Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
Hi!
As stated in the title, the printer is printing without any filament coming out. How do I go about checking what can be the issue? Do I disassemble the entire print head? Also what is the auto loading function supposed to do? Grab the filament and put it into position? For me it doesn't seem to do anything at all.
RE: Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
Verify that the filament feed path is free of excessive friction and feeds smoothly. Check to make sure the extruder tension screw(s) are tight enough to grip and feed the filament yet not so tight as to grind. The auto-feed feature should grab filament as you insert it from the top and feed it down into the hotend where it will start extruding. If you've done these steps and it's not feeding, are you hearing any clicking or grinding noises as it attempts to feed? A clogged hotend or nozzle will usually result in noises as it attempts to feed.
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RE: Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
Verify that the filament feed path is free of excessive friction and feeds smoothly. Check to make sure the extruder tension screw(s) are tight enough to grip and feed the filament yet not so tight as to grind. The auto-feed feature should grab filament as you insert it from the top and feed it down into the hotend where it will start extruding. If you've done these steps and it's not feeding, are you hearing any clicking or grinding noises as it attempts to feed? A clogged hotend or nozzle will usually result in noises as it attempts to feed.
I am having the same issue on one printer off and on. @bobstro is spot-on correct. It is most likely the tension screw. If that does not work, check the alignment of your Bondtech drive gears and make sure the pin hold to the door is attached to both sides securely.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
Verify that the filament feed path is free of excessive friction and feeds smoothly. Check to make sure the extruder tension screw(s) are tight enough to grip and feed the filament yet not so tight as to grind. The auto-feed feature should grab filament as you insert it from the top and feed it down into the hotend where it will start extruding. If you've done these steps and it's not feeding, are you hearing any clicking or grinding noises as it attempts to feed? A clogged hotend or nozzle will usually result in noises as it attempts to feed.
I will do that ASAP and come back with the results. I am not hearing any clicking sound at all. Oh one thing I forgot to mention is that unloading works just fine.
RE: Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
This is what it looks like. Seems as if it is unable to feed properly and only grinds the filament?
RE: Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
Verify that the filament feed path is free of excessive friction and feeds smoothly. Check to make sure the extruder tension screw(s) are tight enough to grip and feed the filament yet not so tight as to grind. The auto-feed feature should grab filament as you insert it from the top and feed it down into the hotend where it will start extruding. If you've done these steps and it's not feeding, are you hearing any clicking or grinding noises as it attempts to feed? A clogged hotend or nozzle will usually result in noises as it attempts to feed.
I will do that ASAP and come back with the results. I am not hearing any clicking sound at all. Oh one thing I forgot to mention is that unloading works just fine.
I do not always have clicking.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
Has it ever printed correctly? One thing nobody ever told me was that the filament must go onto the printer without unwinding even one loop. If it does, the filament will get stuck on the spool. Took me weeks before I figured that out.
RE: Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
@imgod
Please more info,
loading ok?
it even does not start printing?
what fillament? etc. when you provide at the beginning as much as possible information, you spare your and helpers time, so they do not need to forecast from crystal globe what your printer could do.
even an old man can learn new things 🙂
Standard I3 mk3s, MMU2S, Prusa Enclosure, Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer, Windows 10
PRUSA MINI+ Prusalink + Prusa Connect
RE: Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
is the extruder temperature set to above 170C?
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: Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
This thread was at the top of google for me when I was looking for assistance, I hope it solves this issue or a future issue
This will cover 3 different things that could make the filament not extrude (that have happened to me over the past month)
1. This should have been more obvious and took less time to figure out but the clear PLA filament decided to break where the gear forces it down, then it forced it down into the white guide tube and extruded, and then stopped. So looking at the top of the white tube you cant see anything because it is clear, and when you disassemble it you also may not see it.
*** For 1 and 2 - if you disassemble the head always take a piece filament and put it thru the white guide tube just to make sure it is clear. Even if this isnt why you disassembled it, just do this anyway is my suggestion.
2. When I changed from clear PLA to a PET a tiny chunk was left or stuck or just in the white tube that goes to the tip. The shape or something just wouldnt allow forcing it thru the white tube. After 7ish disassembly's, I discovered this was the issue.
3. Today everything seemed normal and it would extrude filament sorta but no. I could force the filament with my hand and it would extrude. So if you can do that, this is the solution. First, you shouldn't be able to do that in general. The issue is the screw that tightens the feeder gear to the motor rod got loose, and if your printer is around 2 years old, its probably loose. Its possible to tighten thru that little door which is what I did, so definitely try that first, else "see manual for disassembly instructions"
RE:
This topic has been idle since 2019
It sounds like you have a MK3S, but didn't think it was necessary to tell us, I am going to give it a WAG instead of a SWAG.
#2 is a 2 minute fix on a slow day without disassembly. I have done it successfully in the middle of a print job.
It has been discussed here in the forums. You are expending way too much physical energy.
#3 My printer is way over 2 years old and the grub screw has not loosened.
Quality is the Journey, not the Destination. My limited prints->
RE: Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
I also hope it resolves this or a future problem.
RE: Printer is "printing" but no filament is coming out
Closing as the reporter did not respond for more than 3 years
even an old man can learn new things 🙂
Standard I3 mk3s, MMU2S, Prusa Enclosure, Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer, Windows 10
PRUSA MINI+ Prusalink + Prusa Connect