Filament stuck in PTFE tube between extruder and filament sensor
Hi there,
I have a somewhat weird problem that my PLA filament (transparent) is stuck in the PTFE tube between extruder and filament sensor (see picture). The tube from hotend to extruder is empty, the extruder itself looks free. It got stuck while unloading and when I tried to pull it, it broke at the end of the tube. Any idea how to go on from here? How to get the filament out of the PTFE tube? TY!
RE: Filament stuck in PTFE tube between extruder and filament sensor
It's so obvious: pull out PTFE tube from extruder and then push out filament that's inside the tube with.. another filament 😀
[Mini+] [MK3S+BEAR]
RE: Filament stuck in PTFE tube between extruder and filament sensor
@bogdanh
Thank you 😀 I tried that; but how am I getting the PTFE tube out of the extruder? I couldn't get it loose. Is it screwed? I almost disassembled the whole extruder, but never saw where to untighten the tube.
RE: Filament stuck in PTFE tube between extruder and filament sensor
Yes. You will need to disassemble it.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Filament stuck in PTFE tube between extruder and filament sensor
@cwbullet
Actually I did so. Couldn't loosen the tube. The only screw I was scary of taking out is the one where I feel a spring (or something similar) beyond. Is there a proper description which screw I have to loosen to get the tube out?
I see descriptions for the tube towards the hot end, but never for the one towards the filament sensor.
RE: Filament stuck in PTFE tube between extruder and filament sensor
Look at step 45:
https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/3-x-axis-extruder-assembly_199519
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Filament stuck in PTFE tube between extruder and filament sensor
@cwbullet
Thanks a lot! I had this screw loosen; maybe I've to pull harder. I'll try it tomorrow morning.
RE: Filament stuck in PTFE tube between extruder and filament sensor
I had no chance pulling the tube out. The filament was broken/flattened right after the gear entering the PTFE tube towards the sensor. After disassemble everything the filament could be pulled out to the extruder side. Everything is fine by now, but this shouldn't happen again so soon 😀
RE: Filament stuck in PTFE tube between extruder and filament sensor
@nicvok
I had this issue when I reviced my first first of 5 minis. I am pretty sure I had my idler screw too tight causing the filament jam. I loosemed it and I have not had this issue.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Filament stuck in PTFE tube between extruder and filament sensor
@nicvok
Sounds very similar to what happened to my with my mini shortly after its arrival. The second print the tension was set too high and the extruder ground a flat into the PLA filament and bound up. It seemed to work OK afterward clearing the filament from the PTFE tube but then a PETG print did something similar. After adjusting tension and painstakingly cleaning each tooth in the extruder gear it now runs just fine.
Cleaning that gear may be a critical step if you have already had it bind up.