# Upgrading a LulzBot TAZ 5 to TAZ 6 **URL:** \ **Category:** LulzBot TAZ\ **Created:** [May 18, 2016, 12:14am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456 "2016-05-18T00:14:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![i-t-w.com](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/i-t-w.com/32/65_2.png) [@i-t-w.com](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/i-t-w.com)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2016, 12:14am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/1 "2016-05-18T00:14:03Z")
From a TAZ 4/5, you can re-use your RAMBO, lead screws, Z nuts, Y and Z smooth rods, Y axis motor end plate, steppers, half the chassis extrusions, hotbed, power supply, toolhead- adding the bed leveling sense wire, and (maybe) control box- you’d need to creatively re-purpose the second extruder plug for the additional wires the X/Y/Z max limit switches and auto leveling systems add. **We have no plans for a "complete kits"** **Our convenient collection of TAZ 6 parts are at [https://itworks3d.com/product-category/parts/taz-6-parts/](https://itworks3d.com/product-category/parts/taz-6-parts/)** From time to time we have sub assemblies available. Look for them on the TAZ 6 parts category, and join the waitlists for the parts or assemblies you’re interested in for notification if we get more in, or we build them up based on demand. The mechanical parts you’ll need are: - 12mm “precision” x rods \*\*New!\*\*[https://itworks3d.com/product/smooth-rod-steel-12mm-x-515mm-taz-6/](https://itworks3d.com/product/smooth-rod-steel-12mm-x-515mm-taz-6/) - 12mm “precision” bearings [https://itworks3d.com/product/solid-polymer-bearing-igus/](https://itworks3d.com/product/solid-polymer-bearing-igus/) - 10mm “precision” rods and bearings for Y and Z (coming soon at IT-Works) You can use the standard 10mm bearings from earlier TAZs - control box: We have 2 or 3 different styles. Some use the older round plugs from the TAZ 4/5, others have the new smaller plugs. [https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-control-box/](https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-control-box/) - aluminum bed plate [https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-bed-plate/](https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-bed-plate/) - Longer horizontal chassis frame extrusions. We’re also trying to figure out if the longer horizontal 510mm chassis extrusions (vs 500mm on prior TAZs) are “required” for upgraders, or if they just buy a bit of extra room on production machines. [https://itworks3d.com/product/aluminum-extrusion-20mm/](https://itworks3d.com/product/aluminum-extrusion-20mm/) - replace front Y “idler” endplate with a TAZ 4/5 “motor” end plate [https://itworks3d.com/product/lulzbot-taz-y-end-plate/](https://itworks3d.com/product/lulzbot-taz-y-end-plate/) - Ninjaflex bed corners [https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-ninjaflex-bed-corners/](https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-ninjaflex-bed-corners/) - Bed corner washers [https://itworks3d.com/product/bed-leveling-washer/](https://itworks3d.com/product/bed-leveling-washer/) - Bed corner standoffs [https://itworks3d.com/product/bed-corner-spacer/](https://itworks3d.com/product/bed-corner-spacer/) - Bed corner screws [https://itworks3d.com/product/bed-corner-screw/](https://itworks3d.com/product/bed-corner-screw/) - Ninjaflex Z Flexy washer [https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-flexy-washer/](https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-flexy-washer/) - extruder heatsink cooler fan [https://itworks3d.com/product/fan-5v-40mm-pelonis/](https://itworks3d.com/product/fan-5v-40mm-pelonis/) - filament cooler fan [https://itworks3d.com/product/fan-24v-40mm/](https://itworks3d.com/product/fan-24v-40mm/) - A pile of printed parts [https://itworks3d.com/product-category/parts/taz-6-parts/](https://itworks3d.com/product-category/parts/taz-6-parts/) - A pile of heat inserts [https://itworks3d.com/product/metric-brass-heat-set-insert-plastics/](https://itworks3d.com/product/metric-brass-heat-set-insert-plastics/) - X/Y/Z max limit switches [https://www.lulzbot.com/store/parts/mechanical-endstop-switch](https://www.lulzbot.com/store/parts/mechanical-endstop-switch) - wire, pins, and connectors for the required re-wire **ALL will require significant re-wiring** We may have completely wired control boxes from time to time, LulzBot may also sell a kit. Both will be premium priced per the considerable labor savings. We don’t plan to build wiring harnesses. There may be enough demand if someone else is interested in building some. \*\*Auto leveling requires the addition of a wire from the heater block to the control board **"Why can’t I only do just this one upgrade?":** Upgrading a prior TAZ to a TAZ 6 has a number of dependencies that limit piecemeal