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Introduction

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This Guide relates to this Prusa Mini Upgrade Kit:

https://www.bondtech.se/en/product/bondt...


Acknowledgements

This is a co-development work with Olof Ogland that came up with the initial idea and design.


Compatibility

This upgrade is compatible with the following machines:

Prusa Mini


You will need :

  1. Use the User Interface on the Prusa Mini display to preform the material unloading. Select Filament. Select Unload Filament.
    • Use the User Interface on the Prusa Mini display to preform the material unloading.

    • Select Filament.

    • Select Unload Filament.

    • Select the material you have loaded.

  2. The Prusa Mini will start by heating up the hotend. After reaching the desired temperature it will unload the filament. After unloading is finished, pull the filament out of the PTFE tube.
    • The Prusa Mini will start by heating up the hotend.

    • After reaching the desired temperature it will unload the filament.

    • After unloading is finished, pull the filament out of the PTFE tube.

  3. Set the hotend temperature to 280 degrees for easy removal of the nozzle. Select Settings. Select Temperature.
    • Set the hotend temperature to 280 degrees for easy removal of the nozzle.

    • Select Settings.

    • Select Temperature.

    • Select Nozzle.

  4. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the temperature. Press the knob once you reach 280 degrees.
    • Turn the knob clockwise to increase the temperature.

    • Press the knob once you reach 280 degrees.

    • Wait for the nozzle to reach temperature

  5. Be aware when performing the next steps. Touching the heated parts may  cause severe burns. Raise the X-axis for easier access. In the menu go to Settings > Move Axis > Move Z. Use an Adjustable Spanner or 16 mm wrench spanner to hold the block in position.
    • Be aware when performing the next steps. Touching the heated parts may cause severe burns.

    • Raise the X-axis for easier access. In the menu go to Settings > Move Axis > Move Z.

    • Use an Adjustable Spanner or 16 mm wrench spanner to hold the block in position.

    • Use a 7 mm socket with a torque wrench to release the tension of the nozzle.

    • Do not fully unscrew it yet.

    • Do not touch the heater or thermistor cable as they are fragile and be easily damaged.

  6. Before preforming the next steps let the printer cool down. Select Settings Select Temperature
    • Before preforming the next steps let the printer cool down.

    • Select Settings

    • Select Temperature

    • Select Cooldown

    • Wait for the printer to cool down before preforming the next steps.

    • After cooling down shut the printer off.

    • If the printer is shut down before cooling, it will take longer because the fans shut off.

  7. Remove the MINDA holder to get access to the heater and thermistor cables. Use the 2.5 Hex Key to unscrew these 2 screws. Move the MINDA holder out of the way.
    • Remove the MINDA holder to get access to the heater and thermistor cables.

    • Use the 2.5 Hex Key to unscrew these 2 screws.

    • Move the MINDA holder out of the way.

  8. Use the 1.5 Hex Key to untighten this screw. Use the 2.0 Hex Key to untighten this screw Use the Adjustable Wrench to keep the heatblock from moving to avoid damaging the heater and thermistor.
    • Use the 1.5 Hex Key to untighten this screw.

    • Use the 2.0 Hex Key to untighten this screw

    • Use the Adjustable Wrench to keep the heatblock from moving to avoid damaging the heater and thermistor.

    • In the following 2 steps (10 and 11):

    • if you find trouble removing the Heater and Thermistor Cartridges because they are stuck...

    • ... unscrew the bolt that holds the bundle of cables just above the hotend cooling fan.

    • This will allow you to extend the Heater and Thermistor cables and easily remove the Hot Block and Heat Break from the Heatsink together with the Heater and Thermistor Cartridges.

    • This gives you more room to take the cartridges out, and will also be quicker and easier to assemble it back with the Bondtech Heatbreak, in case you bought it.

  9. Ensure the heatblock have reach room temperature before preforming the next step. Grab the heatblock with an adjustable pliers or your hand to avoid damage the heatbreak.
    • Ensure the heatblock have reach room temperature before preforming the next step.

