacing the heated bed thermistor. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or consult professional resources for detailed instructions.

Remember, addressing thermistor problems promptly ensures consistent and reliable 3D printing results. If in doubt, seek assistance from Raise3D’s official support channels.

Replacing Thermistor on 3D Printer’s Heated Bed

Replacing the thermistor on your 3D printer’s heated bed is an essential task to ensure accurate temperature readings and reliable printing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Safety First:

   • Before you begin, make sure your 3D printer is turned off and unplugged.
   • Allow the heated bed to cool down completely to room temperature to avoid any burns or injuries.

2. Locate the Thermistor:

   • The thermistor is typically attached to the heated bed. It monitors the bed temperature and provides feedback to the printer’s control system.
   • Identify the wires connected to the thermistor. You’ll need to remove the insulation covering these wires.

3. Remove the Insulation:

   • Carefully peel away the fiberglass insulation covering the pair of wires connected to the thermistor.
   • Take your time to avoid damaging the wires or the thermistor itself.

4. Check the Resistance:

   • Set your multimeter to the rated resistance of the thermistor (usually around 100k ohms).
   • Touch the multimeter probes to the two wires connected to the thermistor. The multimeter should display the temperature-dependent resistance value.
   • This step helps you verify if the thermistor is functioning correctly.

5. Detach the Thermistor:

   • Gently disconnect the thermistor from its mounting point on the heated bed.
   • Be cautious not to break the fragile thermistor during removal.

6. Install the New Thermistor:

   • Attach the replacement thermistor to the same location where the old one was.
   • Secure it in place using any clips or fasteners provided.
   • Reconnect the wires to the appropriate terminals on the control board.

7. Reassemble:

   • Put back any insulation or protective covers that were removed earlier.
   • Reattach the heated bed to the Y-carriage, ensuring it’s properly aligned.
   • Tighten any screws or nuts as needed.

8. Test the Thermistor:

   • Power on your 3D printer and run a test print.
   • Monitor the heated bed temperature to ensure accurate readings from the new thermistor.

For more detailed information, you can refer to this helpful guide.

Calibrating 3D Printer Thermistors

After replacing the thermistor in your 3D printer, it’s essential to calibrate the temperature settings to ensure accurate and reliable performance. Let’s walk through the steps:

1. Understanding Thermistors:

   • A thermistor is a crucial component in FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers.
   • It’s an electrical device whose resistance varies with temperature.
   • There are two types of thermistors:
     • Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) Thermistors: Their resistance decreases as the temperature increases.
     • Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) Thermistors: Their resistance increases with rising temperature.
   • In 3D printers, thermistors serve as temperature sensors in critical areas like the hot end and the heated bed.
   • They monitor the temperature and relay data back to the printer’s micro-controller, which then adjusts the print temperature to maintain the desired range.

2. Replacing and Attaching a Thermistor:

   • Thermistors are delicate instruments, so handle them with care.
   • To replace a thermistor:
     • Unscrew the bed or hot end cover to access the thermistor.
     • Check for physical damage, frayed wires, and proper fastening.
     • Use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the thermistor terminals to ensure it falls within the expected range.
     • Reattach any fan shrouds or covers that you removed earlier.
     • Turn on and plug in your printer.
     • Calibrate the new thermistor using your printer’s menu or software.

3. Calibrating Your 3D Printer Thermistor:

   • Follow these steps to calibrate the thermistor:
     • Start by removing the flexible steel sheet (if applicable).
     • Navigate to the printer’s LCD menu and select Calibration ➔ Temperature Calibration.
     • The printer will home all axes to ensure the correct initial position.
     • Ensure an ambient temperature between 21-26°C (70-80°F) and a stable surface.
     • Confirm whether the steel sheet is on the bed.

4. Signs of a Faulty Thermistor:

   • If your printer requires a higher temperature than the rated temperature to extrude materials, the thermistor might be faulty.
   • Symptoms of a faulty thermistor can include:
     • Frequent print errors due to temperature issues.
     • Thermal runaway (where the printer’s temperature exceeds safe limits).

5. Best Thermistor Replacements:

   • Consider these options for replacement:
     • HICTOP 100K ohm NTC 3950 Thermistors
     • Creality 3D Printer NTC Thermistor Temp Sensor.

Troubleshooting Steps for Raise3D Pro 2 Temperature Fluctuations and Connectivity Issues

Dealing with temperature fluctuations and connectivity issues on your Raise3D Pro 2 can be frustrating, but let’s tackle this step by step. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow:

1. Check Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure that all cable connections are secure. Specifically, focus on the 14-pin cable connector, which has been known to cause inconsistent heating issues.
   • Reconnect the 14-pin cable on both the extruder board and motion controller board sides to see if the issue improves.

2. Inspect the Thermocouple:

   • The thermocouple is crucial for accurate temperature readings. Make sure it is properly connected.
   • If you suspect a faulty thermocouple, consider replacing it with a new one. You can find instructions on how to replace the thermocouple in the official Raise3D support documentation.

3. PID Settings:

   • Reset the PID settings to factory values: P=0.035, I=1.145, D=0.089.
   • Adjusting these values can help stabilize temperature control.

4. Support Ticket:

   • If the issue persists, consider opening a support ticket with Raise3D. Their technicians can diagnose the problem and provide further guidance.
   • Provide them with all relevant information about your printer and the issue you’re facing.

In conclusion, the replacement of the thermistor on your Raise3D Pro 2 heated bed is a critical aspect of maintaining the printer’s functionality and print quality. By following the outlined steps with precision and care, you can remedy temperature-related issues, ensure accurate readings, and enhance the overall printing experience. Remember, prompt attention to thermistor problems is vital for seamless 3D printing operations.

Whether you are troubleshooting issues or proactively replacing the thermistor, this guide empowers you to handle the task with confidence. Embrace the opportunity to optimize your Raise3D Pro 2 with a new thermistor, and witness the impact on your printing results. Keep exploring and honing your 3D printing skills to unleash the full potential of your device.