Is it okay to keep filament loaded? Can it cause nozzle clogging?
I've had my Mini+ for well over a year now and I love it. I use PLA+ 99% of the time and this is my first and only 3D printer. Only issue is that if I keep filament loaded in it, I tend to get a nozzle clog in the next print or two
If I have a long time between small print jobs and I keep filament unloaded between prints, I have zero issues.
If I forget to unload the filament or have a long print job that finishes overnight so the printer sits for a long period of time with the filament loaded, I seem to get a nozzle clog during the next print or two (regardless of print length) and have to do multiple cold pulls to clear it.
I figure its because the printer cools down after the print and the filament solidifies in the nozzle and it doesn't react the same when its re-heated. Maybe this is an incorrect assumption?
Is it required to unload filament if not printing for a few days or should this not be an issue?
Is it possible to disable the cool down after a print completes to see if this resolves the issue? Although I understand there might be concerns keeping it at operating temperature for long periods of time without it actually printing anything.
Maybe this is just an issue with PLA+?
I have a good friend with a MK3S that he's had for many years and he never once had to do a cold pull with it. I'm guessing its because of the direct drive vs bowden systems between the two models?
Any insight and experience is greatly appreciated.
Mini+ no mods or upgrades... yet.
RE: Is it okay to keep filament loaded? Can it cause nozzle clogging?
In my hands, the Mini is less tolerant to leaving filament in it than the Mk3S. I usually don't unload if I know I'll be printing again the next day but I usually unload if there's a longer break. Never had a problem with the Mk3S but the Mini has occasionally acted up. I was usually able to get it going by trying to unload and reload at PETG temperature.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...
RE: Is it okay to keep filament loaded? Can it cause nozzle clogging?
When I leave the filament overnight I also preheat the nozzle for a few minutes before I start a print.
RE: Is it okay to keep filament loaded? Can it cause nozzle clogging?
I've gone through about 6 spools of Prusament PLA and Duramic PLA+ and the occasional Ninjaflex filament. I always leave it loaded, never had an issue. I've seen comments that filaments that require hotter temps can build-up in the nozzle when switching back to those that run at cooler temps and that a cold-pull can be required in those situations.
Maybe a compromise is to unload filaments that run at hotter temps but leave lower temp filaments in?
RE: Is it okay to keep filament loaded? Can it cause nozzle clogging?
I print with PETG and ASA and I always unload if it will be more than a few hours, but I do that to dry the filament in a food dehydrator. It does seem like the Mini is more sensitive to stuff like this. It only takes a few minutes to unload and load, and it might take much longer to clear a clog if it is stubborn enough to require disassembly. So, I may be overcautious, but I have very few issues. It printed every time for over a year until it didn't. Then I had to rebuild the hot end, which took days getting all the parts and reassembling. Now it prints every time again. I think the PTFE tube in the hot end is a weak spot. Why stress it any more than you have to by leaving filament in there? My go to fix now is to replace it if things act up, which has been rare.
Regards,
Mark
RE: Is it okay to keep filament loaded? Can it cause nozzle clogging?
I don't have the Mini, but the only time I had an issue leaving filament loaded was the time I did a small PC Blend (significantly higher temp) print and left it in overnight.
I had a devil of a time, having to heat, purge, and clean it.
Whenever I do PC Blend I immediately unload it and purge it with ABS.
I have never had issues (on the Prusa or the Ultimaker) leaving PLA/PETg/ABS in overnight or over a few idle days.
When I change to a different 'species' of filament on the Prusa, I'm in the habit of unloading and loading and purging using the temperature of the higher of the two.
RE: Is it okay to keep filament loaded? Can it cause nozzle clogging?
I will try this and try to make it a habit to see if this resolves my frequent clogging. Thank you!
When I leave the filament overnight I also preheat the nozzle for a few minutes before I start a print.
Mini+ no mods or upgrades... yet.
RE: Is it okay to keep filament loaded? Can it cause nozzle clogging?
I will try this and try to make it a habit to see if this resolves my frequent clogging. Thank you!
When I leave the filament overnight I also preheat the nozzle for a few minutes before I start a print.
I always give it a heat soak before printing. Set nozzle & bed to the temps for the filament being used & let it sit for 10-15 minutes before the first print if the printer has been idle and is cool.
Mini+ (kit) - Revo Micro | Antler Cooling | WiFi (4.4.0RC1)
RE: Is it okay to keep filament loaded? Can it cause nozzle clogging?
After a few weeks, I can confidently say the suggested process of heating up the nozzle has resolved the issues I've been having with my Mini+.
I've made it my new habit if the printer has been cold or off for any period of time. I just heat up the nozzle to about 240-250 before I do anything else. The unloads have been much easier, the swapping between different filaments has been seamless and not a single clog in weeks.
A big "Thank You" to all who suggested it.
Mini+ no mods or upgrades... yet.