Duet3D Logo Duet3D
    • Tags
    • Documentation
    • Order
    • Register
    • Login

    any suggestion for a connector for the printhead?

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved
    3D Printing General Chat
    12
    19
    1.9k
    Loading More Posts
    • Oldest to Newest
    • Newest to Oldest
    • Most Votes
    Reply
    • Reply as topic
    Log in to reply
    This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
    • Danalundefined
      Danal
      last edited by

      Use a D-Sub whatever, with pins in parallel for the heater.

      Delta / Kossel printer fanatic

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • DaBitundefined
        DaBit
        last edited by

        Another vote for the D-sub, but the regular 2-row type. Much easier to solder on, more robust pins.
        D-subs are very robust connectors for very little money.

        There is also a smaller XT connector BTW: the XT30.

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • oliverracingundefined
          oliverracing
          last edited by

          Was about to ask a very similar questions but minus the probe, Dsub 15 looks like it'll do the trick very nicely!

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • Dougal1957undefined
            Dougal1957
            last edited by

            I would still recommend the Molex Microfit 3.0 series which can be had unto 24 way so more than enough also much lighter than D-Sub connectors.

            Microfit 3.0 series

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • gtj0undefined
              gtj0
              last edited by

              I use the microfits in other places and like them but I also use RJ45 for the hot-end signal and low power stuff and simple spade connectors for the hot-end.

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • Danalundefined
                Danal
                last edited by

                @Dougal1957 said in any suggestion for a connector for the printhead?:

                Molex Microfit 3.0 series

                I've used these on other things, and they do work very well. Were it me, I'd be comfortable with my own "psuedo-standard" connector for a standard tool, meaning:

                • Stepper (4)
                • Sensor/thermistor (2)
                • Heater (2)
                • Hot end fan (2)
                • Part fan (2)
                • Sensor for tool alignment(2)

                Total 14, with no allowance for future expansion.

                From USA supplier Mouser, 16 position are actually slightly cheaper than 14, and I like the expansion possibility:

                Receptacle Pins
                Plug Pins

                With no expansion, and no extra sensor, 10 position will work.

                Delta / Kossel printer fanatic

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • matt3oundefined
                  matt3o
                  last edited by

                  thanks guys, haven't though about using molex, but it actually makes sense. way easier to handle than dsubs and more flexible!

                  bricorundefined 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • bricorundefined
                    bricor @matt3o
                    last edited by

                    @matt3o Not sure if this would work for you (see pics).

                    IMG_9232.jpg
                    IMG_9230.jpg
                    IMG_9229.jpg

                    Using extension/adapter cables or adding connectors to a harness adds bulk and creates potential failure points.

                    I found this method to be the best. If anything needs to be changed, its simple. Supports up to 16 terminal points.

                    All that's missing is a printed label plaque

                    matt3oundefined 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                    • matt3oundefined
                      matt3o @bricor
                      last edited by

                      @bricor thanks, that is also pretty clever and super easy if you need to change parts

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • littlehobbyshopundefined
                        littlehobbyshop
                        last edited by

                        Check out this project:
                        https://www.hackster.io/viktorsilivanov/quick-swap-board-for-3d-printer-hotend-fb26e4

                        @matt3o I'd be interested to know where you found that cable.

                        I had some boards made and have populated but not installed yet, they'll be part of a new build.
                        26365810-5c75-43cc-aca8-efaef310edad-image.png

                        BLV MGN Cube w/Hemera, K8200, Sunlu S8

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • zaptaundefined
                          zapta
                          last edited by

                          Just a thought, you can distribute high currents over two wires and/or contacts. This may give you more flexibility. Also, Some wires can be merged, e.g. the +24V for heater and fans.

                          (Duet people mentioned in the past a possibility for smart head board that just need power and CANBUS data, this would make requirements like yours easier to solve).

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • matt3oundefined
                            matt3o
                            last edited by matt3o

                            @littlehobbyshop that is very close that what I was planning to do, with less fancy PCB and more DIY 🙂 The cable is from a local supplier but I believe they can be easily found. They are sold as "security/alarm cables" they come in many variants.

                            @zapta at the moment I'm only sharing the positive leads of the fans, that's all I need but I'll check what else I could share. thanks!

                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • Danalundefined
                              Danal
                              last edited by

                              So I decide to go the Molex Microfit way on a toolchanger. Purchased Molex 16 pin, m/f, pins, etc. Pleasantly enough, they were smaller than I'd thought.

                              This is working out well, the connectors are great... but... do be aware it is labor intensive. Every wire going to a tool now requires three crimps. One for the Duet board, one for the male molex, and one for the female molex. I haven't even gotten one tool completely setup!

                              Not saying anyone should/shouldn't... just be aware.

                              IMG_0214.jpeg

                              Delta / Kossel printer fanatic

                              matt3oundefined 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • matt3oundefined
                                matt3o @Danal
                                last edited by

                                @Danal they are indeed smaller than I thought!

                                I got used to crimping, that wouldn't be a big issue. Still not sure if I want to go with a more polished solution (like the one posted by @littlehobbyshop ).

                                I've also found connectors with dedicated pins for power, but let's not go overboard 🙂

                                thanks for your report btw!

                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • avion23undefined
                                  avion23
                                  last edited by

                                  I'm using Wago 221 for everything.

                                  This relieves me from soldering and I can throw out the old fans without working.

                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                  • First post
                                    Last post
                                  Unless otherwise noted, all forum content is licensed under CC-BY-SA