If the wires to the hotend are too thick, ie:2mm core which is overkill,

3D Printing
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1

If the wires to the hotend are too thick, ie:2mm core which is overkill, what is the impact on the performance of the heater cartridge?

I’m having trouble keeping the temperature on the hotend. I have a high it’s due to my re-wiring, and using way too thick wires for the hotend heaters.

Any electrical engineers interested to give their 2 certs worth?

2

The bigger the wire (lower gauge value) the less it’s resistance the more current you can get through it.

3

But would that cause the heater cartridge to struggle to get to the target temperature?

I’m using a 12v heater.

4

The thicker the wire, the smaler the loss on the cable. Shouldn’t make a big difference for short lenghts as long as it’s not too thin. Maybee you have a bad contact, check the connections.

5

I’ll check the connectors. Thanks @Daniel_F ​

6

No it won’t affect the heater. The heat comes from the physical heater core (should be a metal cylindrical shape). You would actually be better off if you have thicker wire because there would be less internal resistance and therefore less restricted current flow.

7

I’ll start by checking contests on the heater when turned on, ensure its getting 12v

I’ll also check the connectors, and ensure the thermistor isn’t loose.

8

What gauge wire are you using and what hotend?

9

Also, if your part cooling fan has changed, blowing more on the heater block, or if your cold end fan is leaking more onto the heater block, you will have a harder time holding temp.

10

12 gauge wire with the RepRapDiscount Hexagon all metal hotend

11

I’ll print out a new shroud as well.
Thanks @Jeff_DeMaagd ​