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3. Printer set up

3. Printer set up
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Last updated 3 months ago
3. Printer set up
 Difficulty
Moderate
 Steps
52
 Available languages
CSPLDEESITFRJA
Tools necessary for this chapter
Tools necessary for this chapter
Tools necessary for this chapter
For this chapter, please prepare:
T10 Torx key
2.5 mm Allen key
4.0 mm Allen key
A cardboard box is to be used as heatbed protection during the setup. Hint: you can use the Nextruder box shipped with your printer.
Injection molded xLCD: xLCD cables
Injection molded xLCD: xLCD cables
Injection molded xLCD: xLCD cables
Injection molded xLCD: xLCD cables
Connect the xLCD cable to the slot on the xLCD board.
There is a latch on the xLCD cable connector, which must be facing the triangle symbol on the board. See the picture.
Push the xLCD cable connector to fully connect to the xLCD. Hold the xLCD cover.
Push the earthing connector fully into the PE faston.
Injection molded xLCD: mounting the xLCD
Injection molded xLCD: mounting the xLCD
Injection molded xLCD: mounting the xLCD
Injection molded xLCD: mounting the xLCD
Align the xLCD assembly with the nuts in the front aluminum extrusion.
Insert and tighten the M3x10 screw from the left side of the xLCD.
Insert and tighten the M3x10 screw from the left side of the xLCD.
xLCD is ready.
Older xLCD assembly versions
Older xLCD assembly versions
Older xLCD assembly versions
Take a look at the xLCD, there are two variants:
Version A: faston on the bottom right
Version B: faston on the top left
Version A: Mounting the xLCD
Version A: Mounting the xLCD
Version A: Mounting the xLCD
Carefully turn the printer so that the front side is facing you.
From the front of the printer, place the xLCD assembly close to the lower front aluminum extrusion where are the xLCD cables.
Grab the earthing cable and connect it to the PE connector on the xLCD.
Connect the xLCD cable to the slot on the xLCD board.
There is a latch on the xLCD cable connector, which must be facing the triangle symbol on the board. See the detail.
Version B: mounting the xLCD
Version B: mounting the xLCD
Version B: mounting the xLCD
Version B: mounting the xLCD
Carefully turn the printer so that the front side is facing you.
From the front of the printer, place the xLCD assembly close to the lower front aluminum extrusion where are the xLCD cables.
Connect the xLCD cable to the slot on the xLCD board.
There is a latch on the xLCD cable connector, which must be facing the triangle symbol on the board. See the detail.
Connect the earthing cable and connect it to the PE connector on the xLCD.
Push the earthing connector fully into the PE faston.
Mounting the xLCD
Mounting the xLCD
Mounting the xLCD
Mounting the xLCD
Align the xLCD assembly with the nuts in the front aluminum extrusion.
Insert and tighten the M3x16 screw from the left side of the xLCD.
Insert and tighten the M3x16 screw from the right side of the xLCD.
Nextruder cable bundle assembly
Nextruder cable bundle assembly
Nextruder cable bundle assembly
Nextruder cable bundle assembly
Repeat this step for both tool heads:
Using the T10 key, loosen the marked two screws on the inside of the Nextruder.
Hook up the keyhole openings in the flexible plate of the cable bundle onto the screw heads.
Using a T10 key tighten the marked two screws.
Make sure the part of the bundle with the cable and the connector is facing the top of the Nextruder; as seen in the picture.
The cable bundle must be installed exactly the same way as in the picture; with the cable on top and the semi-transparent PTFE tube on the bottom.
Nextruder cable bundle assembly
Nextruder cable bundle assembly
Nextruder cable bundle assembly
Repeat this step for both tool heads:
Attach the cable connector to the top of the Nextruder.

Insert the semi-transparent PTFE tube into the FESTO fitting on the Nextruder. Push it all the way in.

Starting from September 2024, you may receive a new black Fitting M5-4. The assembly and functionality remain identical to the blue one.
Nextruder dock preparing
Nextruder dock preparing
Nextruder dock preparing
Nextruder dock preparing
The latest assemblies come with the nozzle seal pre-installed on the extruder dock. To confirm this, examine one of the extruder docks closely and compare it to the picture to see if the nozzle seal is already in place with the square nut. If not, continue with the text below.
