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Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle  

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matthew.g31
(@matthew-g31)
Active Member
Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle

I just tried to do my first print using the G code for the bottle opener. I’m not sure what is wrong with the printer but it started dragging the print around the print bed and creating a thick pool of liquid filament around the extruder.

Now, there is PLA gunk all over the extruder nozzle. How do I clean this and what caused this problem to happen?

I cleaned the printer bed and calibrated the machine to the best of my abilities before running the printer. The printer itself was assembled by Prusa.

Posted : 03/09/2018 12:25 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
Re: Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle

NM

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 03/09/2018 1:04 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
Re: Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle

NM

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 03/09/2018 1:04 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
Re: Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle

NM

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 03/09/2018 1:04 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
Re: Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle

If the print came loose, you likely need to clean the bed better. Make sure not to handle the bed AT ALL after cleaning if possible. Also make sure you've got some good 91%+ isopropyl alcohol handy. The 71% wipes work for a couple of prints and that's it.

So far as cleanup, post a pic of the nozzle. Generally, GO SLOW and watch out for the heat cartridge and thermistor wires on the left of the heater block as viewed from the front. Heat up to a normal print temp and SLOWLY pull the melted filament away. With any luck, it'll come of easily. You can do detail cleanup with an expendable wire brush and/or something like wooden toothpicks.

Until you gain a bit more experience, I'd recommend you not walk away and leave the printer unattended. Your snarl could have been much worse and expensive to fix.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 03/09/2018 1:04 am
matthew.g31
(@matthew-g31)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle

Thanks for the advice, Bob. I’ve attached a picture of the nozzle. Any additional advice for cleaning it would be greatly appreciated.

Posted : 05/09/2018 2:15 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
Re: Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle


Thanks for the advice, Bob. I’ve attached a picture of the nozzle. Any additional advice for cleaning it would be greatly appreciated.
That's not bad at all. I'd suggest:

  • Raise Z to max for viewing.

  • Remove the orange part fan for a clear view.

  • Heat the nozzle up to the print temp of that filament.

  • Use a something non-metallic (but also not meltable) to pull away as much soft filament as you can. A long kebab skewer might work well.

  • Use a soft brass wire brush to clear off any remaining material.
  • My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

    and miscellaneous other tech projects
    He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

    Posted : 05/09/2018 2:27 am
    matthew.g31
    (@matthew-g31)
    Active Member
    Topic starter answered:
    Re: Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle

    Thanks again, Bob! The great PLA meltdown of 2018 is now a thing of the past. Cheers!

    Posted : 05/09/2018 6:24 pm
    RufusClupea
    (@rufusclupea)
    Reputable Member
    Re: Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle

    NOW _ I can fully appreciate Jean's allusion... Blob of DOOM! 😀
    (That's some serious blobbage there!...) 😯
    I really thought I'd be the one posting something like that! 😳

    Should we start annual awards? 🙄

    How about a new forum directly under Awesome prints (Hall Of Fame)
    _________________________________________FAILED prints (Hall Of Fame)

    I can't think of anything to add to Bobstro's XLNT advice--I was thinking the same--except possibly using a silicone heat block sock to reduce/limit future cleanups ?

    That's "MISTER Old Fart" to you!

    Posted : 05/09/2018 7:22 pm
    toaf
     toaf
    (@toaf)
    Noble Member
    Re: Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle

    at least your blob was small. I SOO should have taken pictures of mine. but yours wasn't too bad.

    I have a Prusa,therefore I research.

    Posted : 06/09/2018 5:55 am
    matthew.g31
    (@matthew-g31)
    Active Member
    Topic starter answered:
    Re: Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle

    Thanks for all the advice! I now clean the print bed with paper towels and rubbing alcohol prior to each print and no longer have these problems. 😀

    Posted : 05/10/2018 5:17 am
    toaf
     toaf
    (@toaf)
    Noble Member
    Re: Failed print and gunked up extruded nozzle

    wash with dish soap and water every so often too.

    I have a Prusa,therefore I research.

    Posted : 05/10/2018 5:45 am
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