I have a HICTOP 3DP11. Today while printing, there was a spark from the extruder heater core and the temperature started to drop.

I unplugged the printer and waited. Now when I plug in the printer, the extruder heater automatically turns on and starts heating. The temperature will keep climbing until I unplug the unit.

Could it be caused by a deffective heater core? Will replacing it fix the issue or is the board fried as well.

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Hey Fegre,

It may be the heater core as you’ve said, but I had a similar problem not so long ago. The problem may be a faulty thermistor (temperature sensor). To be sure I’d need to know a little more. Can you please explain in more detail what happens. Is it physically hot or is it still cool to touch, but registered as hot.

Hopefully I can help you if you give more explanation.

It’s physicaly hot. I tried a different thermistor with same results. I also tested the resistance of the heater core and got 14.1 ohms. Should be within limit for a 24v 40w.

Got a response from HICTOP. They sent me a firmware to start using the E1 extruder port as it seems the E0 extruder port is defective. If that works, I will try to get a new board from them under warranty as I plan to add a second extruder in the future

That’s good to hear. Usually the printer company can sort you out, so it’s good that they’ll do it under warranty. Hope it all works out.