My H2D Dual Extruder Idlers and Filament Sensor broke: first only one side, and now the other. both pneumatic PTFE grabbing thingies broke. So, printer is dead.
The BL US store showed it like “available by may 31st’, but now date has been moved to mid-June… if it doesn’t get moved again.
So, I’ve been considering a generic one from Amazon, even if it costs double what the original does (?)
Except for the two sensors, this is just plastic and metal, nothing too fancy. Do you have any feedback on whether the generic one works as it should, even as a gap solution while BL decides to make some?
Ive had mine break in the same manner where the PTFE coupler retention spring broke. My Canadian store says “ETA: June 16th” but when I contacted support they were able to ship a replacement same day, looks like they keep some stock back for warranty claims.
The amazon ones are bambu and not aftermarket, they are just sold at a markup. I dont think any aftermarket company is making this part.
Just a heads up for everyone else, this is a good spare part to have on hand for H2D/C.
Yes, I agree, this is one of those parts that, when it breaks, you are SOOL, and I suspect it broke from screwing around with the PFTE tube while installing the TPU Feed assist. It makes sense to keep one backup.
However worthless (IMHO) the TPU feed assist is, I assume many users have shelled out the money to buy it, and probably many will damage the pneumatic fittings in the process of getting to know them.
Also, said fittings are SUPER fragile, grabbing onto their bases via very thin rings of what looks like flimsy plastic. Definitely not the best design.
I love mine for TPU auto feeding and to help with PPA-CF printing. I have a splitter inside so the TPU line is always connected to external spool dual feed, no need to mess with reconfiguring the tubes.
I just saw that they have a new design with replaceable tube connectors. Im happy since mine broke yet again yesterday, but last time they did send me the new version. Unfortunately the spare part is not available in the store (yet?) and you have to open a ticket to get some sent to you.
I am starting my FOURTH replacement of the Dual Extruder Idler in six weeks, and perhaps you could give me some advice?
The idlers broke a week or so apart from each other since I installed the TPU assist hack from BL.
All four times it has been the RIGHT side of the idler tha one that breaks (See picture attached), the one where I feed TPU. Is that the the one that brakes for you as well?
Could my arrangement of the three PFTE tubes be the problem? In all cases I just added a “reasonably” long extra PFTE tube for the TPU assist thing, and ran it through the two side holes on the chain guides. This means that there is always an unused tube still hooked to the chain, hanging haphazardly around… Do you remove the unused tube? Is there a recommended spec/disposition for them?
When I started this dual idler repair, I noticed that the FPC cable (whatever that is), had apparently slipped out of the latch that is supposed to secure it (I circled on the picture attached). I had become quite disillusioned with the H2D well before the current 2,000+ hours, but by now I am ALSO unsure about my ability to. manage all this complexity…Have you discovered any tricks or workarounds worth following for (a) replacing the idlers and (b) avoiding this technical and design failure becoming routine maintenance, just like cleaning the rods?
From your picture it seems you have the replaceable PTFE connector type idler. Why then not just order a couple of connectors, they are not in the shop but available on the BL purchase form. Also each idler you purchase will allow you to fix 2 failures so you should not need this many new idlers.
This does not explain the multiple failures (but as you said, your TPU PTFE tube arrangement may be it) but will at least solve your next failure