Repeat this step for both tool heads:
Check that the M3nS nut is inserted in the Nextruder dock.

Make sure the nut is pushed into the dock all the way. If not use the Allen key to push the nut into the Nextruder dock.

The fallen nut may be in the Nextruder box. If not, use a spare nut in the Nozzle Seal bag.
Preparing the printer
Preparing the printer
Preparing the printer
Reminder: To handle the printer, always grab the handles on both sides of the printer. Do not lift the printer by the aluminum extrusions or the metal sheet profiles on top.
In the following steps, we will work with tools and install extruder above the heatbed, it is recommended to protect it against any possible damage. An empty Nextruder box can serve this purpose.
Place the empty cardboard box approximately to the front center part of the heatbed.
Move the X-axis assembly all the way to the front side of the printer.
Move the X-carriage approximately to the center of the X-axis.
Guiding the first Nextruder cable
Guiding the first Nextruder cable
Guiding the first Nextruder cable
Guiding the first Nextruder cable
Carefully turn the printer 180° so that the PSU (Power Supply Unit) side is towards facing you.
Locate the long metal profile with five M3 holes inside the rear aluminum extrusion.
We'll use the first two M3 holes in the metal profile.
There is a screw in the long metal profile which is fixing the part during the transport. Keep the screw in the metal profile for now.
Maintain the position of the long metal profile for the next step. It must not move!
If the metal profile moves, just push it all the way to the left and fixed it with the screw.
Place the first Nextruder on a box and guide the cables on the back side of the printer.
The nextruder can move when handling the cabling. Keep watching the Nextruder!
Attaching the first Nextruder dock
Attaching the first Nextruder dock
Attaching the first Nextruder dock
Attaching the first Nextruder dock
Place the xl-dock-cable-router on the bottom metal sheet below the aluminum extrusion.
There is a protruding screw from the xl-dock-cable-router. Attach the screw to the first screw hole on the long metal profile. Through the hole in the rear metal sheet, check if the cable holder is lined up with the hole.
Push the 2.5 mm Allen key all the way through the hole in the rear metal sheet until you reach the middle screw in the xl-dock-cable-router and tighten the screw.
The dock is a press fit, so the screw needs to be tightened very hard.
Dock inspection
Dock inspection
Check that the docks are properly tightened. The dock must not move. 
The dock is a press fit, so the screw needs to be tightened very hard.
Please watch the video in the next step for a better understanding.
The following instructions need to be done correctly and carefully. Achieve better understanding and successful assembly by watching the video alongside the guide.
Nozzle seal: parts preparation
Nozzle seal: parts preparation
For the following steps, please prepare:
Nozzle seal (2x)
M3x30 screw (2x)
Spring 15x5 (2x)
If you have a newer version of the xl-dock-cable-router that already has the nozzle seal installed, please skip to step First Nextruder docking.
Starting from May 2024, you may receive a gray nozzle seal. The assembly and functionality remain identical to the red one.
Assembling the Nozzle seal
Assembling the Nozzle seal
Assembling the Nozzle seal
Starting from May 2024, you may receive a gray nozzle seal. The assembly and functionality remain identical to the red one.
Insert the M3x30 screw into each nozzle seal.
Slide the spring on each nozzle seal.
Do this for both nozzle seals.
Nextruder nozzle seal
Nextruder nozzle seal
Nextruder nozzle seal
Nextruder nozzle seal
The current nozzle seal position is temporary, the exact height will be set in the next chapter once all the Nextruder parts are mounted.
Insert the nozzle seal (with the spring) into the dock.
Using a 2.5 mm Allen key, tighten the screw so that the head of the screw is 1 mm above the dock.
Good! The first dock is ready.
First Nextruder docking
First Nextruder docking
First Nextruder docking
First Nextruder docking
Cable bundle must not be twisted.
Take the Nextruder and place it carefully next to the dock.
Place the two metal pins through the white holes in the dock. The magnets will help you dock the Nextruder.
Check that the Nozzle seal lightly touches the nozzle.
Well done, the first Nextruder is ready!
Guiding the second Nextruder cable
Guiding the second Nextruder cable
Guiding the second Nextruder cable
Guiding the second Nextruder cable
Place the second Nextruder on a box and guide the cables on the back side of the printer.
Place the xl-dock-cable-router on the bottom metal sheet below the aluminum extrusion.
