TRAK 3ntr A2 Programming manual

TRAK®3ntr 3D Printers
Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
Covers Current Models:
•3ntr A2
•3ntr A4
2615 Homestead Place
Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220-5610 USA
T | 310.608.4422 |F | 310.764.2668
Service Department: 800.367.3165
e-mail: [email protected]m | [email protected]om | web: www.trakmt.com
Document: P/N 32241
Version: 021021

Copyright ©2021, Southwestern Industries, Inc. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Southwestern Industries,
Inc.
While every effort has been made to include all the information required for the purposes of this guide,
Southwestern Industries, Inc. assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies or omission and accepts no
liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained in this guide.
All brand names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
2615 Homestead Place
Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
Service Department
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction............................................................................................. 1
2.0 Safety ....................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Safety Precautions................................................................................................................2
3.0 Maintenance............................................................................................. 4
3.1 Check & Fill Coolant Level .....................................................................................................4
3.2 Extruder Handling & Service..................................................................................................5
3.2.1 Extruder Overview ........................................................................................................5
3.2.2 Extruder Assembly Breakdown .......................................................................................6
3.2.3 Extruder Configurations –Normal/HI TEMP ....................................................................6
3.2.4 Handling Extruder Assemblies –Best Practices................................................................7
3.2.5 Tools Required for Extruder Service ...............................................................................7
3.2.6 Avoid Damaging the Ceramic Heater Assembly ...............................................................7
3.2.7 Tool for Nozzle and Heat Bridge Service .........................................................................8
3.2.8 Nozzle and Ceramic Heater Assembly/Disassembly..........................................................9
3.2.9 Other Extruder Handling Considerations .......................................................................10
3.3 Extruder Disassembly .........................................................................................................11
3.4 Filament Feeder Installation ................................................................................................16
3.5 Feeder Roller Cleaning........................................................................................................19
3.6 Printer Firmware Update .....................................................................................................20
3.6.1 Check Firmware Version ..............................................................................................20
3.6.2 Firmware Upgrade Process ..........................................................................................21
3.6.3 Firmware update –PC procedure .................................................................................22
3.6.4 Firmware update –Print server procedure ....................................................................23
3.7 MMS Firmware Update........................................................................................................23
3.8 Controlling Relative Humidity (RH) within MMS Cabinet ........................................................25
4.0 Troubleshooting..................................................................................... 26
4.1 Troubleshooting Tables.......................................................................................................26
4.2 Useful G-Code Commands ..................................................................................................30
5.0 Main Diagnostic Checklist...................................................................... 31
6.0 Repair Procedures.................................................................................. 33
6.1 No Power...........................................................................................................................33
6.1.1 Diagnostic Flowchart ...................................................................................................33

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Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
6.1.2 No Power Check..........................................................................................................34
6.2 Fuse is Blown Repeatedly ...................................................................................................39
6.3 Mother Board Cabling .........................................................................................................39
6.4 Cooling Circuit....................................................................................................................47
6.4.1 Maintenance Flow Chart ..............................................................................................47
6.4.2 Cooling Circuit –Drain System .....................................................................................48
6.4.3 Cooling Circuit –Fix Bent Piping...................................................................................52
6.4.4 Cooling Circuit - Cleaning.............................................................................................55
6.4.5 Cooling Circuit –Pump Cleaning...................................................................................58
6.4.6 Printer Jams frequently –Cooling Circuit jammed .........................................................61
6.5 Feeder Assembly ................................................................................................................64
6.5.1 Filament Sensor Doesn’t Work/Works Intermittently......................................................64
6.5.2 Feed Pressure –Check/Restore to Factory Default ........................................................65
6.6 Pulleys...............................................................................................................................66
6.7 Belt Tension.......................................................................................................................67
6.8 Heated Chamber ................................................................................................................68
6.8.1 Diagnostic Flowchart ...................................................................................................68
6.8.2 Heated Chamber Inspect & Repair ...............................................................................69
6.8.3 A4 Printer Heater Replacement ....................................................................................73
6.9 Motherboard ......................................................................................................................76
6.9.1 Screw Terminals - Tighten ...........................................................................................76
6.9.2 Stepper Heat Sinks –Cleaning .....................................................................................77
6.9.3 Motherboard (DC) Fans –Inspect ................................................................................78
6.9.4 DC Power Supply Test .................................................................................................79
6.10 Extruder Assembly..............................................................................................................80
6.10.1 Extruder Gain –How to Find........................................................................................80
6.11 Print Head .........................................................................................................................80
6.11.1 Extruder Plate Change.................................................................................................80
6.12 Stepper .............................................................................................................................84
6.12.1 Current Setting (OLD Stepper Drivers)..........................................................................84
6.12.2 Stepper Current Settings (Silent Drivers) ......................................................................85
6.12.3 Stepper Driver Replacement ........................................................................................87
6.13 LCD Display .......................................................................................................................88
6.13.1 Malfunction –Weird Character Display .........................................................................88

