Unable to change filament during print
Seeking guidance. MK4S kit build. I am able to load and unload filament; however, when I attempt a color change manually, or via gcode, the process stops and the message “Please remove filament from filament sensor” is displayed despite the filament being removed. Again I have no problem loading and unloading filament in between prints. What am I missing?
RE: Unable to change filament during print
Hi James,
Is this your first attempt at a filament change mid-print? If so, the first thing to check is whether the filament sensor is properly calibrated. First, from the "Info" page check the status of the filament sensor with the filament unloaded. If the status indicates that filament is present then there are three possibilities:
1) The sensor mechanism is not assembled correctly, review the instructions for this part of the assembly and ensure that you didn't make any errors. A somewhat common mistake is to install two magnets between the ball and spring. Did you successfully complete the filament sensor calibration during "pre-flight"?
2) There is filament or other debris present that is preventing the free movement of the steel ball and magnet within the sensor. There is a small hole in the top of the extruder where you can blow "canned air" into the mechanism while inserting and removing a piece of filament to attempt to clear out the debris. If this works, you are back in business. If this does not, and you suspect that debris may still be present, you will have to disassemble the extruder to the point where the filament sensor assembly can be removed. Follow the instructions carefully for re-assembly as this requires taking apart the planetary gear extruder!
3) The filament sensor needs to be re-calibrated. Be careful here, I have personally successfully calibrated the sensor, with debris present, only to have it fail later when the debris interfered again.
I hope this is of some help.
Steve