There is a protruding screw from the xl-dock-cable-router. Attach the screw to the second screw hole on the long metal profile. Through the hole in the rear metal sheet, check if the cable holder is lined up with the hole.
Push the 2.5 mm Allen key all the way through the hole in the rear metal sheet until you reach the middle screw in the xl-dock-cable-router and tighten the screw.
Dock inspection
Dock inspection
Check that the docks are properly tightened. The dock must not move. 
The dock is a press fit, so the screw needs to be tightened very hard.
Please watch the video in the next step for a better understanding.
Nextruder nozzle seal
Nextruder nozzle seal
Nextruder nozzle seal
The current nozzle seal position is temporary, the exact height will be set in the next chapter once all the Nextruder parts are mounted.
Insert the nozzle seal (with the spring) into the dock.
Using a 2.5 mm Allen key, tighten the screw so that the head of the screw is 1 mm above the dock.
Good! The second dock is ready.
Second Nextruder docking
Second Nextruder docking
Second Nextruder docking
Second Nextruder docking
Carefully turn the printer so that the front side is facing towards you.
Take the Nextruder and place it carefully next to the dock.
Place the two metal inserts through the white holes in the dock. The magnets will help you dock the Nextruder.
Check that the Nozzle seal lightly touches the nozzle.
Well done, the second Nextruder is ready!
The dock is a press fit, so the screw needs to be tightened very hard.
Guiding the Nextruder PTFE tube
Guiding the Nextruder PTFE tube
Guiding the Nextruder PTFE tube
There is a side filament sensor on the side of the printer. Insert the first Nextruder PTFE tube all the way into the upper hole in the part.
Gently pull the PTFE tube back, this will push out the black collet in the side filament sensor and lock the tube.
Repeat this process for the second Nextruder PTFE tube.
Wi-fi antenna holder versions
Wi-fi antenna holder versions
Wi-fi antenna holder versions
The antenna connector is prepared by the manufacturer:
Version A: The Wi-fi antenna holder is on the side. Continue to the next step.
The antenna connector has to be assembled by you:
Version B: The Wi-fi antenna is in the middle. Please skip to Version B: Connecting the Nextruders cables.
Version A: Connecting the Nextruder cables
Version A: Connecting the Nextruder cables
Version A: Connecting the Nextruder cables
Version A: Connecting the Nextruder cables
Locate the xl-rear-cable-management-plug (cover) on the rear of the printer.
Loosen two screws on the cover slightly. No need to remove them completely. Push the cover to the right and remove it from the printer.
Connect the second Nextruder cable to the lower slot labeled DWARF 2.
Connect the first Nextruder cable to the upper slot labeled DWARF 1.
Attach the connectors cover to the screws. Push it all the way to the right and tighten the screws.
Version A: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna
Version A: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna
Version A: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna
Version A: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna
Locate the Wi-Fi antenna connector on the right rear corner of the printer.
The antenna can be rotated around and bent in two directions.
We recommend pointing the antenna straight upwards.
Version B: Connecting the Nextruder cables
Version B: Connecting the Nextruder cables
Version B: Connecting the Nextruder cables
Locate the xl-rear-cable-management-plug (cover) on the rear of the printer.
Loosen two screws on the cover slightly. No need to remove them completely. Push the cover to the right and remove it from the printer.
Loosen four screws securing the electronics cover. Remove the cover.
Connect the second Nextruder cable to the lower slot labeled DWARF 2.
Connect the first Nextruder cable to the upper slot labeled DWARF 1.
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna: antenna preparing
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna: antenna preparing
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna: antenna preparing
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna: antenna preparing
Remove the nut with the washers from the antenna connector.
The antenna connector is prepared.
The latest version of the connector has a thicker washer. We don't need it anymore. You can throw it away.
Insert the antenna connector into the same-shaped hole in the Wi-Fi-antenna-holder .
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antena holder
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antena holder
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antena holder
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antena holder
Push the antenna cable through the opening in the cable cover (metal sheet) and guide it behind the cover to the electronics box.
Attach the antenna-holder on the screws and push the cover to the left and tighten the screws.
Connect the antenna cable with the antenna connector on the XL buddy board. Support the Wifi board with your finger while attaching the cable.