    • Grab the heatblock with an adjustable pliers or your hand to avoid damage the heatbreak.

    • Use the 2.5 Hex Key to push the heater cartridge out.

  10. Ensure the heatblock have reach room temperature before preforming the next step. Use the 2.5 Hex Key to push the thermistor cartridge out. Use the 2.5 Hex Key to push the thermistor cartridge out.
    • Ensure the heatblock have reach room temperature before preforming the next step.

    • Use the 2.5 Hex Key to push the thermistor cartridge out.

  11. Grab the PTFE coupler with the Prusa Mini Wrench. Use the Adjustable Spanner to release the tension of the PTFE coupler nut. Finish unscrewing the coupler nut using your fingers.
    • Grab the PTFE coupler with the Prusa Mini Wrench.

    • Use the Adjustable Spanner to release the tension of the PTFE coupler nut.

    • Finish unscrewing the coupler nut using your fingers.

    • Detach the bowden tube from the feeder.

  12. Use the Prusa Mini wrench to remove the PTFE coupler from the heatsink. Use the Prusa Mini wrench to remove the PTFE coupler from the heatsink. Use the Prusa Mini wrench to remove the PTFE coupler from the heatsink.
    • Use the Prusa Mini wrench to remove the PTFE coupler from the heatsink.

  13. Use the 1.5 Hex Key to untighten these 3 screws. Grab the heatblock and pull the heatbreak out of the heatsink. Grab the heatblock and pull the heatbreak out of the heatsink.
    • Use the 1.5 Hex Key to untighten these 3 screws.

    • Grab the heatblock and pull the heatbreak out of the heatsink.

  14. Remove the old heatbreak from the heatblock. Remove the old heatbreak from the heatblock.
    • Remove the old heatbreak from the heatblock.

  15. The stripping down process is finished. The Bondtech heatbreak setup starts here. The stripping down process is finished. The Bondtech heatbreak setup starts here.
    • The stripping down process is finished. The Bondtech heatbreak setup starts here.

  16. Fully tighten the nozzle by hand rotating it clockwise. Unscrew the nozzle half a turn by hand rotating it counteclockwise..
    • Fully tighten the nozzle by hand rotating it clockwise.

    • Unscrew the nozzle half a turn by hand rotating it counteclockwise..

  17. Take the Bondtech Heatbreak and tighten it towards the nozzle. You can do this with your hand as we will fully tightening the nozzle later.
    • Take the Bondtech Heatbreak and tighten it towards the nozzle.

    • You can do this with your hand as we will fully tightening the nozzle later.

  18. Apply thermal paste to the heatbreak to increase the thermal conductivity between the heatbreak and the heatsink. The thermal paste is not included in the heat-break packaging, but...
    • Apply thermal paste to the heatbreak to increase the thermal conductivity between the heatbreak and the heatsink.

    • The thermal paste is not included in the heat-break packaging, but...

    • ...as the temperature of the heat-break in the heatsink is not very high, normal heat transfer paste works well.

    • For best results use a paste that contains silver.

  19. Locate the heatsink hole for the heat-break. Insert the heat-break inside. Push it all the way up.
    • Locate the heatsink hole for the heat-break.

    • Insert the heat-break inside.

    • Push it all the way up.

    • The excess of thermal paste will be cleaned in the next step.

  20. Hold the hotend with your fingers to prevent the heat-block from falling. Use a cotton bud to remove the excess past. Rotate the heat-block and heat-sink clock and anti-clockwise to spread the paste evenly.
    • Hold the hotend with your fingers to prevent the heat-block from falling.

    • Use a cotton bud to remove the excess past.

    • Rotate the heat-block and heat-sink clock and anti-clockwise to spread the paste evenly.

