Raise3D Pro 2 Pulleys Replacement Guide

Are you looking to enhance the performance of your Raise3D Pro 2 3D printer? Replacing the pulleys is a critical maintenance task that can significantly impact the quality of your prints. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the detailed steps for both hotend and Y-axis belt replacement.

Let’s dive in and discover how you can effectively maintain your 3D printer by replacing the pulleys.

Essential Maintenance Tasks for Raise3D Pro2 3D Printer

Replacing the pulleys on your Raise3D Pro2 3D printer is an essential maintenance task. Let’s walk through the steps for both the hotend replacement and the Y-axis belt replacement:

Hotend Replacement:

1. Lower the Build Plate:

   • Turn on your 3D printer and access the “Utilities” tab.
   • Use the onboard touchscreen to lower the Z-axis platform.
   • Lower the printer plate until you have enough clearance (around 5-12 mm) to work comfortably.

2. Unload Filaments:

   • In the “Utilities” tab, verify that the temperature is set for your selected material (e.g., 215°C for Raise3D PLA).
   • Adjust the temperature if needed.
   • Press the “Unload” button to withdraw the filament.
   • Cooldown the components completely.

3. Remove the Hotend:

   • Using a 2.5mm hex wrench, remove the two screws securing the cooling fan.
   • Loosen the 4 set screws inside the heating block to release the hotend from the wiring.
   • Loosen the fixing screw to detach the hotend from the 3D printer.

4. Inspect the Replacement HotEnd:

   • Ensure the new hotend is properly adjusted.
   • The bottom of the heat sink should lie flush with the bottom of the larger cylinder.

5. Wiring Process:

   • Insert the heater rod (Red Wire) into the bottom hole of the heater block.
   • Secure it in place with the two set screws.
   • Insert the silver thermocouple into the upper hole on the heater block and secure it.

6. Reassemble:

   • Follow the reverse steps to install the hotend back into the printer.

Y-Axis Belt Replacement (Left and Right):

1. Loosen the Grub Screws in Pulleys:

   • Use a 2mm hex wrench to loosen the grub screws in the pulleys until they can move freely.

2. Loosen the Screws Holding the Belt Block:

   • Split the belt block from the sliding block by loosening the screws.
   • Remove the old belt from the printer.

3. Install the New Belt:

   • Put the new belt on the rod.
   • Wrap the belt around the pulleys on both sides.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety precautions during these procedures. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Raise3D support

Maintaining Raise3D Pro2 3D Printer: XY Axes Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your Raise3D Pro2 3D printer is crucial for consistent high-quality printing results. Let’s focus on the XY axes, which include the pulleys. Here are some guidelines to help you identify and address worn-out pulleys:

1. Check the Gantry Rods: Before each print job, inspect the gantry rods to ensure they are clean and free from debris. Dirty rods can affect smooth movement.

2. Drive Belt Tension: Every 300 working hours, check the tension of the drive belt on the X/Y axis. If it’s too loose, tighten it appropriately. Loose belts can lead to inaccuracies in print positioning.

3. Tighten Screws on X/Y Axis and Motor Pulleys: Also every 300 working hours, verify that the screws securing the X/Y axis and motor pulleys are tight. Loose screws can cause misalignment and affect print quality.

4. Test Print Head Movement: Every 200 working hours, check if the print head moves freely when the motors are disabled. If it doesn’t move smoothly, investigate further. Sometimes, worn-out pulleys can cause resistance.

5. Lubricate the X/Y Axis and Gantry Rods: Lubricate these components every 300 working hours or whenever you notice issues with extruder movement or noise during motion.

Remember to follow safety precautions, turn off the printer, and let it cool down before performing any maintenance tasks. If you encounter specific issues, consider reaching out to Raise3D’s support for expert assistance.

