Filament Sensor for Bambu - A1 Series

The Filament Sensor is used to detect the filament feeding status to help prevent print failures and improve overall printing efficiency. When printing with multiple filaments, the filament sensor can recognize the input and output of filaments and transmit the information to the AMS Lite for filament switching. It can also detect filament jamming situations and transmit the information to the printer immediately. Compatible with Bambu Lab A1 Series Designed specifically for Bambu Lab A1 Series , this feed hall board ensures seamless integration and reliable performance in your 3D printing setup. Includes FPC Cable for Full Functionality Comes with a built-in FPC cable, providing a complete replacement solution that maintains signal integrity and sensor responsiveness. High-Quality Filament Sensor Replacement This Feed Hall Board serves as a direct replacement for faulty filament sensors, ensuring accurate filament detection and preventing print failures. Filament Sensor Replacement Guide - A1 Series This guide shows how to replace the Tool Head Board on the A1 Series Safe and Chemical-Free Design Contains no high-concerned chemicals, ensuring safe handling and compatibility with sensitive 3D printing environments. In this guide, we will show how to replace the Filament Sensor on the A1 (it also applies for A1 mini 3D printer) When to replace This guide is intended for use if there is a problem with the Filament Sensor. Common issues that may indicate the need for replacement of the A1 Filament Sensor include: Filament is not detected by the printer during loading/unloading or printing. The printer frequently stops and reports filament issues during a print. Recommended by Bambu Lab Technical Support. Tools and materials needed Bambu Lab Filament Sensor A1 H2.0 Allen key H1.5 Allen key 15 minutes of your time IMPORTANT! It's crucial to power off the printer before conducting any maintenance work, including work on the printer's electronics and tool head wires. Performing tasks with the printer on can result in a short circuit, leading to electronic damage and safety hazards. During maintenance or troubleshooting, you may need to disassemble parts, including the hotend. This exposes wires and electrical components that could short circuit if they contact each other, other metal, or electronic components while the printer is still on. This can result in damage to the printer's electronics and additional issues. Therefore, it's crucial to turn off the printer and disconnect it from the power source before conducting any maintenance. This prevents short circuits or damage to the printer's electronics, ensuring safe and effective maintenance. Remove the Old Filament Sensor 1. Remove the back printhead cover We start by removing the back cover of the print head. Carefully pry open the back cover by pulling on the bottom section as shown below. 2. Remove the USB C cable from the print head Next, remove the four screws holding the USB C cable secure on the tool head of the A1. After removing the screws, the USB C cable can be pulled upwards to remove it. 3. Remove the Toolhead Board screws Remove the three black screws holding the Toolhead Board in place. 4. Disconnect the cables Next, remove the four cables attached to the Toolhead Board. Carefully pull them out by the connector, and avoid pulling the wires from the connectors. We recommend using a flat tool to gently pry them out to avoid any potential damage. Don't forget to also remove the Eddy sensor wires which are held in place by two screws. 5. Remove the Toolhead board and disconnect the filament sensor You can now remove the Tollhead Board from the plastic housing. Be careful when pulling it out, as you will need to carefully disconnect the filament sensor ribbon cable. Pull it slowly and straight upwards 6. Remove the 4-in-1 buffer and sensor Remove the 2 screws holding the 4-in-1 buffer attached to the extruder. Then, gently raise it upwards and place it on the top of the print head as shown in the image. 7. Detach the filament sensor from the buffer You can now remove the filament sensor from the filament buffer. Simply remove the two screws shown in the image below, then you can completely pull out the filament sensor and its ribbon cable. Optional step During the filament sensor replacement, it's a good idea to check if the magnet located inside the filament buffer is in good condition The picture below shows how it's supposed to look like. Install the New Filament Sensor 1. Attach the filament sensor to the buffer The new filament sensor can be easily attached to the buffer using the two screws. Simply align it as shown in the image below, then tighten the screws. Please note that the sensor includes a small adhesive section. You need to remove the blue protection from the ribbon cable, then push the flex cable against the filament sensor to route it in place. The ribbon cable needs to be aligned with the small slot between the two holes ilustrated in the image below. 2. Install the buffer to the extruder Gently put the filament buffer back in place, while making sure to route the ribbon cable towards the back of the print head. Then, tighten the two screws on top. 3. Attach the Toolhead Board to the housing Open the clip on the TH board for the ribbon cable. Then, gently push the cable in the connector, and close the clip. Note: Pay close attention to the ribbon cable orientation when plugging it in. In the image below, the left cable orientation is correct; the right (metal contacts facing up) is incorrect！ Carefully route the Extruder Motor cable next to the ribbon cable as shown in the image below. After this step is done, you can gently push the Toolhead Board back in its position. 4. Install the TH board screws Use the three black screws to re-attach the Toolhead Board back to the print head. Important! Do not overtighten the screws to avoid any potential damage！ Before tightening the screws, it is necessary to make sure that the cables on the back avoid the screw holes to prevent the cables from being punctured when tightening the screws. 5. Re-connect all the cables 6. Re-connect the USB-C cable Re-install the USB cable using the four screws we removed in the first step, while being careful about the orientation. 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. 7. Install the print head back cover Finally, install the back cover of the A1 print head. The back cover clips in place. Simply align the two brackets on the back cover towards the top, then push it until you hear a few clicks. Verify the functionality Insert filament all the way into any inlet of the toolhead, and a green dot will appear on the icon in the lower right corner of the screen; remove the filament and the green dot disappears, indicating that the filament sensor is working properly. Calibration step after the operation We recommend conducting a full calibration of the printer after this operation. Potential problems and solutions If you encounter problems during the installation of a new Filament Sensor, please check the potential problems and solutions listed below: Filament sensor is not working Check the Ribbon Cable and confirm it is correctly installed on the back of the Toolhead Board, as shown in Step 3. Attach the Toolhead Board to the housing. Also confirm the magnet inside the buffer is moving as expected, and it's free from any debris, as shown in the Optional step. The hotend temperature is 0 Check the Hotend Heating Assembly connector and confirm it is correctly inserted, as shown in Step 5. Re-connect all the cables. If the issue persists, the thermistor wires might have been damaged (white wires). The hotend cannot be heated Check the Hotend Heating Assembly connector and confirm it is correctly inserted, as shown in Step 5. Re-connect all the cables. If the issue persists, the heater wires might have been damaged (Translucent wires). Printer is not homing correctly Check the Eddy Sensor wires (5 and 6) and confirm they are correctly installed on the back of the Toolhead Board, as shown in Step 5. Re-connect all the cables.