Clogged Hotend?
During our last MK3 print, we ended up with what appears to be a clogged hotend. I started with the “Clogged hotend” article: https://help.prusa3d.com/article/WWVRzOY1dX-clogged-hotend
I cannot unload the filament even after heating to 280°. So, I followed the directions to disassemble and inspect the PTFE tube: https://manual.prusa3d.com/Guide/How+to+change+a+PTFE+tube+-+MK3-MK2.5/761
I’m stuck on step 5 as I can’t remove the extruder cover part after removing all the specified screws. It has a bit of give along the bottom portion but doesn’t move at all along the top. It is almost as if it has been welded to the rear extruder cover.
There is a fine white powder on the hotend and nearby parts. I’m not sure if that information is helpful.
I’ve attached a few photos.
Any advice?
Thanks!
geoff
RE: Clogged Hotend?
It might help if you said what filament you were using, and what hot end temperature.
That white powder is a new one...
RE: Clogged Hotend?
Sorry about that – Hatchbox PETG @ 250°
RE: Clogged Hotend?
Nosy me: Filled Hatchbox or plain?
I know their black is 230-260 and hydrophobic.
Sorry I am not helping you disassemble - but I am trying to figure out what caused it. We do have a lot of people really good on the mechanical end.
Pretty much anymore I print at the highest temperature on the label, and back it off if I get stringing.
RE: Clogged Hotend?
@robert-rmm200
I'm not sure if it is filled or plain. The box says the temperature range is 220-250. The part number is simply 3D PETG-1KG1.75-ORN.
I'm not sure exactly what happened since my students encountered the printer before I did. They said it reported some kind of an error; perhaps that it had run out of filament. However, there was still plenty of filament. If I had to guess, I would say that an error was encountered and the hotend remained heated and not printing for many hours before the error was noticed.
If I have to, I will take a Dremel to the extruder cover parts and then print or purchase replacement ones. I'm hoping someone has some less destructive advice!