This guide should be used if the USB C cable of the A1 mini is faulty, and needs to be replaced. Common issues that are caused by the A1 mini USB C cable are:
It's crucial to power off the printer before performing any maintenance work on the printer and its electronics, including tool head wires, because leaving the printer on while conducting such tasks can cause a short circuit, which can lead to additional electronic damage and safety hazards.
When you perform maintenane or troubleshooting on the printer, you may be required to disassemble some parts, including the hotend. This process can expose wires and electrical components that could potentially short circuit if they come into contact with each other or with other metal or electronic components while the printer is still on. This can damage the electronics of the printer and cause further damage.
Therefore, it's essential to switch off the printer and disconnect it from the power source before doing any maintenance work. This will prevent any short circuits or damage to the printer's electronics. By doing so, you can avoid potential damage to the printer's electronic components and ensure that the maintenance work is performed safely and effectively.
If you have any concerns or questions about following this guide, open a new ticket in our Support Page and we will do our best to respond promptly and provide you with the assistance you need.
We will start by removing the four screws holding the USB C cable secure on the tool head of the A1 mini. After removing the screws, the USB C cable can be pulled upwards to remove it.
Take note of the USB cable orientation and the small groove from the back that aligns it. It is important to connect the new one the same way. The USB C cable only fits in one position, with the correct orientation having the line in the cable connector aligned to the back of the printer and tool head.
To access the USB C cable, you need to remove the front motor cover. Simply pull from the bottom of the cover towards you and the clips will release.
¶ 3. Remove the motor housing screws and webcam cable
The next step is to remove the camera cable shown with a red arrow, and the three screws holding the motor cover in place. We do this step in order to access the clips on the back of the grey wire attachment, to release the wires.
Please note that screw labeled with number 1 is different from the other two.
First, push the wires upwards as shown in the image below, to make the removal of the motor housing easier.
Next, gently pull the motor cover towards you, as shown in the image below.
With the motor cover removed, we can access the clips of the wire attachment. As seen in the image below, there are two clips that need to be pressed. You can use the tip of the hex wrench to push them.
When the clips are undone, you will be able to gently pull on the wire attachment as shown below:
Also remove the USB C cable attachment on top of the motor housing, as shown in the image below. It can be gently removed with a sharp tool like a flat screwdriver by simply prying from one side.
¶ 5. Remove the spool holder from the printer (optional)
The next step is to remove the spool holder. You will need to place the printer on its side in the next step, and removing the spool holder will help. This is an optional step, in case the spool holder is installed
Place the printer on its side, with the Z axis pillar facing the table. Then, remove the 16 screws holding the bottom cover in place, to access the MC board fan.
Please note that screws 15 and 16 are different, so keep track of them for when you will re-assemble the bottom cover.
After removing the screws, gently pry out the plastic bottom cover. You can start from the top right side, and gently work your way around the printer until the cover gets loose.
¶ 7. Remove the USB C cable bracket and disconnect it
With the cover removed, we can proceed in removing the USB C cable bracket as shown in the image below. This is used to hold the USB cable securely attached to the main board.
With the screws removed, you can gently disconnect it. Please make sure to pull towards the right, and not bend the cable as there is a small risk of damaging the USB connector on the board.
Before removing the cable, you need to remove the tape holding the mesh over the USB cable. With it removed, you can also proceed with removing the grey plastic wire clip. Don't forget to also remove the ferite core attachment from the cable, which can be released by unclipping the two small tabs shown in the image below.
Please take note of the ferrite core location, to ensure the new cable sits at the same distance.
Please note that if the ferrite core (as shown below) can't be removed from your original printer's USB-C cable, and you have received a spare part without the core, you can install the cable without the core, which has no effect on the printer's functionality.
The final step is to remove the USB C from the wire mesh. In order to do so, gently pull on the wire while guiding the USB cable through the wire mesh When you reach the end of the mesh, the next step is to remove the USB cable completely by guiding it through the motor housing hole as shown in the image.
The USB C cable removal is now complete, and you can proceed with installing the new USB cable.
You can start by routing the USB C cable through the motor housing opening first, then continue to push it inside the wire mesh until it reaches the other side of the wire loom.
It is much easier to push the USB cable through the wire loom, it you compress it like in the image below:
Now that the USB C is routed as expected, you can start by re-installing the motor cover back in the right position and re-attaching it to the frame using the 3 screws removed in Step 3 of the disassembly process. Take note of the motor cable routing as shown in the image below.
Continue by pushing the wire USB C cable attachment on top of the motor housing back in place. Next, re-connect the camera cable as shown and complete the installation by re-inserting the wire clip back in place.
Important! Make sure that the wire clip is facing the right way, with the flat side towards the bottom of the printer.
¶ 3. Re-attach the motor housing cover and USB C cable
The next step is to re-install the motor housing cover. You can simply push it back in place until you hear the clips “clicking”. Then re-install the USB cable using the four screws we removed in the first step.
Important!
Do not over-tighten these screws, as the threads can damage the plastic. Take note of the USB cable orientation and the small groove from the back that aligns it. The USB C cable only fits in one position, with the correct orientation having the line in the cable connector aligned to the back of the printer and tool head.
¶ 4. Re-install the cable tape, clip and ferrite core
You can now gently place the printer on its side, with the Z axis pillar facing the table.
Route the wires towards the AP board, and re-install the grey plastic clip, the cable tape and the ferrite core.
Please note that the ferrite core should be installed on the same location from where it was removed.
¶ 5. Connect the USB C cable and re-attach the bracket
Carefully route the USB cable towards the USB header on the board, and re-install it as shown below. Then, re-attach the metallic bracket with the screws we removed before.
With the cable installed back in its original position, it's time to do a bit of wire management. Ensure that all wires are routed correctly, so they do not interfere with the MC board fan, as shown in the image below.
With the USB C cable replaced, you can proceed with installing the bottom cover back to the printer. Start by tightening screws 15 and 16 to ensure the side wire loom sits correctly. Then, proceed with installing the other remaining screws, while ensuring you do not over-tighten them.
We hope that the detailed guide we shared with you was helpful and informative.
We want to ensure that you can perform it safely and effectively. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the process described in this article, we encourage you to reach out to our friendly customer service team before starting the operation. Our team is always ready to help you and answer any questions you may have.
