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MK4 color swap, mid-print  

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TeeBell
(@teebell)
Trusted Member
MK4 color swap, mid-print

I've encountered something a little odd, when changing to a different color mid-print the printer will go through the color swap process and then when it's time to resume the extruder will travel back to where it left off, very slowly lower the nozzle, and then just as it is about to get to the correct Z position it looks like it blurts out a tiny bubble of filament. If my timing is off when removing the string of purged filament, that bubble sticks to the print and is impossible to remove as it cools very quickly. Anyone else encounter this?

Posted : 18/05/2023 8:31 pm
Walter Layher
(@walter-layher)
Honorable Member
RE: MK4 color swap, mid-print

Yes, this is normal. When you do the purge until the filament color is right, do not remove the extruded strands. Then get your fingers close to the nozzle and press the the button for confirming the color swap with your other hand. Wait a bit for the final squeeze and then grab the extruded strands just as the extruder moves back to the print. This way you get all of it.

Posted : 18/05/2023 8:53 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: MK4 color swap, mid-print

If my timing is off when removing the string of purged filament, that bubble sticks to the print and is impossible to remove as it cools very quickly. Anyone else encounter this?

I don't have a mk4.

with the other mk's I resist the temptation to pull the waste off the nozzle, and instead hold the waste pile, still (Motionless) on the build plate, then when the nozzle returns to the model and poops this last bit of filament out it remains attached to the waste pile, and detatches from the nozzle automatically...

no need to chase anything... 🙂

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 18/05/2023 8:56 pm
Walter Layher
(@walter-layher)
Honorable Member
RE: MK4 color swap, mid-print

I have an MK3S+ and an MK4. I have done this procedure on both. The MK4 is just a little bit quicker but I works just the same as on the MK3S+.

Posted : 18/05/2023 8:59 pm
TeeBell
(@teebell)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: MK4 color swap, mid-print

What I am saying is that unless I time it perfectly I don't get all of it. And what comes next is not easy to flick/pick off of the print like it is with the MK3S.

 

Posted by: @walter-layher

Yes, this is normal. When you do the purge until the filament color is right, do not remove the extruded strands. Then get your fingers close to the nozzle and press the the button for confirming the color swap with your other hand. Wait a bit for the final squeeze and then grab the extruded strands just as the extruder moves back to the print. This way you get all of it.

 

Posted : 18/05/2023 9:18 pm
TeeBell
(@teebell)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: MK4 color swap, mid-print

Joan they should send you one for free!

The MK4 process differs slightly in that due to the location of the nozzle while purging the old color no pile forms. It gets blown off of the bed and forms a very long string.

Posted : 18/05/2023 9:20 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE:

Try holding the string, instead. 

🙂

I think they will service the orders they have, before thinking of offering me one!

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 19/05/2023 5:24 am
TeeBell
(@teebell)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: MK4 color swap, mid-print

Yes, I do hold it.

Posted by: @joantabb

Try holding the string, instead. 

🙂

I think they will service the orders they have, before thinking of offering me one!

regards Joan

 

Posted : 19/05/2023 11:41 am
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