How to replace the Hotend assembly (XL multi-tool)

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Last updated 2 months ago

Difficulty

Easy

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Step 1 Introduction

⬢This guide will take you through the replacement of the hotend assembly on the Original Prusa XL multi-tool.

⬢To replace the Hotend assembly on the Original Prusa XL (single-tool) go to How to replace the Prusa Nozzle (XL single-tool)

The following instructions are compatible with all Prusa Nozzle diameters.

⬢All necessary parts are available in our eshop prusa3d.com.

Note that you have to be logged in to have access to the spare parts section.

Step 2 Necessary tools

⬢For this guide, please prepare:

⬢TX 8 Torx key

⬢A cardboard box for use as a heatbed protection during the assembly. Hint: use the Prusament box.

⬢Small brass brush for cleaning the nozzle

Step 3 Preparing the printer

⬢On the printer screen, navigate to Control ->Pick/Park Tool ->Pick tool, and select the tool that has the nozzle to be changed.

⬢Move the extruder approximately to the center of the X-axis.

⬢If you have loaded the filament, unload it from the hotend. On the screen, navigate to Filament -> Unload Filament.

WARNING: The hotend and heatbed are very HOT. Do not touch these parts!!!

⬢Remove the filament from the hotend. It is not necessary to completely remove it from the printer. Just a few centimeters (inches) above the extruder.

Step 4 Cleaning the hotend

WARNING: The hotend and heatbed are very HOT. Do not touch these parts!!!

If you have a Prusa hotend sock on the hotend, remove it.

⬢On the printer screen, go to Control -> Temperature and set the nozzle temperature to 250°C on the selected tool head.

⬢Wait at least 5 minutes. The remains of the filament must be warmed up slightly so that they can be removed more easily.

⬢Using the brass brush, carefully clean the heaterblock and the hotend from the filament residue. Avoid contact of the brush with the hotend cables, as this could cause a short circuit.

⬢When the heaterblock and the hotend are perfectly clean, cool down the printer. On the screen, navigate to Preheat -> Cooldown.

Wait until the hot parts are cooled down to ambient temperature. It takes approximately 10 minutes.

Step 5 Parking the tool

⬢On the printer screen, navigate to Control ->Pick/Park Tool ->Park Current Tool.

⬢Turn the power switch OFF (symbol "O").

⬢From the rear side of the printer, unplug the PSU cable.

Step 6 Protecting the heatbed

⬢Before you proceed, it is recommended to protect the heatbed.

⬢Make sure the heatbed is cooled down to ambient temperature. Place the empty cardboard box approximately to the front center part of the heatbed.

Step 7 Removing the Nextruder

⬢Remove the Nextruder, by pulling it outwards from the metal inserts.

Although a small resistance is expected, as the metal inserts are magnetic, use moderate force.

⬢Carefully place the Nextruder on the cardboard box.

Step 8 Disconnecting the hotend

⬢Loosen the M3x12 screw to open the dwarf-cover-door.

Each connector has a safety latch. It is necessary to press the latch before disconnecting. Otherwise, the connector may get damaged.

⬢Disconnect the hotend thermistor cable.

⬢Disconnect the hotend heater cable.

⬢Leave both cables free for now.

Step 9 Removing the hotend

⬢Insert the Torx TX 8 key all the way through the Tool Plate until it reaches the grub screw in the extruder. Loosen the screw. Do not remove the screw, a few turns are enough!

⬢Carefully pull the hotend assembly out of the extruder.

⬢At the same time push the hotend cables behind the fan out of the extruder.

Step 10 Installing the XL Hotend: parts preparation

⬢For the following steps, please prepare:

⬢New XL Hotend assembly (1x)

Step 11 Inserting the hotend

⬢Push the hotend cable behind the heatsink fan up to the electronics.

⬢Locate the hole in the heatsink from the bottom of the extruder and insert the hotend nub into the heatsink.

⬢Push the hotend all assembly the way in.

⬢Rotate the heaterblock as in the picture. There must be approximately 35° - 40° angle to avoid damaging the hotend cables. (picture of angle)

⬢Maintain the position and using the TX 8 Torx key tighten the grub screw to secure the hotend. Do not use extra force while tightening, it may damage the hotend tube.