upgrades. “bed plate, wiper and auto calibration washers only” Blocking Issue: Aluminum Y idler plate needs to be replaced with a Y Motor plate, print new motor and Idler mounts and Y corners, print new Y belt mount Requires control box with more wires outlets Need min and max switches for all 3 axis Custom DIY solution: considerable DIY rewiring. **CUSTOM FIRMWARE** “Y carriage, bed assembly, wiper and auto calibration” Blocking Issue: requires control box with more wires outlets Need min and max switches for all 3 axis Custom DIY solution: considerable DIY rewiring, considerable custom Z max switch add on work “ZX, Y carriage, no control box” Blocking Issue: requires control box with more wires outlets Custom DIY solution: considerable DIY rewiring “X/Z only” Blocking issue: no Z min stop Custom DIY solution: Stick with TAZ 5 firmware, make your own Z min switch solution “12mm rod upgrade only” Good news, you CAN do this one pretty easily! We should have the rods and bearings soon, or you can order them. Here’s the printed parts you need: [http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1392011](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1392011) We could always just part them out completely and list the parts, but want to help out those that want a kit of the hard to source parts without missing “the one thing that’s sold out” Yes, parting out the chassis should yield a few extra of the new aluminum corner brackets too 🙂 **Your thoughts? Please suggest additions and corrections. The “blocking issues” listed are by no means comprehensive, for example.** **Alephs’ disclaimer:** “WARNING: At Aleph Objects, Inc. we respect your freedom to modify your LulzBot 3D printer. It is important to know that any modifications or attempted repairs that cause accidental or intentional damage are not covered under the Warranty.” ---
**Author:** ![penn1793](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e68b1a/32.png) [@penn1793](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/penn1793)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2016, 12:52am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/2 "2016-05-18T00:52:07Z")
I would be interested in buying an upgrade kit. How much would it cost? ---
**Author:** ![Rileyin3D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/cdc98d/32.png) [@Rileyin3D](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Rileyin3D)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2016, 1:04am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/3 "2016-05-18T01:04:45Z")
I would be interested in an upgrade kit as well. ---
**Author:** ![Farris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Farris](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Farris)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2016, 1:34am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/4 "2016-05-18T01:34:31Z")
I’d also be interested, but mostly for the individual parts. I’d be happy with just a bed plate and ninjaflex parts really. ---
**Author:** ![Bakedbeef](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Bakedbeef](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Bakedbeef)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2016, 2:11am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/5 "2016-05-18T02:11:14Z")
I am interested as well. ---
**Author:** ![Rp1030](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e99b99/32.png) [@Rp1030](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Rp1030)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2016, 2:36am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/6 "2016-05-18T02:36:42Z")
I’m interested, but only in a partial kit since I did the openrails upgrade. ---
**Author:** ![nim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/67e7ee/32.png) [@nim](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/nim)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2016, 8:51am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/7 "2016-05-18T08:51:27Z")
I’d definitely be interested in an upgrade kit, but not a single, 100% complete kit. I’d love to upgrade the bed to autoleveling/nozzle cleaning, and the extruder with the new fan setup, but I have no desire to replace the controlbox/PSU and do the rewiring. The 12mm rod kit would be nice aswell as a separate option. ---
**Author:** ![ukpete](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/b5e925/32.png) [@ukpete](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/ukpete)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2016, 9:15am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/8 "2016-05-18T09:15:57Z")
I would also be interested in an upgrade kit from Taz 5 to Taz 6, but would like it possibly to be available in a couple of stages. I’m 1st most interested in the auto-levelling and head cleaning features. 2nd Additional rigidity from 12mm rods. 3rd Change to control box, but is this really necessary to achieve the other improvements? ---
