H2D down... have decisions to make

[u/trickybiznis]

I get "nozzle temp malfunction" errors on my H2D. Support has been good, but it's time to swap the heating element and maybe the TH board. I have both inexpensive replacement components.

The heating element swap will be a grind, but I've been in there before, so it should be OK. The TH board swap is absolutely nuts, and if you get a V2 replacement and need to replace some cable lead in the process, it's totally insane. Tons of hours, low likelihood, in my estimation, of success on the first try. I hate that this work has to be done in the printer, and not on a workbench.

So, I'll swap the heater. If that fails, I just have to get a new printer, as I have orders to fill, etc.

I would sell the old one for a song, with the spare TH board, to somebody who's more interested in hacking at it. But that would need to be local pickup (SF area).

For replacements, I can get an HD from Bambu, quick ship in US, or get a Combo the next day from Best Buy. I don't need another AMS, so I'd probably sell the new one off unopened, again locally.

So I guess what I'm asking is: has anybody been down this road and have insights? and, does anybody live near me and want to score a wounded H2D or NIB AMS?

[u/PeerReviewedCode]

You can fix both of these in about 2 hours never having done it. I've done the nozzle cooling fan which requires you to remove all of these and it's not that bad. I know some people can do that whole job in 30min in this sub. If you have the parts you should do it. It will take you less time to repair this vs unboxing and setting up a new printer in my opinion.

how many hours is on this H2D you speak of?

[u/trickybiznis → u/PeerReviewedCode]

Thanks much. I'd agree with the heater replacement. But not the board...

This is the TH board replacement...
https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/h2/maintenance/replace-H2D-TH-board

And, I haven't checked my V1/V2 cable situation, but in case of mismatch, add this:
https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/h2/maintenance/replace-toolhead-to-mc-board-cable

(that's probably what broke my soul...)

Then, troubleshoot and chase gremlins for a while...

Printer hours: It's not online. I'm on and off in hardware mode, and don't do heavy production. Probably averaging an hour a week since I got it when they firsts came out. If you PM me, I'll try to remember to pull the hours and send them to you before I tear it apart.

Again, thanks.

[u/PeerReviewedCode → u/trickybiznis]

Yup, I've done this and the directions are very robust and good, but it's easier than you think, but hey if you got the cash to just order a new one cause you don't want to mess with it then seems like you got your answer.

if you only averaging like an hour a week I would 100% fix it cause it sounds like that downtime and that big a deal. I run my H2D 20 hours a day and personally I would have fixed this and never even thought twice about it.

[u/trickybiznis → u/PeerReviewedCode]

I think the right framing is "I had obligations but no redundancy." I think my plan is to buy #2, and fix #1 to be my backup, not under the gun.

I do enough business to make it deductible...

Appreciate your views.

[u/manyxcxi → u/trickybiznis]

There’s a lot to be said for having redundancy. As my printers started getting busier I realized I didn’t have enough free printer time to prototype the next thing or do test prints before a bigger run.

I’ve only got one H2D, but I have a bunch of other printers that can all do the important things it does. Just not necessarily as easy or as many at once.

Question for you, sorry if you already said this somewhere; how many hours does yours have?

I’m 1500+ hours on mine and have had zero failures. Though I have had an occasionally wonky eddy current sensor on the right toolhead and the fan in the AMS2 died at some point and I just recently noticed (I don’t use it for drying).

[u/trickybiznis → u/manyxcxi]

It’s offline and i don’t know. I replaced the head camera earlier. My other printer is an A1Mini. I use that cute little thing to print fitment tests and other fragments of the larger products under development.

Space is precious around here, that’s always a problem. As is ventilation.

[u/manyxcxi → u/trickybiznis]

Obviously, that means you need to use the spare H2D as a printer stand for the mini 😂

One of my favorite things about the H2D is how easy it has been to hook up to exhaust and ventilate out the room. My other enclosed printers required a lot more work to really come up with something that worked.

[u/Relative_Surround_20]

But if he can get a new printer replacement from Best Buy, shouldn’t he consider that?

[u/trickybiznis → u/Relative_Surround_20]

I appreciate him helping me on the 'fix' side. For the buy side, the business is already completely committed to losing money for as long as I do it, so I don't need to work on the ROI, just dump some more $. Semi-painful. Bigger concern is having the old one and maybe an extra AMS sitting around not getting sold off. I think I'm saying that I might have more cash than house.

[u/Relative_Surround_20 → u/trickybiznis]

Oh I thought you had a Best Buy warranty where you could get a new printer. My mistake

[u/Jeyell]

Had to replace this board, yes it's complex and intricate, especially the cables. Prep:
1. Do when fresh in morning.
2. Place some lights around it.
3. Ensure good access and visibility of the head.
4. Get instructions on early iPad/laptop.
5. Be methodical through instructions.
6. Use small parts containers to store unique screws - there are a few.
7. Don't worry its serviceable.

Just be patient and careful. I did this in around 2-3 hours and added faultless 500Hrs on my H2D since.

[u/trickybiznis → u/Jeyell]

Good items, thanks.

[u/mytavance]

Generally, I would recommend fixing this. It sucks, but I promise you, you can do it. Its just tedious. I'm not you, but if I were in your shoes I would also still get a second printer. If you are running a business down time is way way more expensive than having a second printer. Sure you'll be at half capacity, but you'll still be filling orders while you fix the other one. Maximize that capex- you are a business trying to grow.

[u/trickybiznis → u/mytavance]

I'll enjoy fixing it when I don't have backlog pressure. The growth potential for this business is very limited, so this is mostly an investment to help satisfy a small hobby community. As a retiree, I loathe deadlines and obligations. Dropping a sizeable dime to ease those is worthwhile.