Extruder area leaking filament
Hello!
I recently got my pre-assembled Prusa Mini and had no issues for the first couple of prints. When I started to attempt longer prints, they would mysteriously blob and then stop.
Eventually, I've been able to track the issue to the fact that there is a leak somewhere in the extruder area, and the melted filament runs down the side of that area and lands on the print - disaster!
I was able to finish a print today by keeping some q-tips handy and swabbing away the leakage every now and then as it built up, but obviously this is not an ideal solution?
As you can see in the photo, the pool of melted filament is sitting on the metal part, and over time it drips down onto the print.
Has this been an issue that has come up for many other people? I've tried some basic troubleshooting in fixing this, but haven't had too much luck yet. I've tried tightening anything in the general area, which is tricky as once the area cools enough to touch the filament has set and locks everything in place.
Thanks!
RE: Extruder area leaking filament
It's not something I've seen reported on the forums on a new printer, problems like this are normally seen after someone has done some maintenance like changing a nozzle and not done it correctly.
Any tightening needs to be done with the nozzle heated (see https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/how-to-replace-a-heaterblock-heatbreak-mini_122769 ). The heater and thermistor wires are delicate so care needs to be taken (it goes without saying that 280 deg is HOT so care needs to be taken generally, so you don't hurt yourself!). If you are worried about stripping down the heat break and heater block I'd suggest talking to support using the web chat on the eshop page, they'll help you out and send any spare parts that may be necessary.
RE: Extruder area leaking filament
Did you try a cold pull and then check your PTFE tube? Details are here.
I dont really understand from you image where the problem is exactly. I would agree with gordon its better to contact support and they will guide you through. You have to be careful and everything has to be done while the hotend is hot otherwise you might even crack something.
Original Prusa Mini + Smooth PEI
Prusa Slicer 2.6.0
RE: Extruder area leaking filament
@geoper2
I think there is a pool of filament on the top of the heater block, it's difficult to tell with silver(ish) filament on a silver(ish) block. That's certainly what I based my advice on 😀 .
RE: Extruder area leaking filament
Yeah I get it now. It surely is a loose heatbreak and maybe faulty PFTE tube so the link you provided will be really helpful and solve the problem.
Original Prusa Mini + Smooth PEI
Prusa Slicer 2.6.0
RE: Extruder area leaking filament
@michael_g24
Do you have build up just on top of the heater block or under it, between the nozzle and heater block, too? I had a similar issue where the nozzle wasn't tightened enough. You'll have to tighten it when it's hot, be sure to follow the instructions (someone linked it in an earlier post).
If you want to reference what I was seeing with my MINI, see here: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/how-do-i-print-this-printing-help/petg-build-up-around-nozzle/
Hope it helps.
RE: Extruder area leaking filament
@geoper2
I think there is a pool of filament on the top of the heater block, it's difficult to tell with silver(ish) filament on a silver(ish) block. That's certainly what I based my advice on 😀 .
Yeah, that was exactly the problem! I've run through the troubleshooting guide (and got through with only minor burns 😆 ) that you sent, the first layer calibration seemed to be much better than the past couple of times ive run it. I've just started a print now, i'll report back on how that goes! Thanks for the help!
RE: Extruder area leaking filament
@michael_g24
Do you have build up just on top of the heater block or under it, between the nozzle and heater block, too? I had a similar issue where the nozzle wasn't tightened enough. You'll have to tighten it when it's hot, be sure to follow the instructions (someone linked it in an earlier post).
If you want to reference what I was seeing with my MINI, see here: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/how-do-i-print-this-printing-help/petg-build-up-around-nozzle/
Hope it helps.
It wasn't as much that side for me I don't think. I did have some drippiage across the front, but I think that's just from the pooling around the heater block at the back. I've tried tightening it just in case though, thanks!