**Author:** ![Mizunoslove](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/mizunoslove/32/93_2.png) [@Mizunoslove](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Mizunoslove)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2016, 4:26pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/9 "2016-05-18T16:26:55Z")
I would be interested. I want to update the bed and possibly the electrical cover. I have already updated my extruders and some kits to further upgrade my current unit would be awesome. ---
**Author:** ![inventabuild](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c89c15/32.png) [@inventabuild](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/inventabuild)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2016, 11:03pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/10 "2016-05-18T23:03:20Z")
This is definitely a great idea. I think it s/ be broken up into 4 kits plus an all-in-one for a total of 5 kits. 1. Y axis auto bed leveling kit. 2. X/Z axis upgrade kit. 3. Extruder upgrade kit. 4. Electronics box upgrade kit. 5. Everything. Depending on price, maybe the Y axis auto bed leveling and X/Z axis kits could be combined and might actually spur someone to do them both that originally only wanted to do one or the other. ---
**Author:** ![i-t-w.com](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/i-t-w.com/32/65_2.png) [@i-t-w.com](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/i-t-w.com)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 3:11am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/11 "2016-05-19T03:11:34Z")
The reason for the suggested two kit options is that one upgrade tends to require another, making it pretty much “all or nothing”. We’ve had discussions about what can be done one upgrade at a time, and it’s really pretty limited. Apologies that I can’t summon all the details at the moment, but there’s often a whole chain of “doing A, requires B, which requires C, etc,etc” You CAN upgrade to 12mm rods on your TAZ 5, There are printed parts on thingiverse that allow you to replace just the X motor and Idler mount. Adding auto calibration is a whole system of parts that support the new minimum and maximum limit switches on all 3 axis that a RAMBO with TAZ 6 firmware is looking for, along with adding the wire from the heater block to the RAMBO that tells the RAMBO when the nozzle touches the corner washers. ---
**Author:** ![i-t-w.com](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/i-t-w.com/32/65_2.png) [@i-t-w.com](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/i-t-w.com)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 3:17am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/12 "2016-05-19T03:17:09Z")
> [@Farris](#): > > I’d also be interested, but mostly for the individual parts. I’d be happy with just a bed plate and ninjaflex parts really. We have the ninjaflex bed corners for sale [https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-ninjaflex-bed-corners/](https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-ninjaflex-bed-corners/) We’ve printed, and will soon post the ninjaflex Z washers Bed plates are coming as well, but qtys are limited, so they’ll probably go as part of a kit. These kits probably won’t be as expensive as you might think. Hopefully I’ll have time to work out pricing next week. Mostly we wanted to chat about what’s needed and why here, along with what people are looking for so we make a good offering. ---
**Author:** ![Bakedbeef](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Bakedbeef](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Bakedbeef)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 4:45am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/13 "2016-05-19T04:45:07Z")
For me I would need all the parts to upgrade a 4 into the 6 except for the PEI which I did already. ---
**Author:** ![beretta92mm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d07c76/32.png) [@beretta92mm](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/beretta92mm)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2016, 5:50pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/14 "2016-05-20T17:50:49Z")
I would be interested in a complete upgrade kit as well. ---
**Author:** ![Geek2Nurse](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/geek2nurse/32/91_2.png) [@Geek2Nurse](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Geek2Nurse)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2016, 4:06pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/15 "2016-05-21T16:06:03Z")
Me too, ditto what Nim said. I like the idea of having different kits to select from. ---
