ATNSINC NTC 3950 100K Thermistor

ATNSINC 100K NTC 3950 Thermistor Temperature Sensor Instruction Manual

For 3D Printers including Creality Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro, and CR-10 Series

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your ATNSINC 100K NTC 3950 Thermistor Temperature Sensors. These thermistors are designed for accurate temperature measurement in 3D printing applications, specifically for heated beds and extruders. Please read this manual thoroughly before use to ensure optimal performance and safety.

2. Product Overview

2.1 Key Features

2.2 Compatibility

These thermistors are compatible with a wide range of 3D printers, including but not limited to:

Eight ATNSINC 100K NTC 3950 Thermistors

Figure 1: Overview of eight ATNSINC 100K NTC 3950 Thermistors, each coiled with a white XH2.54 connector and exposed sensor tip.

3. Specifications

AttributeValue
ModelNTC 3950 100K Thermistor
Resistance at 25°C (R25)100KΩ
B-Value (B25/50)3950K ±1%
Connector TypeXH2.54 2-pin
Wire Length1 meter (39.4 inches)
ManufacturerATNSINC
Package Dimensions5.16 x 4.45 x 0.55 inches
Item Weight0.71 ounces (for 8 pieces)

4. Safety Information

Always observe the following safety precautions when handling and installing electronic components:

5. Setup and Installation

The ATNSINC 100K NTC 3950 thermistor can be used for both the heated bed and the hotend (extruder) of your 3D printer. The installation process typically involves physical mounting and firmware configuration.

5.1 Physical Installation

  1. Power Down: Turn off and unplug your 3D printer from the power source.
  2. Access Component: Carefully access the area where the thermistor needs to be replaced or installed (e.g., hotend assembly or heated bed underside).
  3. Remove Old Thermistor (if replacing): Disconnect the old thermistor's connector from the mainboard and carefully remove it from its mounting location. Note how it was secured.
  4. Mount New Thermistor:
    • For Hotend: Insert the thermistor's glass bead into the designated hole on the heater block. Secure it using a small screw and washer, or a high-temperature sleeve/cartridge, depending on your hotend design. Ensure good thermal contact.
    • For Heated Bed: Typically, the thermistor is either taped to the underside of the heated bed with Kapton tape or inserted into a small hole. Ensure it is securely attached and making good contact with the bed surface for accurate readings.
  5. Connect to Mainboard: Locate the thermistor input pins on your 3D printer's mainboard (often labeled 'TH0' for hotend, 'THB' for heated bed, or similar). Connect the XH2.54 connector of the new thermistor to the corresponding pins.
  6. Cable Management: Route the thermistor wire carefully, ensuring it does not interfere with moving parts and is secured to prevent strain or damage.
Close-up of XH2.54 2-pin connector

Figure 2: Detailed view of the XH2.54 2-pin white connector, used for connecting the thermistor to the 3D printer's mainboard.

Close-up of thermistor sensor tip

Figure 3: Close-up of the thermistor's glass-encapsulated sensor tip, which measures temperature, and the protective heat shrink tubing.

5.2 Firmware Configuration

After physical installation, you may need to configure your 3D printer's firmware to correctly interpret the thermistor readings. For most 3D printer firmwares (e.g., Marlin), the NTC 3950 100K thermistor is a common type.

Note: Always back up your original firmware before making any changes. Refer to your specific 3D printer's documentation or the firmware's official guide for detailed instructions on firmware modification.

6. Operating Principles

A Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance is strongly dependent on temperature. As the temperature increases, the resistance of an NTC thermistor decreases. The 3D printer's mainboard measures this resistance change and converts it into a temperature reading using a lookup table defined in the firmware (based on the B-value and R25 value).

The ATNSINC 100K NTC 3950 thermistor is specifically calibrated for 3D printing environments, providing accurate and stable temperature feedback crucial for consistent print quality and preventing thermal runaway.

7. Maintenance

Thermistors are generally low-maintenance components. However, periodic checks can help ensure their longevity and accuracy:

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your thermistor, consider the following troubleshooting steps: