RE: Extruder "clicking" noise when retracting (not jamming)
@lung
It is the play of the two gears. The axes of the gears are not as close as they should. But to close is bad sound although... 😴
RE: Extruder "clicking" noise when retracting (not jamming)
I had the same Problem, the small ptfe tube was the culprit.
As you can see on the picture, the length is about 42.6 instead of 43.5....
I changed it with the sparepart which had a correct dimension (43.5) , and used a pretention of 3/4 threadturns, and now I have no more clicking and jamming of the filament.
I hope this helps someone, cheers
RE: Extruder "clicking" noise when retracting (not jamming)
So relieved I found this thread as soon as I logged on to this forum. I am completely new to 3D printing since last Friday, and I had a really good first print and the printer was fine for the first day, but then this exact thing started to happen. I thought it was some clogging somewhere, but it seemed weird considering the brief time of using it.
I am however thinking of moving the heatbreak up a bit as it seems too low. Does anyone know a good video showing how to do that?
Many thanks for any help!
RE: Extruder "clicking" noise when retracting (not jamming)
We have another thread going on same topic. Looks like this is a common 'complaint'. The video below shows the source:
Had to disassemble the extruder today, a lot of build up of filament shavings inside. I also found the source of the clicking noise on retraction - as suspected it is the slack between the gears - have a listen to the attached video:
RE: Extruder "clicking" noise when retracting (not jamming)
I have the same problem - that my Mini clicks (didn't realise that it shouldn't, TBH), and the retraction is clearly not right as I get quite a lot of stringing (which might be a bit worse than when the machine was first used about 8 weeks ago, but which has always been present).
I've taken the extruder apart, but on reassembling it I get the same clicking noise, and the same stringing.
I've already tried obvious fixes like the nozzle temperature, but if it's caused by gear lash at the bowden extruder I'm at a loss as to how to prevent that; there didn't seem to be any way to adjust things or reassemble things in a way that eliminates the problem.
Same issue
I believe there are several people in this thread describing extruder clicks due to a restricted path, for example when the PTFE was the culprit. I seem to be having the same issue as the thread starter and @daryl1-2, which I don't think is due to a restricted path, but play in the gears in the extruder. Got the printer assembeled 5 hours ago, and the clicking was there from the first retraction. On my printer it can easily be reproduced while not printing: opening extruder hatch on top, using the fingernail to rock the top gear back and forth.
While printing it sounds like this
Has anyone found a solution?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but those who had the issue fixed by changing PTFE tube or lube, you weren't able to produce the clicking sound by turning the gear with your fingers right?
What is actually making the clicking noise inside the extruder?
Clicks come from tension lever. Look at IMG_1095 video that @zemb posted above (pay attention to big gear). Every time when gear is unable to push/pull the filament, grab gear will scrub the filament a little and it will increase tension on lever. As soon gear is able to push (or pull) filament again, the tension is released instantly and we hear the click. That is, click is a consequence of improper filament feeding.
To get correct filament feeding (extrusion), many factors needs to be in "harmony":
Correct tension... Setting perfect tension on stock extruder is kinda hard to achieve, because there is no "fine adjustment". Usually it's enough if screw is only tightened to the point where we feel resistance of the spring (screw head is flush with housing surface). If we tighten a little more, clicks can be expected. But then it can also depends on filament type we use.
Gear on extruder motor must be properly positioned and screwed tight! If bolt inside gear is just slightly loose, then click will happen on every retraction (not as loud as click from lever).
Filament jam in heatbreak is quite often a reason for lever clicks... as extruder wish to push the filament, but filament has nowhere to go.
Nozzle temperature too low is similar to filament jam... if filament isn't melted enough, then it just can't come out of nozzle... click, click.
Print speed shouldn't be too high.. filament needs certain time to melt, otherwise.. click, click.
Incorrect extrusion amount.. that's rarely the case, but is worth to check as last resort -process is called extrusion calibration.
In short, clicks (from tension lever) will happen if extruder is trying to push (or pull) the filament, but (for whatever reason) filament doesn't move accordingly.
[Mini+] [MK3S+BEAR]
Same again!
I've just started using my factory built Mini+ and after a couple of (very good quality) prints have started to get the annoying (and loud) clicking. I've still got a few hours on the current print to go so will just put up with it for now, quality still seems to be fine but will definitely have a look at the points BogdanH has made. Bit annoying and has taken the shine off of my Prusa experience but still streets ahead of my first AnyCubic/Cura printer. Maybe Josef has a way to go before he gives us the true 'plug & play' printer he wants in every household!
I've just started using my factory built Mini+ and after a couple of (very good quality) prints have started to get the annoying (and loud) clicking... has taken the shine off of my Prusa experience...
For Mini to become long term reliable printer, only two upgrades are necessary:
Bondtech type heatbreak
-which reduces extrusion inconsistencies (clogs, etc.) to minimum. That's not a myth, it's the fact.
Bondtech type extruder
Stock extruder is as basic as it gets: single gear, tension regulation is matter of luck (I think tension spring is just too stiff), and extruder housing (filament path) also isn't that precisely printed.
So far I've printed PLA and PETG and with Bondtech upgrade I didn't have single filament jam, still have the first PTFE tube inside heatbreak and I also never got a click from extruder. Yes, Bondtech heatbreak & extruder is quite a money (there are cheaper options on AliExpress), but worth every cent in long run. We want to be happy with our printer, right? 😏
[Mini+] [MK3S+BEAR]
RE: Extruder "clicking" noise when retracting (not jamming)
I am having the same issue. Which tube are you referring to? I am having trouble finding instructions about tightening a tube 1/4 turn in the manual.
follow the guide for getting the tube compressed right BUT do not do a 1/4 turn as per instructions do 3/4 turn instead
RE: Extruder "clicking" noise when retracting (not jamming)
I am having the same issue. Which tube are you referring to? I am having trouble finding instructions about tightening a tube 1/4 turn in the manual.
I had the same Problem, the small ptfe tube was the culprit.
As you can see on the picture, the length is about 42.6 instead of 43.5....
I changed it with the sparepart which had a correct dimension (43.5) , and used a pretention of 3/4 threadturns, and now I have no more clicking and jamming of the filament.
I hope this helps someone, cheers