Adding an All-Metal Hot End

The re:3D All-Metal Hot End enables your Gigabot to print with high-temperature materials of up to 300°C (with thermistor) and 400°+C (with thermocouple) reliably. You can also change nozzle sizes between 0.4 and 0.8 for different extrusion rates. Its rugged, long-lasting design is engineered for longevity, featuring an electroless nickel plating coating for added durability. 

While the re:3D All-Metal Hot End is capable of printing high-tensile and high-strength materials,  we recommend upgrading to the Hardened Steel Nozzle if you wish to print with abrasive materials like carbon-filled polymers.

Important Safety Information: Disconnect your Gigabot from power and make sure it is turned off during the following process!

Instructions: 

A PDF guide with photos can be found here. 

Removing the J-Head Hot End:

1. Remove any filament from the hot end.
2. Turn off your Gigabot and disconnect from power.
3. Remove the head junction box cover and disconnect the heater cartridge and thermistor connections.
4. Remove the hot end from the extruder.

Installing the All-Metal Hot End:

1. Assemble the hot end using the manufacturer's instructions. 
2. Install the hot end into the extruder.
3. Attach the heater cartridge and thermistor leads to the screw terminals in the head junction box.
4. Replace the cover on the head junction box.
5. Route the wires neatly from the junction box to the hot end. 

Updating Gigabot Firmware:

New firmware is required to properly run the re:3D All-Metal Hot End. E3D Hot End firmware and instructions can be found here. 

The two changes in the firmware are as follows: 

1. Thermistor setting for the temperature sensor (#5 in Marlin thermistor table.)
2. Temperature limit raised to 300°C.

Testing: 

1. Plug in your Gigabot. 
2. Power on your Gigabot. 
3. Check the Viki display to ensure temperature sensor is reading correctly.
4. Set hot end temperature to 100°C and verify temperature is reached after 30 seconds.
5. Set hot end temperature to 200°C and verify temperature is reached after an additional 30 seconds.
6. Observe the temperature for two minutes. Ensure temperature does not vary more than 1-2 deg C.

If the Hot End Temperature is Not Stable: 

Perform PID (proportional–integral–derivative) tuning following these instructions:

1. Connect your Gigabot's power and USB cables.
2. In Pronterface, connect to your Gigabot.
3. Turn on the head fan by typing "M106 S255" command in the lower right corner of Pronterface.
4. If you have previously been printing, wait for the hot end to cool.
5. In Pronterface, type “M303 S200” into the data entry box at the lower right corner. This will start the PID auto-tune function in the Marlin Firmware. The hot end will cycle the heat up and down for a couple minutes until displaying the message: "PID Autotune Complete."
6. Write down the last set of output values given.
   • Classic PID
   • Kp: 50.03
   • Ki: 1.98
   • Kd: 150.98

Adjusting the Firmware: 

1. In Pronterface, disconnect from your Gigabot. Close Pronterface, then restart Pronterface.
2. Connect to your Gigabot. 
3. In Pronterface, type into the data entry box at the lower right corner: "M301 P(your Kp value) I(your Ki value) D(your Kd value)".
4. It should look like this using the example above: "M301 P50.03 I1.98 D150.98" This will temporarily change the current settings for the temperature controller.
5. In Pronterface, type into the data entry box at the lower right corner: "M500". This will store the changes.
6. In Pronterface: Set hot end temperature to 200°C and ensure that it comes up to temperature, overshoots the target temperature slightly, undershoots the target temperature slightly, and then settles onto the target temperature within 1-2 deg.

Questions or concerns? Reach out to our support team at support@re:3D.org or open a support ticket.