Print went very bad - PLA all around Extruder
Hey Guys,
it's four days since I build the MK2S Printer and after several printings that went very well it comes to a completely breakdown. Right before I started this particular printing process, I did a xyz calibration and auto home finder (I don't mean the first time setup and checking, I just thought that after several prints I should recalibrate it, in case something has untightened and/or moved). Everything ok. So I started the printing process, went outside and left the printer doing his thing (BAD idea!). The print should run about three hours. Because I wasn't at the place when the print went wrong, I don't know at wich point the mistake happened.
The end product is a mess: molten and re-hardened PLA all around the extruder and cables. It isn't about a few PLA strings. The whole PLA that would have been needed to print the model is wrapped around parts of the printer. How do I add pictures? So you can see the mess. Fortunately the heating bed is fine but calibrating isn't working anymore.The extruder doesn't stop at the heating bed and is pushing into it. All in all it's devastating.
So is there someone who knows
A: How to clean up this mess? Is there a way to ged rid of the PLA or do I have to replace the parts? I tried to use pliers to clip the plastic off, but it is way to compact.
B: How could this happen? I know it's hard to tell from a distance but maybe someone has a clue and also solution so I can prevent it from happening again.
How I said, all the earlier prints went well, otherwise I would have never left the printer. It was the first time I left the printer alone - but on the other hand sitting beside the printer to check all the time couldn't be the right thing (I always stay for the first layers, to make sure the print sticks correctly to the bed).
So if somebody knows how to help me, please let me know. Thanks a lot!
Greetings, Moritz
Re: Print went very bad - PLA all around Extruder
Did you also calibrate the Live Z height... ?
if not, the extruder nozzel was too high and the PLA didn't stick to the build plate...
the filament was effectively printed in the air, and built up a mess around the hot end...
clean it off by heating the extruder to PLA temperature whilst using a hot air blower to heat the blob from the outside...
be very careful not to overheat the Printer parts whilst doing this.
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
Re: Print went very bad - PLA all around Extruder
Wow! The same thing happened to me as well. I managed to get most of the PLA off, not before it took the extruder wires and head with it 🙁 Trying to see if they can replace. Brand new printer with only 3 prints in.
Re: Print went very bad - PLA all around Extruder
Did you also calibrate the Live Z height... ?
if not, the extruder nozzel was too high and the PLA didn't stick to the build plate...
the filament was effectively printed in the air, and built up a mess around the hot end...
clean it off by heating the extruder to PLA temperature whilst using a hot air blower to heat the blob from the outside...
be very careful not to overheat the Printer parts whilst doing this.
Hey Joan, thanks for your response, that was a very useful tip!! I got rid of like 99% of the PLA. After heading the Nozzle to 200°C the whole PLA-Blob became flexible and I was able to rip it off. After heating up to 250° the rest of the PLA startet dripping down and left only a thin layer that I could wipe off with a sheet of folded paper. I had to do the whole calibration again but the printer is working absolutely fine now. Unfortunately the thin "arm" of the extruder cover broke off when pulling at it (I tried to remove it before heating up), but luckily one can easy print a new one. So thanks a lot - problem solved!
All the best, Moritz
Re: Print went very bad - PLA all around Extruder
Hey,
I've had the same happen to me 🙁
First few layers ok but then the whole print came loose from the bed & 5 hours later a big mess!
I think that force of molten PLA has damaged temperature sensor as I get err:MINTEMP.
And won't heat up.
I have now removed extruder assembly to try and remove the mess....but it is slow going.
I think I'll try a heat gun too, otherwise I think I need a new hot end.
Any help appreciated
Regards
Mark