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna
Version B: Installing the Wi-Fi antenna
Locate the Wi-Fi antenna connector in the middle of the printer.
Screw the Wi-Fi antenna on the antenna connector. The antenna can be rotated around and bent in two directions.
We recommend pointing the antenna straight upwards.
Spoolholder assembly versions
Spoolholder assembly versions
Spoolholder assembly versions
To make things worse, we have a new spoolholder for you.
Versions:
Version A: Printed spoolholder
Do you have this? Continue to the next step.
Version B: Injection molded spoolholder
Do you have this? Continue to Version B: Assembling the spool holder: parts preparation.
Version A: Spool holder: installing the nuts
Version A: Spool holder: installing the nuts
Version A: Spool holder: installing the nuts
Version A: Spool holder: installing the nuts
Carefully turn the printer so that the side with the Wi-Fi antenna and side filament sensor faces you.
Insert the M5nEs nut into the front support extrusion (with the orange plastic cover). Insert the side with the spring (metal plate) first, then push the nut inside.
The M5nEs nut is free to move, you can adjust the position as you want. But remember, the nut must be slightly pushed in to smoothly move. Anyway, we recommend approximately the same position as you can see in the picture.
Insert the second M5nEs nut in the extrusion approximately to the same position as shown.
Version A: Assembling the spool holder
Version A: Assembling the spool holder
Version A: Assembling the spool holder
Version A: Assembling the spool holder
Repeat this step for both spool holders:
Insert the spool-holder-base into the spool-holder-slider and push it through a little through the part.
Attach the spool-holder to the spool-holder-mount.
Insert the M5x85 screw into the spool-holder-assembly.
Version A: Mounting the spool holder assembly
Version A: Mounting the spool holder assembly
Version A: Mounting the spool holder assembly
Attach the first spool holder assembly to the M5nEs nut in the extrusion. Note that there is a protrusion on the spool-holder-mount, which must fit into the groove in the extrusion.
Attach and tighten the second spool holder assembly.
Do not use the spool holder as a handle!
Keep in mind that if you mount the Spool holder too high or too low, it may not fit the filament spool on it. There has to be enough space around it.
Version B: Assembling the spool holder: adjusting the nut
Version B: Assembling the spool holder: adjusting the nut
Version B: Assembling the spool holder: adjusting the nut
Carefully turn the printer so that the side with the side filament sensor is facing you.
Insert the first M4nEs nut into the front support extrusion (with the orange plastic cover). Insert the side with the spring (metal plate) first, then push the nut inside.
Insert the second M4nEs nut into the extrusion.
The M4nEs nuts are free to move, you can adjust the position as you want. But remember, the nut must be slightly pushed in to smoothly move. Anyway, we recommend approximately the same position as you can see in the picture.
Keep in mind that if you mount the Spool holder too high or too low, it may not fit the filament spool on it. There has to be enough space around it.
Version B: Assembling the spool holder
Version B: Assembling the spool holder
Version B: Assembling the spool holder
Locate pins two pins on the spool-holder-base and line them with the rails in the spool-holder-slider.
Insert the spool-holder-base into the spool-holder-slider and push it through a little through the part.
Version B: Preparing the spool holder
Version B: Preparing the spool holder
Version B: Preparing the spool holder
Version B: Preparing the spool holder
Insert the M4x12 screw on the longer side of the 3mm Allen key.
Insert the 3mm Allen key with the M4x12 screw through the assembled spool holder to the prepared hole in the spool-holder-base.
The M4x12 screw has to protrude through the spool-holder-base.
Version B: Mounting the spool holder assembly
Version B: Mounting the spool holder assembly
Version B: Mounting the spool holder assembly
Attach the spool holder assembly to the M4nEs nut in the extrusion. Note that there is a protrusion on the spool-holder-mount, which must fit into the groove in the extrusion.
Tighten the spool holder assembly.
Assemble the second spoolholder and attach it to the lower M4nEs nut with an M4x12 screw.
Do not use the spool holder as a handle!
Almost done!
Almost done!
Congratulation! Your Original Prusa XL is ready to be fired up!
Compare the final look with the picture.
Now, let's go to the last chapter 4. First run.
New Fitting M5-4 fittings
New Fitting M5-4 fittings
Starting from September 2024, you may receive a new black Fitting M5-4. The assembly and functionality remain identical to the blue one.
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