  21. Ensure the heatbreak is fully inserted before proceeding to the next step. Use the pictures as reference. Tighten these 3 set-.screws to secure the heat-break and heat-block in place. Use the 1.5 hex key.
    • Ensure the heatbreak is fully inserted before proceeding to the next step. Use the pictures as reference.

    • Tighten these 3 set-.screws to secure the heat-break and heat-block in place.

    • Use the 1.5 hex key.

  22. Notice the PTFE tube end with the chamfer. Insert the PTFE tube inside the heat-break, chamfer side down. The tube will lay in position after released.
    • Notice the PTFE tube end with the chamfer.

    • Insert the PTFE tube inside the heat-break, chamfer side down.

    • The tube will lay in position after released.

  23. Take the PTFE tube coupler. Use a 1.5 hex key to align the  coupler with the PTFE tube. Hold the hotend firmly before tightening the coupler.
    • Take the PTFE tube coupler.

    • Use a 1.5 hex key to align the coupler with the PTFE tube.

    • Hold the hotend firmly before tightening the coupler.

    • Use the Prusa Mini wrench to tighten the coupler.

  24. Take the coupler nut and bowden tube and insert it inside the coupler. Start tightening the nut using your fingers. To tighten the coupler nut use a combination of spanner and wrench to immobilize the coupler while you twist the nut.
    • Take the coupler nut and bowden tube and insert it inside the coupler.

    • Start tightening the nut using your fingers.

    • To tighten the coupler nut use a combination of spanner and wrench to immobilize the coupler while you twist the nut.

  25. Insert the thermistor cartridge in the heat-block. Push it until it flushes on the opposite side.
    • Insert the thermistor cartridge in the heat-block.

    • Push it until it flushes on the opposite side.

  26. Insert the heater cartridge inside the heat-block. Push it through and give the heatblock support with your fingers to avoid bending the heatbreak. Push it through and give the heatblock support with your fingers to avoid bending the heatbreak.
    • Insert the heater cartridge inside the heat-block.

    • Push it through and give the heatblock support with your fingers to avoid bending the heatbreak.

  27. Use a 2.5 hex key to tighten the heater cartridge set screw. Use a spanner to prevent the heater block to rotate while you firmly tighten the set screw.
    • Use a 2.5 hex key to tighten the heater cartridge set screw.

    • Use a spanner to prevent the heater block to rotate while you firmly tighten the set screw.

  28. Use a 1.5 hex key to tighten the thermistor cartridge set screw. Use a spanner to prevent the heater block to rotate while you firmly tighten the set screw.
    • Use a 1.5 hex key to tighten the thermistor cartridge set screw.

    • Use a spanner to prevent the heater block to rotate while you firmly tighten the set screw.

  29. Reposition the MINDA mount. Align these 2 screws with the holes on the hot-end. Push both in.
    • Reposition the MINDA mount.

    • Align these 2 screws with the holes on the hot-end.

    • Push both in.

  30. During the following steps beware the heater and thermistor cables are very fragile. Handle them gently. Tighten lightly the screw on the heat-block side. Tighten lightly the screw on the opposite side.
    • During the following steps beware the heater and thermistor cables are very fragile. Handle them gently.

    • Tighten lightly the screw on the heat-block side.

    • Tighten lightly the screw on the opposite side.

    • Adjust the heater cables so they can flow parallel before fully tightening the mount.

  31. Turn the printer ON and follow the next instructions. Use the Prusa Mini user interface to heaten up the nozzle again up to 280 degrees. Select Settings.
    • Turn the printer ON and follow the next instructions.

    • Use the Prusa Mini user interface to heaten up the nozzle again up to 280 degrees.

    • Select Settings.

    • Select Temperature.

    • Select Nozzle

    • Rotate the knob clockwise to raise the temperature up to 280 degrees.

  32. Perform this operation only after the user interface indicates the nozzle temperature has reached 280 degrees. Be aware when performing the next steps. Touching the heated parts may  cause severe burns. Do not twist the nozzle to tighten it, without preventing the heat-block to rotate.
    • Perform this operation only after the user interface indicates the nozzle temperature has reached 280 degrees.

