New printer. Clogs like a champ.
I gotta say, I'm a bit disappointed with this printer. I assembled it two weeks ago, ran through the self-check and calibration wizard. All was good. Once I got the first layer calibration square away, I tried printing Benchy with the Galaxy Silver Prusament. The print almost completed, but the roof turned to spaghetti. So, I unloaded the filament, cleaned the nozzle, and then I noticed that the filament started to curl back on the nozzle, thereby turning into a gob. Since then I have had nothing but issues. I've done the following:
- clean the nozzle and did multiple cold pulls. I noticed that each time I did a cold pull, a blob of silver PLA would come out. So...
- I tried some Inland Premium PLA that prints without issue on my Ender 3 Pro. As soon as it started extruding, it would also curl back.
- I cleaned and realigned the gears inside the extruder. I followed a video online about how to do this. I made sure that the rod was as centered as possible.
- I bit the bullet and bought another E3D nozzle. I replaced it tonight and now I can't even get the filament to extrude. I followed the video on this site while replacing the nozzle.
I just want to get a successful print out of this thing.
RE: New printer. Clogs like a champ.
When you say the filament "curled back on the nozzle", do you mean it's not adhering to the print surface or underlying layers? If you wound up with a spaghetti Benchy, that usually indicates your bed adhesion is failing. Live-Z calibration can also be a factor. Here are some starter notes to at least eliminate the basics...
-
A dirty PEI print surface. Even if you don't think this is the cause, it's always a good idea to make sure your PEI surface is clean before trying any other fixes. If it's a smooth PEI sheet, take it to the kitchen sink and give it a good dunk with Dawn (original formula, no vinegar or hand softener variants) dishwashing soap or your local equivalent (e.g. Fairy in UK). Use a clean paper towel to clean it off, and another to dry it. Avoid using any sponge or cloth that has been in contact with grease. Above all else, avoid touching the PEI print surface. Once it's good and clean, you should be able to use 91%+ isopropyl alcohol between prints, 100% acetone when that fails , and another dunk when acetone fails. Worst-case, use a 3M 7445 ScotchBrite pad or equivalent on smooth PEI to give it a very light buff, but only infrequently. If you've got a textured powder-coated PEI print surface, the official instructions are to use 91%+ isopropyl alcohol on it only. Rumors persist that some tribes deep in the jungle have had good luck getting started with these sheets by giving them a wipe with 100% acetone and a dunk with Dawn. Either way, there's no real warranty on these sheets. YMMV.
-
If you have not already done so, try using Jeff Jordan's "Life Adjust" procedure for calibrating your Live-Z setting. It is much easier to use and understand than the on-board routine. It's much easier to make mid-print adjustments accurately with. In general, start high (less negative) and work lower (more negative) in large increments (e.g. 0.1mm) until the filament starts to stick on its own. When you've got your Live-Z setting adjusted properly, you should be able to gently rub the extruded lines on the PEI surface without dislodging them. Then start lowering (more negative) the level until there are no gaps between layers.
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