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
6.13.2 Front Panel Removal ...................................................................................................88
6.14 Print Server........................................................................................................................91
6.14.1 Stops Working ............................................................................................................91
6.14.2 Print Server –Lost Password .......................................................................................91
6.14.3 Print Server –Files Disappeared ................................................................................91
6.14.4 Print Server –Files are Visible, but Won’t Print..............................................................93
6.14.5 Print Server –Firmware won’t flash anymore...............................................................95
6.15 Z Axis ................................................................................................................................95
6.16 Print Looks Bad –Stripes ....................................................................................................95
6.16.1 Z Motor Replacement ..................................................................................................97
6.17 Z Safety Switch ..................................................................................................................98
6.17.1 Installation/Calibration ................................................................................................98
6.17.2 Z Safety Switch is triggered –machine is locked ........................................................99
6.18 Heat Exchanger Cleaning .................................................................................................. 100
6.19 Very High Temperature Hardware/Firmware Modification.................................................... 101
6.20 X/Y/Z Axis Won’t Move ..................................................................................................... 104
6.21 Print Plate Repair Procedure.............................................................................................. 104
6.22 Machine Packaging ........................................................................................................... 111
6.23 Appendix A –Testing for Shorts (Continuity)...................................................................... 115
6.24 Appendix B –How to Test Voltage .................................................................................... 117
6.25 Appendix C: Changelog.................................................................................................... 120
TRAK Warranty Policy................................................................................... 121

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
1.0 Introduction
This Maintenance Guide contains information to assist skilled and trained technicians in the maintenance,
troubleshooting, and repair of the TRAK 3ntr 3D printers. It is far from complete; however, directly
addresses the most commonly encountered issues that require maintenance, service, and/or
troubleshooting with the TRAK 3NTR A2/A4 3D Printers.
Scope of the Maintenance Manual:
•Diagnostic Checklists/Flowcharts
•Repair Procedures
•Maintenance Procedures
•Upgrade Procedures
Although there is a Main Diagnostic Checklist available as a starting point for printer troubleshooting, this
guide is most efficiently utilized browsing the table of contents to select the applicable Repair Procedures
section content.
CAUTION - Information contained within this manual is a reminder for trained personnel only. This
manual does NOT replace training –untrained personnel should not perform any maintenance on any
3ntr machinery even if dutifully following the procedures depicted into this document.

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
2.0 Safety
The safe set-up, calibration, and operation of your TRAK 3ntr 3D printer depends on its proper use and
precautions taken by each operator. If these activities are performed incorrectly, there are risks, not
limited to, electric shock, pinch/crush, burns, inhalation of fumes/debris that can cause serious injury or
death.
NOTE –Southwestern Industries shall not be liable for damages resulting from mis-interpretation,
misuse, error, and/or omission of the information contained within this manual.
Read and follow this Maintenance Guide. Understand the printer operation and safety precautions before
setting up, calibrating, or operating the 3D printer.
•Always wear safety glasses and safety shoes.
•Always stop the printer before opening the access door and reaching into the printer.
•Always allow the printer, printer surface plate and workpiece to cool adequately before reaching
into the printer.
•Have a qualified electrician make all electrical connections and cable wiring
•Never wear gloves, rings, watches, long sleeves, neckties, jewelry, or other loose items when
operating the printer.
2.1 Safety Precautions
1) Do not operate this machine before reading and understanding all the available manuals.
2) Do not run this machine without knowing the function of every control key, button, knob, or
handle. Ask your supervisor or a qualified instructor for help when needed.
3) Protect your eyes. Wear approved safety glasses (with side shields) at all times.
4) Allow the machine to cool before reaching into it for any reason. The printer bed, printer surface
plate, printed part, extruders/nozzles, and other printer interior components can reach very high
temperatures and cause serious burns.
5) Don't get caught in moving parts. Before operating this machine remove all jewelry including
watches and rings, neckties, and any loose-fitting clothing.
6) Keep your hair away from moving parts. Wear adequate safety headgear.
7) Protect your feet. Wear safety shoes with oil-resistant, anti-skid soles, and steel toes.
8) Take off gloves before you start the machine. Gloves are easily caught in moving parts.
9) Remove all tools (wrenches, check keys, etc.) from the machine before you start. Loose items
can become dangerous flying projectiles.
10) Never operate a 3D printer after consuming alcoholic beverages, or taking strong medication, or
while using non-prescription drugs.
11) Protect your hands. Stop the printer bed movement and extruder translation mechanism:
a. Before opening the printer access door
b. Before reaching into the machine for any reason
c. Before changing parts

