The USB-C cable issue

Bambu Lab A1 Series Bambu Lab A1 mini
1

Hello,

I own an A1 mini and I am very happy with it.

However, I had a thought about the USB cable (which is almost the same as for the A1). It concerns both printers in the A1 series.

Currently it is going from the toolhead, through the X axis motor housing, to the electronic board in the base.

USB C cable
USB C cable476×590 93.7 KB

It is one continuous cable with a USB C connector at both ends.

I understand the manufacturing principle and cost efficiency of having 1 cable but, on the other hand, the way it was engineered is not very human friendly : You have to open the base - 16 screws – to access to it, then go through the X axis motor housing to separate it from the other cables and finally disconnect it from the tool head.

If you have an issue and you suspect the cable, you must dismantle it all to check even if you are not sure!

Same thing if you want to only replace a X axis motor housing.

In my opinion it would have been simpler to entirely bypass the X axis motor housing (even with an external connector on the base ) or to have 2 cables joining in the X axis motor housing with a male /female connector.

Maybe it can be done with some DIY ?

1 Like
2

I’m not sure why you want to change the wires around, I think the wiring is very neat. It is not a daily occurence to be disconnecting and plugging the usb c cable.

3 Likes
3

It depends on how you redesign the cover.
It could be a Makerworld project. You print only if you want it.

4

Just an idea :
I saw on Makerworld that some people redesigned the Motor Cover.
To take this one step further, the cover could be redesigned in a way that the cable would be attached to it instead as to go throuh openings in the housing.

1 Like
5

yes you are completely right. it would be wayyy easier to bypass the motor housing as far as maintenance goes, but, as far as aesthetics go, it would be a nightmare. THINK OF THE A1 RECALL. they’d risk the same thing all over again. so yes, it’s not ideal but you have to make some compromises somewhere yk?

1 Like
6

It depends on how you redesign the cover.
It could be a Makerworld project. You print only if you want it.