Mark2 Modifications

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Mark2 3D Printer


There are several ways the Mark2 printer can be modified to achieve additional or improved functionality. There are several official upgrade kits / addons that we sell, and there are a few general tweaks that can be applied depending on how comfortable you are with your printer and what you're looking to achieve.

Official Modifications / Upgrades

LCD Addon

Operate and control your printer without a nearby computer. Print from an SD card, adjust settings and view real-time print status all from the LCD control panel.

X Axis Expansion

Heated Bed Insulation

In normal use, some of the heat generated by the heated bed radiates downwards and is wasted. This can be rectified by covering the bottom of the heated bed in an insulating material - cardboard, or a thin layer of lightweight wood, can work quite well. Doing this will result in a faster heat-up time, and increase the maximum bed temperature that is reachable.

We sell a wooden plate that is cut to fit the underside of the heated bed - it can be placed underneath the heated bed during installation, and is quick and easy to install. However, if you'd prefer not to purchase this plate, you can use a cut-out piece of cardboard to achieve a similar effect.

The easiest way to make this change is to cut a 214x214mm square of cardboard, puncture a hole in each corner to match the screw holes in the heated bed, and install the cardboard layer under the bed, on top of the spacer / springs that the bed sits on. The cardboard from the printer's box could be used for this, or any other easily workable cardboard on hand.

E3D Volcano

E3D manufacture the Volcano upgrade for their V6 HotEnds, which allows significantly faster printing by increasing the rate at which plastic can be extruded. However, the Volcano upgrades alter the length of the HotEnd, preventing the Z probe from functioning.

A printable adaptor for the Z probe is available in the Git repository - once printed and installed, this adaptor lowers the Z probe to match the upgraded HotEnd.

Spool Roller

If you'd like to decrease the tension on the filament due to the friction of turning the spool, or if you'd like to use spools of a larger diameter, you can use a printed spool roller. We have a design available here that uses two 608ZZ bearings to ensure smooth motion.

Other Modifications

Please be aware that any changes here should be taken with care - we do not officially support these modifications, and if something goes wrong we may not be able to help you get it fixed.

Power Supply Boost

The power supply voltage can be adjusted above or below the default 12V - the limits vary slightly from supply to supply, but most should be able to adjust from 10V to 14V. Increasing the voltage will increase the speed at which heating elements warm up - this can be particularly handy if trying to reach high temperatures with the heated bed. Temperatures of up to 110°C should be reachable (up from 100°C at the default 12V), and when combined with the bed insulation upgrade temperatures approaching 120°C are feasible.

The power supply is adjusted by turning the small potentiometer next to the wiring block. Turning it clockwise should increase the voltage, and counter-clockwise should decrease it. The potentiometer should have physical limits in either direction - do not force it past these limits, or you may damage the power supply or your connected electronics.

Be aware that some components in the Mark2 printer are only rated for 12V, and increasing the voltage above this may shorten their lifespan or impact their performance. Particularly, the fans may wear out quite quickly if running at the increased voltage. Because all of the fans in the Mark2 printer are speed-controlled, this can be avoided by limiting the fans to a safe level. To see how to adjust the maximum fan speeds, check the Firmware page.