Summary and Notes:
In this guide, we will replace an Extruder Connection Cable (ECC) component on the IDEX printer. The process is similar for the left and right independent extruder heads.
This guide will also include a Nylon screw installation to replace a metal screw component used near the Extruder Connection Cable clamping buckle at the extruder head.
TOOLS
1) 1.5mm Hex Wrench/Allen Key
2.0mm Hex Wrench/Allen Key
COMPONENTS
1) Extruder Connection Cable
2) Nylon M3 x 8mm Screw
(Items shown below are not to scale)
Let’s get started:
Step 1.) Power the printer off at the rocker switch located at the rear of the printer.
It is very important that a printer is never energized when connected cables are going to be disconnected for any reason.
Step 2.) Open the buckle securing the Extruder Connection Cable (ECC) at the extruder head.
Gently flex the barbed clip so it is allowed to pass through the opening on the buckle, which should allow the buckle to be swung open to release its compression on the cable.
Step 3.) Locate and carefully depress the flexible latch on the colorful wire harness connector plug that is connected to the extruder head’s exterior header of the mounted circuit board.
Step 4.) With the flexible latch depressed, carefully pull the colorful wire harness connector plug out from the header.
[!] It is recommended to only grasp the solid housing of the connector plug for leverage. Pulling from the wires on the connector plug may damage the component.
Step 5.) With the Extruder Connection Cable removed from the extruder head, use the 2mm hex wrench to replace the screw positioned below where the ECC (cable) was clamped.
Note: If the screw is already a Nylon-type screw, please skip this step.
Step 6.) Use the 1.5mm hex wrench to remove the screw securing the rear cover piece located at the middle of the X-axis gantry.
Step 7.) Carefully remove the rear cover and temporarily store the removed screw in a safe location for later reinstallation.
Note: The Extruder Connection Cable breakout board may be difficult to clearly see.
It is important to understand where the Left and Right Extruder Connection Cable make their respective connection at this breakout board, located at the rear of the X-axis gantry.
In this example, the ECC (cable) marked with L (for Left Extruder Connection Cable) will be disconnected to be replaced for the purposes of this guide.
Step 8.) Locate and carefully depress the flexible latch on the colorful wire harness connector plug that is connected to the breakout board.
With the flexible latch depressed, carefully pull the colorful wire harness connector plug out from the header.
[!] It is recommended to only grasp the solid housing of the connector plug for leverage. Pulling from the wires on the connector plug may damage the component.
Step 9.) Remove the former Extruder Connection Cable from the printer and begin the installation of the replacement ECC (cable) component.
Note: The relatively shorter length of wires without the zip-tie addition is connected to this breakout board, located at the rear of the X-axis gantry.
[!] When the connector plug is fully inserted, the latch typically makes an audible click sound.
Step 10.) Carefully align the rear cover with the two Extruder Connection Cables, and ensure that no cable bundles can prevent a flush seal of the rear cover against the X-axis gantry.
Step 11.) Use the 1.5mm hex wrench to install the screw securing the rear cover piece located at the middle of the X-axis gantry.
Step 12.) At the extruder head, carefully align and seat the ECC (cable) into the “U”-shaped portion of the buckle.
[!] The zip-tie on the ECC (cable) must be positioned below the clamping arm of the buckle.
To avoid damaging the components, do not close the buckle on the zip-tie.
Step 13.) Align the connector plug with the exterior header on the extruder, and carefully slide in the component.
[!] When the connector plug is fully inserted, the latch typically makes an audible click sound.
12.015-EN.3.0.20230620-E2-How to Replace the Extruder Connection Cable
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