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Clogged after first print, PTFE tube cannot be removed  

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mikuprints
(@mikuprints)
Active Member
Clogged after first print, PTFE tube cannot be removed

I put the kit together and followed all of the pre-flight and initial calibration wizard steps. Everything was great, I was so excited! I printed the Prusa logo from the SD card, it went well. 

I went to print the logo a second time, and it clogged half way through (I noticed the printer continuing to print, hovering above the heat bed without anything being extruded). 

I followed all of the troubleshooting steps, (needle from the bottom, cold pull, etc.) and eventually decided I need to disassemble the extruder and pull out the filament from the PTFE tube (I could see it sticking out slightly from the side view). 

I am unable to pull out the filiment. I am unable to push down on the collet ring to remove the PTFE tube. Everything is just really jammed up. I've tried heating it up to 220, 240, 250, 280 and pushing from the top, nothing moves. 

There are a LOT of topics/posts on these forums with the same problem, and half of them end up saying "I have to replace the heat break". 

After spending $800 USD, I was not expecting this to happen after the first print.

Any and all suggestions are welcome, including instructions on how to get a refund. Right now I am incredibly frustrated about this. Thank you.

Posted : 13/12/2021 10:20 pm
BogdanH
(@bogdanh)
Honorable Member
RE: Clogged after first print, PTFE tube cannot be removed

Sorry to hear about your bad experience in such short time. But as you probably already know, there's no magic setting to solve that. There is a reason why clogging happens.. in 99% cases (my estimation) its because print head (hotend/coldend) was not properly assembled. Yes, you followed the instructions etc...
Replacing heat break? Well, usually that's not necessary. Because heatbreak doesn't break or becomes damaged -unless, again, it's owners fault. But yes, it's easier to simply replace heatbreak than properly clean it.

To ask for refund, you should contact live chat in Prusa shop.

[Mini+] [MK3S+BEAR]

Posted : 14/12/2021 11:18 am
mikuprints
(@mikuprints)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Clogged after first print, PTFE tube cannot be removed

Do you think a hair dryer would be capable of warming up the heatsink to the point of softening the PLA stuck inside enough to allow the collet to be depressed and the PTFE tube removed? The kit came with spare tubes, so replacing it seems like the logical next step, if I can get it removed. 

Posted : 14/12/2021 5:30 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Clogged after first print, PTFE tube cannot be removed

undo the heatbreak from the heatsink, and push the ptfe down towards where the hot end would be...

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

Posted : 14/12/2021 7:05 pm
mikuprints
(@mikuprints)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Clogged after first print, PTFE tube cannot be removed

Should I attempt to use an external heating element such as a hair dryer before trying this? Thank you for the suggestion

Posted : 14/12/2021 7:14 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Clogged after first print, PTFE tube cannot be removed

if your heatsink and ptfe are separate from the rest of the printer .   you could try putting the heatsink and ptfe into the oven on 200C

use heatproof gloves to handle it afterwards!

 

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

Posted : 14/12/2021 7:22 pm
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