Worst FEAR is confirmed! Extruded PLA incased my machine!!
I left a file running over night and when I got back I found this nightmare! I dont even know where to begin. Does anyone have any experience with this? Best way to approach removing this PLA? Please and thank you!!
Re: Worst FEAR is confirmed! Extruded PLA incased my machine!!
I've run into this a few times with various printers.
Preheat the nozzle to around 150 to soften the PLA stuck around the nozzle and heater block. Use flush cutters to trim away whatever you can and then you can use a flathead screwdriver or pliers to slowly work the mess away from the nozzle.
Just remember to take your time so you don't damage the heater cartridge or the thermistor wires.
You can use your cutters or break away chunks as you go. Warming the nozzle will help peel away some of the bulk but should keep it from being a disgusting liquid mess.
It's no big deal - there's no damage here - it's something I think most of us have experienced at one point or another. If you have trouble getting started, you can hold your cutters or screwdriver over a flame to heat them and then they will dig into the PLA much more easily.
Re: Worst FEAR is confirmed! Extruded PLA incased my machine!!
Tip: PLA softens a bit when heated up by hairdryer.
Re: Worst FEAR is confirmed! Extruded PLA incased my machine!!
May be you could try getting a magnifying glass and use the sun to control the heat spot on the stuck filament. Other of have used an open flame but that seems like asking for trouble.
Re: Worst FEAR is confirmed! Extruded PLA incased my machine!!
Also take a look at this thread to proceed without further damage.