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Lite6 Assembly

Written By: Gabe S. (and 4 other contributors)
  • Comments: 10
  • Favorites: 1
  • Completions: 4

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

32

Time Required

00:25:00 - 01:00:00

Sections

1

Flags

0

Introduction

The Lite6 Assembly is easy, and we provide most of the tools you'll need. Please note, though, that you should be very careful of the following safety cautions:

  • Be aware of your electronics. Don't work on your printer while it is plugged in or turned on.
  • Be aware when you heat up your new hotend not to burn yourself on the heater block nozzle or heater cartridge.
  • The standard V6 is capable of printing up to 240°C, do not exceed these temperatures, as this will risk melting the PTFE tube. The same applies for Capricorn tubing you should not exceed 240°C for the Lite 6. If you are interested in printing at higher temperatures then you should look into the v6.
  • The firmware modification is not optional it is a mandatory step,
  • Make sure you have ordered and received the correct voltage heater and fan to match the power supply of your printer. All of our current heater cartridges should have the voltage and wattage laser engraved on the cartridge.
  • Connecting 12v parts to a 24v power supply can result in overheating, component damage, or fire. If you are unsure double check the rating on your power supply.
  • Your HotEnd and your printer are your responsibility. We cannot be held responsible for damages caused by the use, misuse or abuse of our products.

  1. Gather the parts you'll need to install the thermistor:

    • Gather the parts you'll need to install the thermistor:

    • The Smaller, 1.5mm Hex Wrench

    • Thermistor Cartridge

    • Heater Block

    • M3 Grub Screw

    Edit

  2. Before starting work on your heater block, make sure that you are going to screw your nozzle into the correct side.

    • Before starting work on your heater block, make sure that you are going to screw your nozzle into the correct side.

    • You should be looking at the side of the heater block with three holes in it

    Edit

  3. Slide in the thermistor cartridge.

    • Slide in the thermistor cartridge.

    • You can slide the cartridge in either direction so that the wires extend from one side or the other of your heater block. Think about how you'll be organising your wiring to decide which makes sense for your printer.

    Edit

  4. Screw in grub screw until it just touches the thermistor. Tighten M3 grub screw by an 1/8 of a turn.

    • Screw in grub screw until it just touches the thermistor.

    • Tighten M3 grub screw by an 1/8 of a turn.

    • Do not over tighten the screw. The thermistor cartridge is soft, and you might deform it if you over-tighten the screw.

    Edit

  5. Before you install your heater cartridge, you should double check that you both purchased and received the correct voltage cartridge. Cartridges are laser etched with their voltage, but all it is worth double-checking anyway. This process is less annoying than putting out a house fire.

    • Before you install your heater cartridge, you should double check that you both purchased and received the correct voltage cartridge. Cartridges are laser etched with their voltage, but all it is worth double-checking anyway. This process is less annoying than putting out a house fire.

    • If you have a 12v30w heater cartridge, your multimeter should read 4.8Ω

    • If you have a 24v30w heater cartridge, your multimeter should read 19.2Ω

    • Your cartridges resistance may deviate slightly from these numbers, which is fine. We're mostly interested in verifying which cartridge type you have.

    Edit

  6. Gather the parts you'll need to install your heater cartridge:

    • Gather the parts you'll need to install your heater cartridge:

    • Heater Block

    • Heater Cartridge

    • The Larger, 2mm Hex Wrench

    • One of the longer, M3x10 Screws.

    Edit

  7. Slide in the heater cartridge. Typically you'd want the wires to come out the same side as your thermistor wires.

    • Slide in the heater cartridge. Typically you'd want the wires to come out the same side as your thermistor wires.

    Edit

  8. Tighten the M3 x 10 socket dome screw (with the M3 washer on it) with 2 mm hey key until the clamp deforms slightly (as shown in the second picture). Tighten the M3 x 10 socket dome screw (with the M3 washer on it) with 2 mm hey key until the clamp deforms slightly (as shown in the second picture).

    • Tighten the M3 x 10 socket dome screw (with the M3 washer on it) with 2 mm hey key until the clamp deforms slightly (as shown in the second picture).

    Edit

  9. Before moving on, gently tug on your thermistor and heater cartridge wires. We don't want them slipping out during a print!

    • Before moving on, gently tug on your thermistor and heater cartridge wires. We don't want them slipping out during a print!

    Edit

  10. You'll need the following parts:

    • You'll need the following parts:

    • Heater Block

    • Nozzle

    Edit

  11. Triple check once again that you're about to screw your nozzle into the side of the heater block with three holes on it.

    • Triple check once again that you're about to screw your nozzle into the side of the heater block with three holes on it.

    Edit

  13. Screw in the nozzle all the way into the heater block. Don't worry about tightness yet. Then, unscrew the nozzle by a 1/4 of a turn. This will leave a little space to tighten after screwing in the heat break. Then, unscrew the nozzle by a 1/4 of a turn. This will leave a little space to tighten after screwing in the heat break.