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
d. Before removing the printer bed tray, printed parts, or filament debris
e. Before you make an adjustment to the extruder, nozzles or any interior mechanism.
12) Protect your eyes and the machine as well. Don't use a compressed air hose to remove the
debris or clean the machine.
13) Stop and disconnect the machine before you perform maintenance and repair operations.
14) Keep work area well lighted. Ask for additional light if needed.
15) Do not lean on the machine while it is running.
16) Prevent slippage. Keep the work area dry and clean. Remove obstacles of any kind around the
machine.
17) Avoid getting pinched in places where the printer bed or extruder arm movement can cause a
crush or pinch injury
18) Do not operate the printer with the printer access door open or any of the windows or service
access panels removed.

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
3.0 Maintenance
3.1 Check & Fill Coolant Level
The 3ntr printer is shipped with the coolant reservoir filled; however, check the coolant level before
performing any calibration or test prints.
CAUTION –Printing with insufficient coolant will result in bad prints and in some cases may result in
nozzle and/or extruder damage. Check and replace coolant on a weekly basis.
1) Locate the coolant filler cap on the top of the 3ntr printer.
2) Unscrew and inspect the coolant level. If lower ¼” below cap thread fill using the extra coolant
(RED color) supplied with the printer. Use only factory approved coolant. Do not dilute.
Coolant Bottle and Printer Fill Cap
Proper Coolant Fill Level –¼ Inch Below Cap Thread

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
3.2 Extruder Handling & Service
This section provides an overview of the Extruder assembly, provides detail instructions regarding
handling the extruders, and provides instructions for assembling/disassembling the extruder as may be
required for service or repair.
3.2.1 Extruder Overview
When looking at the image below we can find four main parts:
Tube adapter (2): is the round aluminum part that is used to hold the PTFE pipe that bring filament to
the extruder. Pushing on collar (1) you can detach the PTFE piping. Set Screw (3)is used to secure the
tube adapter on extruder –slightly tighten it (0.5Nm maximum)
Heat bridge (4): it’s a carefully machined stainless-steel pipe that may be mounted upside down to get
different thermal performances. Smooth outer surface must never be grabbed by vices or pincers.
Ceramic heater (6): the extruder heart, where the action is. We spent a lot of time improving it- use
part (5) when assembling/disassembling an extruder
Nozzle (7): available on 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.6 / 0.8mm. Don’t confuse our nozzle with cheap imports – ours
have been engineered bot hat geometry and finish level to get you the maximum possible performances.
Available also on anti-abrasion metal (0.4mm).
Extruder Components

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
3.2.2 Extruder Assembly Breakdown
Assembly Breakdown
An extruder assembly
consists of:
1. Print Head
Connector
2. Thermocouple
3. Heater Wires
4. Bowden Tube
Adapter
5. Heat Bridge
6. Ceramic Heater
Assembly
7. Nozzle
Extruder Component Identification Guide
3.2.3 Extruder Configurations –Normal/HI TEMP
When disassembling an extruder assembly, pay close attention to the heat bridge orientation.
Extruder Configuration ID Guide: Normal and HI TEMP

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
3.2.4 Handling Extruder Assemblies –Best Practices
Your 3NTR extruder assemblies do require some attention to handling to ensure a long service life.
This section provides guidance for handling extruders as applicable to nozzle changes, extruder
disassembly, and any other maintenance service operation that requires handling the extruders.
3.2.5 Tools Required for Extruder Service
Recommended tools:
•2.5mm hex driver (Set included
with printer)
•Stainless Steel wrench (Supplied
with printer)
•7 mm deep Socket (optional in
Spares and Special Tools Kit)
•0.5 mm feeler gauge (optional in
Spares and Special Tools Kit, not
shown)
•Dynamometric screwdriver with a
setting of 1.3Nm (optional in
Spares & Special Tools Kit,
2.5mm ¼” bit not shown)
Tools for Extruder Service
3.2.6 Avoid Damaging the Ceramic Heater Assembly
IMPORTANT –At no time should there be clamping or twisting force on the ceramic heater assembly,
thermocouple, and heater wires. Doing this will damage the ceramic heater assembly beyond repair and
void your warranty.

