Filament not feeding immediately after starting print
I have been having an on-going issue with the filament just not feeding through the hot end at the start of the print. This happens regardless of the material I use or the age of the filament. I have tried tweeking the nozzle temperature and the flow speed, but this has no effect. It will print about 2 inches then stops feeding, and the feed cog then wears a groove into the filament. I have also played with the tension of the cog, but this also doesn't solve the issue. It isn't a clogged nozzle either, as it feeds perfectly fine during load or filament change, after which it will again only feed a brief amount. I have even changed the nozzle twice to see if that helps. Oddly, on occasion it will feed ok and will print a complete part, but 9/10 I am left trying to kick start it by changing the filament immediately after starting. Attached is an image of what the filament looks like after I retracted it for change. I think I've tried everything to the point of frustration now. Please tell me there's somebody that can help with this issue...
Re: Filament not feeding immediately after starting print
At least two of the three show a bulb close to the end. They should just be kinda pointy after removing the filament. My guess is somewhere you have a gap of some sort in your filament path after or just before it reaches printing temperature. This allows a bit of filament to ooze out of the path a bit then cool off causing the stoppage.
I THINK something just needs to be reseated.
Hope that helps,
Neal
Re: Filament not feeding immediately after starting print
Thanks Neal, I think that definitely has something to do with it, as there is a little bit of an offset in the end of the filament, suggesting that something is misaligned. Problem is, I dont trust myself to dissassemble it to check, as it all seems so fragile in that area.
Prusa support suggested I use Prusacontrol instead of Cura, and oddly it printed 1 part perfectly using that. I sent the same print off again yesterday morning, and voila! Stuck again! Think I'll bite the bullet and try and take it apart when I get some time.
Re: Filament not feeding immediately after starting print
I know what you mean. I did not realize how small the operating parts were of a printer until I started assembling my kit. Even constantly reminding myself not to be heavy handed did not work at times. Some of the things you are almost afraid to apply any force to at all.
But ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Take your time and if it gets frustrating walk away for a bit and take a break. I've also found a solder stand to be of great value. A weighted base with a couple of alligator clips and magnifying glass so you can keep both hands free and get a better look at all those tiny little parts.
Neal