    • Screw in the nozzle all the way into the heater block. Don't worry about tightness yet.

    • Then, unscrew the nozzle by a 1/4 of a turn. This will leave a little space to tighten after screwing in the heat break.

    Edit

  14. Gather the following parts:

    • Gather the following parts:

    • Heater Block

    • Heatsink

    Edit

  15. Screw in your heatsink. It should only be hand-tight at the moment.

    • Screw in your heatsink. It should only be hand-tight at the moment.

    Edit

  16. Double check that your nozzle is still almost flush with your heater block. If there is significant space between the nozzle top and the heater block you should re-adjust your nozzle and heatsink to eliminate that space.

    • Double check that your nozzle is still almost flush with your heater block.

    • If there is significant space between the nozzle top and the heater block you should re-adjust your nozzle and heatsink to eliminate that space.

    Edit

  17. Pushing in PTFE Tubing is not optional when building a Lite6, even if you're using a direct extrusion setup.

    • Pushing in PTFE Tubing is not optional when building a Lite6, even if you're using a direct extrusion setup.

    • Gather the following parts:

    • Assembled Hotend

    • Collet

    • Collet Clip

    • PTFE Tubing (at least 7cm long, longer if you're printing with a bowden extruder setup)

    Edit

  18. Insert the small black collet into the top of the Heatsink, the side with the four small legs should push into the brass ring in the top of the heatsink with gentle finger pressure. Slip the collet clip underneath the collet, holding it up.

    • Insert the small black collet into the top of the Heatsink, the side with the four small legs should push into the brass ring in the top of the heatsink with gentle finger pressure.

    • Slip the collet clip underneath the collet, holding it up.

    Edit

  19. To make sure that the end of the PTFE tubing that will sit inside your hotend is square and flat, cut a slice off with a very sharp knife (a craft knife with razor sharp blade is recommended for this). Insert the PTFE tubing. The collet clip should pre-tension the tubing and lock it into the hotend; the tubing should be held securely downwards without any ability to wiggle or move.

    • To make sure that the end of the PTFE tubing that will sit inside your hotend is square and flat, cut a slice off with a very sharp knife (a craft knife with razor sharp blade is recommended for this).

    • Insert the PTFE tubing. The collet clip should pre-tension the tubing and lock it into the hotend; the tubing should be held securely downwards without any ability to wiggle or move.

    • To release, remove the collet clip, and push down on the collet while pulling the tubing.

    • The PTFE lining in a Lite6 HotEnd is very important for printing successfully. Make sure that your tubing is all the way in the hotend and butting up against your nozzle (this is different from a V6, where the tubing stops above the heat break).

    Edit

  20. Gather the Following

    • Gather the Following

    • Hotend

    • 30mm Fan

    • 4 Plast-fast Philips-head Self-tapping Screws

    • Fan Duct

    Edit

  21. Make sure the screw heads are on the non-sticker side on the fan.

    • Make sure the screw heads are on the non-sticker side on the fan.

    • Screw the Plastfast screws partially into the fan.

    • The screws should not be sticking out of the opposite side yet.

    Edit

  22. Think about where you want your fan's wires to come out before screwing it on. (You can mount the fan duct facing either way on your HotEnd)

    • Think about where you want your fan's wires to come out before screwing it on. (You can mount the fan duct facing either way on your HotEnd)

    • Screw the fan onto the fan duct. You may require a lot of torque and will therefore need a good fitting screwdriver.

    • Don't worry about getting the screws 100% tightened, you just need to secure the fan.

    Edit

  23. Clip the duct onto heatsink Make sure the duct covers the fin closest to the heater block.

    • Clip the duct onto heatsink

    • Make sure the duct covers the fin closest to the heater block.

    • The little over-hang can face up, down, depending on your setup. Make sure that it is not touching the heater block.

    Edit

  24. Plug the extension wires into your thermistor and fan. The other ends will go into your printer's electronics board. If you're replacing an old HotEnd, note where its wires were plugged in and mirror those for your new V6.

    • Plug the extension wires into your thermistor and fan. The other ends will go into your printer's electronics board.

    • If you're replacing an old HotEnd, note where its wires were plugged in and mirror those for your new V6.

    • If you're building a new printer, you may need to consult the documentation for your electronics board to see where to plug in everything.

    • Use the included cable tie to link the connections together for strain relief.

    • Take a little while to properly organise your wiring so that it doesn't get snagged on any corner of your printer.

    Edit

    • Configuring your firmware is different depending on the type your printer uses. Follow one of the links below for guides on how to update each of the most popular firmware. When you're done, continue in this guide.

    • Marlin

    • Repetier

    • Smoothieware

    • RepRap Firmware

    Edit

    • Whenever you install a new hotend, it's important to run a PID tune. This will allow your printer to adjust some internal parameters so that it can learn how your hotend heats up. This way, your printer can anticipate how much power it needs to give your hotend to get it up to temperature, but not over.