**Author:** ![catzcradle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/977dab/32.png) [@catzcradle](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/catzcradle)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2016, 8:30pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/16 "2016-05-21T20:30:39Z")
I also would be interested in a taz 5 to 6 upgrade kit. ---
**Author:** ![Boro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7993a0/32.png) [@Boro](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Boro)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2016, 8:54pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/17 "2016-05-21T20:54:03Z")
Me too would be interested in a complete upgrade kit!! ---
**Author:** ![Farris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Farris](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Farris)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2016, 6:18pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/18 "2016-05-22T18:18:22Z")
> [@i-t-w.com](#): > > > [@Farris](#): > > > > I’d also be interested, but mostly for the individual parts. I’d be happy with just a bed plate and ninjaflex parts really. > > We have the ninjaflex bed corners for sale [https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-ninjaflex-bed-corners/](https://itworks3d.com/product/taz-6-ninjaflex-bed-corners/) > We’ve printed, and will soon post the ninjaflex Z washers > Bed plates are coming as well, but qtys are limited, so they’ll probably go as part of a kit. > > These kits probably won’t be as expensive as you might think. Hopefully I’ll have time to work out pricing next week. > > Mostly we wanted to chat about what’s needed and why here, along with what people are looking for so we make a good offering. Thanks. I’ll hold off on ordering the new rods/switches/etc and printing ABS parts until I see what kits your make available. ---
**Author:** ![i-t-w.com](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/i-t-w.com/32/65_2.png) [@i-t-w.com](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/i-t-w.com)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2016, 8:54pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/19 "2016-05-25T20:54:54Z")
More info I’ll merge into the original post along with other minor updates. Here are further details about the two options, and why they are that way: **ALL will require significant re-wiring** We may have completely wired control boxes from time to time, LulzBot may also sell a kit. Both will be premium priced per the considerable labor savings. We don’t plan to build wiring harnesses. There may be enough demand if someone else is interested in building some. **The kits:** “Required hard parts”: X/Z assembly: 12mm rods, toolhead carraige, 12mm bearings, X motor mount, X idler mount, 2 Z upper plates (L&R), 2 Z motor mounts (L&R), ninjaflex washers, Y front and rear endplates, y motor mount, y idler mount, 4 Y corners (2 ea L&R), Bed plate, ninjaflex bed corners, bed washers, bed standoffs, bed mount screws, Y belt mount, bed bearing holders, control box, min and max limit switches for X/Y/Z “Complete mechanical chassis, **wiring not included** ” Required hard parts kit, PLUS: extrusions, Z threaded rods, 10mm smooth rods, aluminum corner brackets, all assembled. Basically an assembled chassis _without electronics_ **"Why can’t I only do this one upgrade?":** “bed plate, wiper and auto calibration washers only” Blocking Issue: Aluminum Y idler plate needs to be replaced with a Y Motor plate, print new motor and Idler mounts and Y corners, print new Y belt mount Requires control box with more wires outlets Need min and max switches for all 3 axis Custom DIY solution: considerable DIY rewiring. **CUSTOM FIRMWARE** “Y carriage, bed assembly, wiper and auto calibration” Blocking Issue: requires control box with more wires outlets Need min and max switches for all 3 axis Custom DIY solution: considerable DIY rewiring, considerable custom Z max switch add on work “ZX, Y carriage, no control box” Blocking Issue: requires control box with more wires outlets Custom DIY solution: considerable DIY rewiring “X/Z only” Blocking issue: no Z min stop Custom DIY solution: Stick with TAZ 5 firmware, make your own Z min switch solution “12mm rod upgrade only” Good news, you CAN do this one pretty easily! We should have the rods and bearings soon, or you can order them. Here’s the printed parts you need: [http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1392011](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1392011) ---
**Author:** ![Farris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Farris](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Farris)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2016, 9:35pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456/20 "2016-05-25T21:35:41Z")
Any word on pricing? [Next page](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/upgrading-a-lulzbot-taz-5-to-taz-6/3456.md?page=2)