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
Damaged Ceramic Heater from Applied Force
NOTE –In the photo of the Damaged Ceramic Heater, the ceramic is brittle, and once cracked, will
loosen and further break down on each nozzle heat-up/ cool down cycle leading to rapid failure. To avoid
this, the assembly is held together by opposing force that happens as the heat bridge is screwed into the
nozzle, both into the ceramic heater assembly using the torque screwdriver.
3.2.7 Tool for Nozzle and Heat Bridge Service
Your printer comes supplied with a small, stainless steel wrench suitable for gripping the square surface
provided. A 7mm deep socket is (included in the optional Tools & Spare Parts Kit) used to grip and
secure the nozzle against the heat bridge at the correct torque value. 1.3Nm
Use opposing force only to secure assembly for use in the printer.
IMPORTANT - These are the only surfaces you should use force on when servicing an extruder.

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
Custom Factory Supplied Tool for Gripping Square Surface
3.2.8 Nozzle and Ceramic Heater Assembly/Disassembly
A small .5 mm gap is needed between nozzle face and surface of ceramic heater assembly.
In addition, there is an order we find works best to avoid stress on the ceramic heater assembly.
1) Make sure assembly is cooled to room temperature to insure easy handling and disassembly.
2) For disassembly, use wrench on square surface of ceramic heater assembly and use socket on
nozzle. Apply opposing force to loosen the two. Once free, both should be free to remove by
hand. Never use pliers on the heat bridge.
3) For assembly, hand thread the nozzle close to .5mm gap. Follow that by hand threading the heat
bridge until it stops against the nozzle. This gap is not critical. Just make sure it is there. Fit both
wrench and socket on torque screwdriver, apply opposing force to secure them to one another at
1.3 Nm.

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
Gap Between Extruder Heater and Nozzle Shoulder
3.2.9 Other Extruder Handling Considerations
The most common cause of failure is excessive movement and or rough handling of thermocouple wiring
and end connector. When assembling, avoid excessive forces on all wires and thermocouple. This is also
true when mounting an extruder back into the printer head for printing.
One way to avoid excessive wire movement is to secure Bowden Tube Adapter into place with set screw
exposed for easy access should a future service be required.
Using Set Screw to Secure Bowden Tube Adapter
Set Screw Positions must be reachable, but as close to aluminum block as position will allow without
touching.

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
Set Screw Location
IMPORTANT –Avoid direct stress on thermocouple wire leading into ceramic heater.
Sometimes a full disassembly of an extruder is required to clean trapped material. Before
doing this, consider attempting both the short and long high heat clean procedure first.
3.3 Extruder Disassembly
This sections details disassembly of the extruder that may be required to remedy extruder performance
issues, to replace a heater, or for nozzle service (off-machine)
Before undertaking an Extruder Disassembly, be sure to review all the instruction regarding handling
extruders. See Section Extruder Overview, Handling, & Service for details before proceeding.
CAUTION - NEVER, EVER bend wire and thermo couple probe entering the heater You may permanently
damage the heater. If you pull or bend too much you may kill thermocouple or short power leads. In any
case you are PERMANENTLY damaging the heater!
1) Do a Z homing then move plate to Z=190
2) Run a nozzle cleaning and leave the nozzle empty.
See Section Clean Nozzles for Procedure.
3) Remove PTFE piping: push on collar with the supplied tool (or a 7mm key) while pushing in the
pipe then pulling it away

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
PTFE Tubing Removal
4) Remove tube adapter: release the screw using a 2mm hex key
Release Tube Adapter Set Screw
5) Hold the heater with the specific tool.
Holding Heater with Specific Tool
6) Remove nozzle (you can use dynamometric screwdriver)

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
Nozzle Removal and Tools
7) IMPORTANT –if nozzle should be locked on heater:
a) run a filament change to heat up the extruder.
b) wear protective gloves
c) remove nozzle
d) press emergency button to stop heating.
e) Turn ON printer and WAIT for extruder to cool down before going on
8) Unplug heater connector (push on small clip before pulling)
Unplug Heater Connector –Push on Clip Before Pulling Connector
9) Release set screw, remove extruder

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
Release Extruder Set Screw
10) Remove steel pipe (heat bridge)
Heat Bridge Removed
11) Mount the nozzle, leaving about one mm clearance as shown
Nozzle Clearance Illustration

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TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
TRAK 3ntr 3D Printers –Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual
12) Mount the heat bridge with desired configuration (Normal or HI TEMP)
Extruder Heat Bridge
13) Lock the extruder with the setting screw using the dynamometric screwdriver (1.3 Nm)
Lock the Extruder Set Screw
14) Mount the tube adapter. Holding the heater with specific tool, lock the nozzle using the
dynamometric screwdriver (1.3Nm)
Holding Heater & Locking the Nozzle
15) Perform a Z nozzle alignment.
See Section Z Nozzle Comparison -3 Nozzles Relative Z Position Calibration for Procedure