    • Use a computer to connect to your printer. If you have a typical RepRap printer, you can use PrintRun, Repetier Host, or MatterControl.

    • Other, closed-source, printers may be better suited to their manufacturer's recommended printer control software.

    Edit

    • Make sure you have your hotend in a place where it can get hot without damaging anything or setting any fires! Mounted on your printer or held with a spanner will work fine. Take care not to touch your hotend when it heats up.

    • When you heat up your HotEnd for the first time, make sure it does not heat above 245°C. Any hotter, and the PTFE lining will start to degrade.

    • Send the command M303 to autotune your PID. For more detailed instructions, check out Thomas Sanladerer's video guide for more information.

    • Not all firmware support PID autotuning, and you may need to tune manually.

    • We recommend running two PID tunes for the V6, one now and one later at at normal printing temperatures, with filament in the hotend, sock attached, and with an active cooling fan on if you're planning on using one. This way your printer can finely tune its settings to match your real printing environment.

    Edit

  28. Hot-tightening is the last mechanical step before your V6 is ready to go! Hot-tightening is essential to sealing the nozzle and heatsink together to ensure that molten plastic cannot leak out of the hotend in use.

    • Hot-tightening is the last mechanical step before your V6 is ready to go! Hot-tightening is essential to sealing the nozzle and heatsink together to ensure that molten plastic cannot leak out of the hotend in use.

    • Using your printer's control software (or LCD screen), set the hotend temperature to 240°C. Allow the hotend to reach 240°C and wait one minute to allow all components to equalise in temperature.

    • Gently tighten the nozzle whilst holding the heater block still with a spanner and using a smaller 7mm spanner to tighten the nozzle. This will tighten the nozzle against the Heatsink and ensure that your hotend does not leak.

    • You want to aim for 3Nm of torque on the hot nozzle—this is about as much pressure as you can apply with one finger on a small spanner.

    Edit

  29. Gather the following:

    • Gather the following:

    • Silicone Sock, one of either:

    • Pro sock

    • Or Normal Sock

    • Your HotEnd

    Edit

  30. First, let your hotend cool down.

    • First, let your hotend cool down.

    • Slip your silicone sock over the hotend. Try to get each of the little clips on the top of the heat block so the sock will stay on better.

    • It may look like your sock doesn't quite fit. Don't worry, when you heat up your HotEnd, the sock will expand, and the clips will fit just fine.

    Edit

  31. If you're using the pro sock make sure that the tip of the nozzle protrudes from the sock. If you're using a normal sock, it should look like the second picture when you're finished.

    • If you're using the pro sock make sure that the tip of the nozzle protrudes from the sock.

    • If you're using a normal sock, it should look like the second picture when you're finished.

    Edit

  32. In your slicer of preference find the retraction settings. In Slic3r this is in printer settings. Start with a retraction length of 1mm

    • In your slicer of preference find the retraction settings. In Slic3r this is in printer settings.

    • Start with a retraction length of 1mm

    • If you experience blobs or stringing on the surface of the print increase the retraction length to 2mm.

    • Do not increase the retraction length more than 2mm as this can lead to molten plastic being pulled into the heat break, increasing the likelihood of jams.

    Edit

    • You're now ready to go! Remember you'll have to update your slicer settings a little:

    • Check your nozzle diameter in your slicer. All Lite6 kits ship with a 0.40mm brass nozzle.

    • Having very long retraction settings will cause problems.

    • For direct extrusion systems you should use anywhere from 0.5mm–1.0mm of retraction.

    • For bowden systems you can use up to 2.0mm of retraction.

    • Print PLAs at 205–215°C, and ABS at ~240°C. For other materials check with their manufacturer

    Edit
Finish Line

4 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 4 other contributors

Gabe S.

Member since: 08/08/2017

13,947 Reputation

41 Guides authored

7 Comments

Add a comment

I’m having an issue where the hotend is about 50-60° hotter than it says it is reading on the Thermistor. I made sure to follow each step and went through the steps twice, but still came up with the same issue. At 205° my E3D is actually reading (with a laser gun) about 270°. And the filament is bubbling out and the PTFE tube is getting ruined inside. Already replaced once.

I made sure in Marlin to set “#define TEMP_SENSOR_0 5” …It seems to me like the thermistor reading is off.

Josiah - Reply

I have a UM2 clone. I’ve found a couple forums saying you can only use a PT100 Thermistor on Ultimakers? Is this true?

Josiah - Reply

Hi Josiah,

It depends on your electronics board. The stock Ultimaker electronics board expects a PT100, and will get weird readings off a normal thermistor cartridge. If your printer has one of those, you can get around it by adding an extra resistor or adjusting your firmware (I’ve added a resistor once and it was not fun to get working).

Good luck!

(FYI: we’re not affiliated with Ultimaker, so this is just my personal experience)

Gabe S. -

Step 16 says that 70cm of PTFE tube should be used or longer if bowden. Should this be 70mm?

Tim Hallam - Reply

Good catch! I’ve fixed that. Thanks.

Gabe S. -

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