Choosing Replacement Pulleys for Raise3D Pro 2 Printer

When selecting replacement pulleys for your Raise3D Pro 2, it’s essential to ensure they are authentic and compatible with your printer. Here are some steps to guide you:

1. Identify the Correct Pulley Type:

   • The Pro 2 series uses specific pulleys for its motion system. Make sure you choose the correct type that matches the original pulleys.
   • Check the specifications of the existing pulleys (such as tooth count, bore size, and material) to find suitable replacements.

2. Check the Grub Screws and Belt Block:

   • Loosen the grub screws in the existing pulleys until they can move freely.
   • Loosen the screws that hold the belt block until you can split it from the sliding block.
   • Remove the belt from the printer.

3. Install the New Pulleys:

   • Place the new belt on the rod.
   • Wrap the belt around the new pulleys on both sides.
   • Tighten the grub screws in the new pulleys to secure them in place.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety precautions during the replacement process. If you have any doubts, consult the official Raise3D support resources or community forums for additional advice

How to Replace Pulleys in Raise3D Pro 2 3D Printer

Replacing pulleys in your Raise3D Pro 2 3D printer is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Safety First:

   • Switch off the printer and unplug it from the power source to prevent any electrical hazards.

2. Access the Components:

   • Remove the printer cover, bed leveling sensor, front panel, and bed to access the axis belt and pulleys.

3. Loosen the Pulley Set Screws:

   • Using an Allen wrench, loosen the pulley set screws on the affected axis to remove the old pulley.

4. Replace the Pulley:

   • Carefully remove the old pulley.
   • Install the new pulley in its place.

5. Tighten the Set Screws:

   • Securely tighten the set screws to ensure the pulley is firmly in position.

6. Reassemble:

   • Reassemble the components you removed earlier: bed, front panel, bed leveling sensor, and printer cover.

7. Calibration:

   • After replacing the pulley, recalibrate the printer by adjusting the distance between the nozzle and the build plate.

Remember that regular maintenance and replacement of components are essential for optimal 3D printing performance. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, consult your printer’s manual or reach out to the manufacturer’s support.

Maintaining Your 3D Printer After Pulley Replacement

Properly maintaining your 3D printer after replacing pulleys is essential for optimal performance. Here are some steps to ensure everything runs smoothly:

1. Properly Tighten Your 3D Printer Belt:

   • Check that the belt tension is just right—neither too loose nor too tight. A belt that’s too loose can slip, while an overly tight belt can wear out quickly. Aim for tension similar to a stretched rubber band.

     If you feel excessive resistance when moving the axis with the stepper motors off, adjust the tension or consider replacing the belt.

   • Some users recommend using belt tensioners (like the UniTak3D Upgrade X-Axis Belt Tensioner) for accurate tightening.

2. Decrease Jerk, Acceleration, & Printing Speed:

   • Adjust your printer settings to reduce sudden movements (jerk) and acceleration. Slower printing speeds can also help prevent belt slipping during rapid motion.

3. Properly Tighten Any Loose Screws & Nuts:

   • Inspect all screws and nuts related to the pulleys, belts, and motors. Ensure they’re securely tightened to prevent any wobbling or slipping.

4. Install a Cooling Fan or Heatsink:

   • Stepper motors generate heat during operation. Installing a cooling fan or heatsink on the motors can prevent overheating, which might cause belt slipping.

5. Check Pulley for Any Damages:

   • Examine the pulleys for signs of wear, damage, or misalignment. Replace any damaged pulleys promptly.

6. Ensure Correct Motor Driver Current:

   • Incorrect motor current can affect belt tension. Make sure the motor driver settings match the specifications for your printer.

7. Replace the Damaged Belt/Bearing:

   • If you notice significant wear or damage, replace the belt or bearing as needed.

In conclusion, proper maintenance of your Raise3D Pro 2 3D printer, including the replacement of pulleys, is essential for ensuring consistent and high-quality printing results. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can identify worn-out pulleys and take the necessary steps to address them. Remember to adhere to safety precautions and consult Raise3D’s support resources if you encounter any challenges during the pulley replacement process.

Keep your printer in top condition by regularly checking and replacing pulleys as needed to optimize its performance and longevity.