Transporting the G1

How to safely disassemble and transport the G1 printer. The full process takes approximately 1 hour and can be done by one person.

Note

Allow about 1 hour for full disassembly and packing. Reassembly takes a similar amount of time and requires re-calibrating bed leveling and Z offset.

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When to use this procedure

• Moving the printer to a different location (workshop, trade show, customer site)
• Shipping the printer back to Ginger Additive for service
• Storing the printer for an extended period

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What stays assembled

Some parts do not need to be removed:

• Bed heater — remains attached to the bed; do not disconnect its wiring
• Internal cabling — wiring harnesses stay routed inside the frame
• Linear rails — do not remove carriages from rails
• Electronics enclosure — remains mounted

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Disassembly order

Disassemble in this order to avoid damaging components:

1. Prepare the printer

1. Home all axes and move the toolhead to a safe central position (mid-height, center of bed)
2. Power off the printer and disconnect from mains
3. Let all heated components cool completely before handling
4. Remove any pellets from the hopper
5. Disconnect the vacuum hose and corrugated tube from the extruder

2. Remove the Y gantry (first)

1. Support the toolhead assembly before loosening any bolts
2. Disconnect the toolhead cable chain
3. Remove the Y gantry from the Z columns — note the bolt positions and shim placement (photograph before removing)
4. Wrap the Y gantry + toolhead as a single sub-assembly in bubble wrap

3. Remove the Z columns

1. With the Y gantry removed, the Z columns can be unbolted from the base frame
2. Remove both Z columns together or one at a time depending on available space
3. Wrap each Z column individually in bubble wrap

4. Disassemble the base frame

1. The base frame (with bed still attached) is now the heaviest remaining piece
2. Do not remove the bed heater — transport the base frame with the bed installed
3. Protect the glass/PEI surface with cardboard or foam

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Packing

• Use the original OSB shipping crate if available — it is the safest option
• Original crate has foam inserts cut to fit each sub-assembly
• Screws and small hardware are typically stored in a bag inside the crate lid
• If the original crate is not available:
  • Wrap each sub-assembly in bubble wrap (at least 2 layers)
  • Pack in a rigid box with foam padding on all sides
  • Mark the box “FRAGILE — DO NOT LAY FLAT” and indicate the correct orientation

Caution

Do not stack heavy items on top of the packed printer. The linear rails and Z lead screws are precision components that can be damaged by point loads.

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After reassembly

After transport and reassembly, always perform these steps before printing:

1. Check all connectors — vibration during transport can loosen plugs; inspect the extruder board, thermistors, and heater cartridge connectors
2. Bed leveling — run the full bed leveling procedure; the mesh will have changed
3. Z offset — re-calibrate the Z offset (first layer height); see Z offset and first layer
4. Test extrusion — heat the extruder and do a short manual extrusion before starting a print
5. Check belt tension — confirm belts are still properly tensioned; see Belt and chain mechanical issues

Note

Do not assume calibration survived transport. Even careful moves can shift the bed mesh and Z offset enough to ruin the first layer.

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Related notes

• Bed leveling system
• Z offset and first layer
• Belt and chain mechanical issues
• First boot checklist
• Lubricating linear rails