Problems getting filament to load
I'm having ongoing issues getting filament to load. I push the filament in until it stops then tell the load procedure to continue. I keep pressure on the filament while the display reads "Inserting" but the gears never grab the filament. It doesn't seem to matter how I clip the end of the filament. I've tried an angled cut, a straight cut and I've even tried creating a wedge shape but nothing seems to help. What I have noticed is that sometimes when I insert the filament and it stops I can wiggle it a little then it seems to slip in a little further. My guess is there is some kind of flaw in the plastic feed hole that is catching the end of the filament before it reaches the extruder gear. I've even tried removing the PTFE input tube thinking that the end of that may be a bit crushed but that didn't help either. The filament still seems to catch on something before it reaches the extruder gear.
Is anybody else having this issue or maybe had the issue but figured out a fix?
RE: Problems getting filament to load
I had a similar issue, the printer would think the filament was being loaded when it did not actually go past the extruder gear. In my case loosening the idler a little bit until it was flush (with no filament inserted) solved it. Now it never fails to load. Don't know if it'll help in your case though.
RE: Problems getting filament to load
I had an issue loading filament due to getting stuck in the extruder, but in this case the other side of the gears. This happened with some "end of roll" filament which had a significant curve to it.
In general, releasing the tension on the lever helps when feeding filament, via the lever on the side, but you almost need 3 hands to click the encoder. So I click for "continue", then quickly lift the lever and push the filament.
It would be nice to have a quick release tensioner like in other extruders.
RE: Problems getting filament to load
I'm having similar problems. At this point I don't know what to loosen or tighten and beyond that it seems like when it does work, it pushes about 6" through and then fails keep pressure on the filament which then doesn't push anymore more filament through.
Not sure where to start.
RE: Problems getting filament to load
I found that I had to cut the end of the filament more square than on the Mk3S's. Cutting at my usual sharp angle failed to load it.
Issue is cured by upgrading to the Bondtech Mini extruder with the dual Bondtech gears. Now my Mini will load any old filament. I know the Mini is built down to a price but I have to say I am unimpressed with the original Mini extruder.
RE: Problems getting filament to load
Thanks for that. I think my issue will be resolved once I receive the part that wasn't originally shipped lol. We'll see. I'm going to look into the Bondtech Mini that you suggested though.
RE: Problems getting filament to load
hello new to the forum but just wanted to make sure i was following all of this information.
the solution for getting the filament to load after it has left the MMU is to replace the gears in the extruder?
RE: Problems getting filament to load
hello new to the forum but just wanted to make sure i was following all of this information.
the solution for getting the filament to load after it has left the MMU is to replace the gears in the extruder?
It appears you are talking about a Mk 3 printer. This thread is in the section of the forum for the Mini which doesn't support the MMU.
RE: Problems getting filament to load
Had this problem. Before I click "load filament" I open the access door on top of the extruder and push the large metal gear to the right with my left thumb while pushing the filament in with my right hand. Once I feel it engage, I close the door and click load filament. I am not near it right now or I would take a couple of pictures.
RE: Problems getting filament to load
For the Bondtech Mini extruder upgrade, do we need to adjust anything in SW after the upgrade ?
Thanks,
Ching-Ho Cheng
RE: Problems getting filament to load
@lcc014
If you follow this manual, step 39 tells what to do 😉 no need to modify firmware for this.
RE: Problems getting filament to load
So for those excluding the extra expense of a Bondtech upgrade is there any way of diagnosing and fixing load problems, I've tweaked the pulley tensioner back and forth to no effect and have no idea now where it should default to. The mini is not loading any filament and I'm feeling a bit lost at week 2 with a completely functionless printer.
Hands up - complete beginner here but there does seem to be a lack of documentation specificly on the Mini, especially around the pulley and of anything short of disassemble the entire thing...
RE: Problems getting filament to load
This is really easy to do once you get the hang of it, open the door on top of the extruder to see the big gear. While pushing the filament in with your right hand, push the gear to the right with your left thumb. You will feel the filament engage, then proceed.