Extruder issues
I just completed my Prusa i3 MK2S build and followed the calibration steps to get it ready for printing. I cut the filament at an angle as instructed to feed the filament into the extruder and it pulled in nicely. However, when I tried to print the first layer G-code, nothing came out of the nozzle. Now it appears that my extruder clogged, or maybe the nozzle, perhaps? I may have made the mistake of keeping the extruder heated for too long, so that could be the reason why it doesn’t extruder anything. I can’t feed it in anymore because when I tried to pull the filament out, it snapped at the gear and is wedged between the extruder opening and passes through down to the nozzle. Any ideas on how to resolve this?
Re: Extruder issues
There are a number of things to check:
1) Is hob pulley attached to the motor?
2) Is the tension set correctly?
See other possible issues here:
Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage or loss. If you solve your problem, please post the solution…
Re: Extruder issues
The hob pulley is pulling in the filament, yes. By tension, what part are you referring to?
Re: Extruder issues
I just took out the extruder to find that the plastic piece that gets inserted near the pulley is clogged with hardened filament. Do I need to buy a new extruder now?
Re: Extruder issues
No need to buy a new extruder because of this, that is just filament which never was soft. You have a hard chance to pull it out without having the hotend heat up.
My suggestion would be: Heat up the hotend and try to push the filament manually through the extruder by using another piec of filament. Push this against the piece in the plastic piece (which is PTFE tube btw).
If this does not work, try it again with the nozzle unscrewed.
If this does not work, try to push the filament out the other way around: Get a needle or something and stick it inside the sxtruder from below.
If this does not work, try to pull out the whole tubing with the piece of filament (remember you need to push down the black ring first, which otherwise locks the white tube!)
If this does not work, take the whole extruder apart, you may have a clog in the coldend.
Re: Extruder issues
I tried all of the recommended options you provided. Unfortunately, I destroyed the tubing as I tried to pull it out from the extruder, so now I have tubing jammed in the barrel of the extruder with molten filament stuck in there as well. This just isn't going my way and I haven't even printed a single thing since I built the printer.
Re: Extruder issues
Be Gentle with the heat break, it is fragile
try unscrewing the finned heat sink from the heat block, taking care not to damage the wires to the heat block
this should pull the filament out of the ptfe tube
then you should be able to remove the ptfe tube
remember the black ring at the top of the extruder is a one way lock ring
it stops the ptfe coming out of the top of the heatsink
but allows it to push down into the heatsink when installing it
check the heatbreak and nozzle are clear before reassembling
dont forget to taper the ptfe on outside at the bottom and inside at the top
and amake sure its pushed down well into the heatbreak tube
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