Under extrusion with new filament
I've had my Mini since February and used it almost every day with no extrusion issues. I've been using Prusament, Hatchbox and Inland. Today I tried a new filament from Paramount 3D and experienced under extrusion after 6 hours of continuous printing. After unloaded the filament I could see it was all chewed up. I immediately started another print with Hatchbox and it's printing fine.
Why am I having issues with just this filament? I found plenty of good reviews for Paramount.
RE: Under extrusion with new filament
I didn't describe that correctly. It's not under extrusion. Extrusion stopped completely.
RE: Under extrusion with new filament
After a second failed print with this filament (Graphite Gray from Paramount 3D), I've decided it's a filament issue, not a printer issue. The filament is just too thick. I can tell when I first insert it into the PTFE tube. All my other filaments go in with no effort. This one requires a bit of effort.
RE: Under extrusion with new filament
Hey, I know this is pretty late but I wanted to echo your conclusion here. I ordered two colors of Paramount3D filament and every other aspect of these filaments is excellent but I also experience consistent extrusion issues with these filaments and ONLY these filaments. Every time there is a big chunk chewed out of the filament by the extruder gear. The only prints that have worked with these are prints with very few retractions. I think complex models where the gears are running over the same section of filament over and over is where it starts to struggle.
RE: Under extrusion with new filament
Soon after I started having issues with Paramount 3D, other filaments that previously printed fine started having the same issue. I replaced the hotend PTFE tube and found it was deformed. After that I stopped having extrusion issues with my other filaments but never tried printing again with Paramount. So now I'm not sure if it was the filament or my printer.
RE: Under extrusion with new filament
[...] After that I stopped having extrusion issues with my other filaments but never tried printing again with Paramount. So now I'm not sure if it was the filament or my printer.
Paramount produces good filament. They are one of my Top 5, and in the mid-range in terms of cost. Definitely try it again!
RE: Under extrusion with new filament
[...] Every time there is a big chunk chewed out of the filament by the extruder gear. The only prints that have worked with these are prints with very few retractions. I think complex models where the gears are running over the same section of filament over and over is where it starts to struggle.
That is a definite diagnostic point. If the extruder gear is chewing the filament, that indicates a couple of possible problems:
- The filament tension screw is too tight. To test, load some filament, extrude a bit and unload the filament. Examine the area where the extruder gears have gripped the filament. If they marks are deep and the filament deformed, that's an indication your tension is too high. This would tend to affect all filaments.
- The filament is not being pushed through the hotend normally, resulting in back pressure that causes it not to feed and get chewed up by the extruder gears. Typically, a bit of extra heat can help. Printing at excessively high speeds can contribute as well.
Everyone has their favorite filaments, so use what you prefer. I just want to point out that Paramount is generally a good filament. I use it for fine 1:100 and 1:300 miniatures and it's very reliable. You may just need to find the right settings or resolve a feed issue.
RE: Under extrusion with new filament
Thanks everyone!
@tracy I don't see any issues besides this -- but I'll store that in the diagnostic bank incase I do. Thanks!
@bobstro I agree Paramount makes really nice filament -- Whenever it prints successfully the prints are fantastic, I'm just bummed about the extrusion issue. I think you hit the nail on the head with the issue being related to the filament tension screw. I'm not convinced it's too tight as it was not very tight (actually I think it was so loose it was slipping and starting the slippage). I'm playing around with various tensions as we speak 🙂 (if that doesn't work well i'll try crankin' the heat!)
I wonder what causes this issue with these filaments compared to other brand's. They don't feel particularly soft or different compared to the other filaments I print with. (generally Prusament, Matterhakers PRO, 3D Solutech, Paramount, plus a few exceptions)
RE: Under extrusion with new filament
I decided to give Paramount a second chance and bought their Steel Gray PLA. I did 2 three hour prints yesterday and a 6 hour print today. All prints turned out perfect. I'm especially happy about this because Paramount makes so many great colors. I never touched the tension screw. I'm convinced my original issue was caused by a shrunken hotend PTFE tube that allowed filament to collect inside the hotend.