    • Be aware when performing the next steps. Touching the heated parts may cause severe burns.

    • Do not twist the nozzle to tighten it, without preventing the heat-block to rotate.

    • Use an Adjustable Spanner or 16 mm wrench spanner to hold the block in position.

    • Use a 7 mm socket with a 1.5 Nm torque wrench to firmly tighten the nozzle.

    • Tighten it fully until the 1.5 NM are reached.

  33. Release the MINDA using this screw. Release the MINDA using this screw.
    • Release the MINDA using this screw.

  34. Before preforming this step let the nozzle cool down to avoid avoid damaging the bed. Lower the X-axis all the way down until the nozzle touches the print-bed. Lowering it by hand avoids the possibility of collision because the MINDA and nozzle were moved out of their original position.
    • Before preforming this step let the nozzle cool down to avoid avoid damaging the bed.

    • Lower the X-axis all the way down until the nozzle touches the print-bed.

    • Lowering it by hand avoids the possibility of collision because the MINDA and nozzle were moved out of their original position.

  35. Fold a A4 sheet of 80mg/m paper in half 3 times, until you have 8 sheets of thickness. Prusa recommends the MINDA z-offset to be 0.8 mm.
    • Fold a A4 sheet of 80mg/m paper in half 3 times, until you have 8 sheets of thickness.

    • Prusa recommends the MINDA z-offset to be 0.8 mm.

    • Insert the folded sheet of paper below the MINDA.

  36. Press the MINDA down against the paper. Tighten the screw to set the MINDA mount in that position. Your MINDA is now levelled as required and you are almost set to go. Next step: calibration.
    • Press the MINDA down against the paper.

    • Tighten the screw to set the MINDA mount in that position.

    • Your MINDA is now levelled as required and you are almost set to go. Next step: calibration.

  37. Use the Prusa Mini user interface to perform a first layer calibration following these steps: Choose Calibration. Choose First Layer Calibration
    • Use the Prusa Mini user interface to perform a first layer calibration following these steps:

    • Choose Calibration.

    • Choose First Layer Calibration

    • Choose NEXT.

  38. Use the Prusa Mini user interface to continue the first layer calibration following these steps: Choose the material you have loaded, or PLA if none.
    • Use the Prusa Mini user interface to continue the first layer calibration following these steps:

    • Choose the material you have loaded, or PLA if none.

    • Choose NEXT.

  39. Use the Prusa Mini user interface to continue the first layer calibration following these steps: Wait until the temperature reaches the target to choose NO. Choose NEXT.
    • Use the Prusa Mini user interface to continue the first layer calibration following these steps:

    • Wait until the temperature reaches the target to choose NO.

    • Choose NEXT.

    • Once the printer starts extruding plastic, adjust the nozzle height by turning the knob until the filament sticks to the print bed.

    • Step 42 and 43 to update the PID parameters is not working due to a change to the Prusa Mini firmware (4.0.5).

    • Until we can issue updated instructions please

    • add M301 P13.54 I0.98 D46.58 to the start G-code in the slicer before the ; intro line.

    • or

    • run the USB code below after each reset

  40. Download our gCode file to update the PID values. Save that file in a USB dongle and plug it into the Mini. Choose Print.
    • Download our gCode file to update the PID values.

    • Save that file in a USB dongle and plug it into the Mini.

    • Choose Print.

    • Select file SET_PID_VALUES.gcode

    • Choose Print.

  41. Let the "print" run for at least 10 seconds. After that time choose Stop. Choose Yes to confirm you want to stop.
    • Let the "print" run for at least 10 seconds.

    • After that time choose Stop.

    • Choose Yes to confirm you want to stop.

    • You finished installing the Bondtech Heater-break for Prusa Mini.

    • You are ready to go. Happy 3D printing : )

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