Ongoing Issues with Conductive Filament  

Ongoing Issues with Conductive Filament

Ongoing Issues with Conductive Filament

I am currently performing tests using conductive filament, specifically Protopasta Conductive PLA, but I am having trouble achieving the same results as before 22.11.24. My last successful print was a temperature tower ranging from 215°C to 235°C. The new temperature tower was designed to test limits from 235°C to 275°C.

Problem: The new tower's conductivity at 235°C was significantly worse than the one before 22.11.24, even though the same settings at 235°C had previously yielded consistent results in the same range.

Solutions: None at the moment, so guidance and suggestions are welcome!

Below is the summary of the timeline:

1. Last Known Good Print

• The last successful print occurred before 22.11.24.

2. Initial Test

• A new temperature tower was made for testing with updated settings. The temperature was set to range from 235°C to 275°C.
• However, the printing temperature only reached 255°C instead of the intended 275°C.
• Error Encountered:
• Error: "Extruder Preheat Error" appeared after the first layer at a temperature of 255°C.
• Date: 25.11.24.

3. Additional Testing

• Continued issues persisted on 30.11.24.
• On 28.11.24, someone else attempted to print a large part using the Prusa XL. The print consistently failed with the error "filament is stuck."
• Repeated filament reloads were required, but the error reappeared within 10 minutes of resuming the print.

4. Renewed Testing

• On 02.12.24, another temperature tower was tested with updated settings, ranging from 235°C to 275°C.
• The print itself completed successfully, but the conductivity was worse than before 22.11.24.

5. Numerous Tests

• Numerous additional prints were tested, many using the exact same G-code as before 22.11.24.
• However, all of these prints exhibited worse conductivity and poorer quality compared to previous results.

6. Troubleshooting Efforts

• I followed suggestions from the Prusa support documentation (Extruder Preheat Error Troubleshooting).
• Measured the resistance of the wires to identify potential causes of the "Extruder Preheat Error."
• Conducted new calibrations and cleaned buildup in the extruder.
• Despite these efforts, the problem remains unresolved.

7. Observations

• Print Quality: Significantly worse than before 22.11.24.
• Under-Extrusion: Parts exhibit clear signs of under-extrusion.
• Conductivity: The conductivity of prints and filament appears to have degraded since 22.11.24.

8. Summary

• Print quality and conductivity are significantly impaired.
• Persistent extruder errors and degraded performance continue to affect the Prusa XL.
• Further investigation and support are needed to identify and resolve the root cause of these issues.