Extruder clicking/slipping  

RE: Extruder clicking/slipping

I just experienced the same issue with the clicking noice and the material (Prusament PLA) is not properly extruded. I tried do unload the filament by setting the nozzle to 250 degree but without success. It looks like the filament is stucked in the PTFE tube as it follows up/down a few mm if I move the extruder manually in the settings menu. 

Looks like I have to disassemble everything 🙁

Please share any tips! 

RE: Extruder clicking/slipping

Posted by: Johan

I just experienced the same issue with the clicking noice and the material (Prusament PLA) is not properly extruded. I tried do unload the filament by setting the nozzle to 250 degree but without success. It looks like the filament is stucked in the PTFE tube as it follows up/down a few mm if I move the extruder manually in the settings menu. 

Looks like I have to disassemble everything 🙁

Don't go tearing things apart just yet...

1. Raise Z to max.
2. Open the extruder housing door.
3. Inspect the top of the white PTFE tube below the gear. If you can see the top of the snapped filament, use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to pull it out. If this worked, you're done.
4. Set nozzle temp to 285C.
5. Use a 6in/15cm 1.5mm rod (e.g. brass available from hobby stores) or a small hex wrench to poke down from the top, past the open Bondtech gear and into the PTFE tube. With any luck, you'll be able to push the stuck bit down into the hotend where it'll melt and be extracted, or at least far enough you can feed filament down after it. Brace the extruder with your free hand to avoid twisting, and don't press too hard. If the stuck filament moved and was extruded, you're done.
6. You can also try removing the nozzle and poking from above or below. Read up on the E3D recommended nozzle changing procedure! If this worked, you're done.
7. If you encounter an obstruction that won't ease out, try holding the rod with pliers and pushing from below. The rod will heat up and hopefully melt whatever's blocking the path, poking up and out of the PTFE tube to where you can grab it. If this worked, you're done.

RE: Extruder clicking/slipping

Posted by: bobstro

 

Don't go tearing things apart just yet...

Do you mean the filament snapped below the Bondtech gear but above the hotend? These aren't a big deal. Try this:

1. Raise Z to max.
2. Open the extruder housing door.
3. Inspect the top of the white PTFE tube below the gear. If you can see the top of the snapped filament, use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to pull it out. If this worked, you're done.
4. Set nozzle temp to 285C.
5. Use a 6in/15cm 1.5mm rod (e.g. brass available from hobby stores) or a small hex wrench to poke down from the top, past the open Bondtech gear and into the PTFE tube. With any luck, you'll be able to push the stuck bit down into the hotend where it'll melt and be extracted, or at least far enough you can feed filament down after it. Brace the extruder with your free hand to avoid twisting, and don't press too hard. If the stuck filament moved and was extruded, you're done.
6. You can also try removing the nozzle and poking from above or below. Read up on the E3D recommended nozzle changing procedure! If this worked, you're done.
7. If you encounter an obstruction that won't ease out, try holding the rod with pliers and pushing from below. The rod will heat up and hopefully melt whatever's blocking the path, poking up and out of the PTFE tube to where you can grab it. If this worked, you're done.

I've got pictures of the process here.

 

If none of these steps clear the blockage, you may be looking at tearing down the extruder. 

The filament has not snapped and is stucked. I tried to unload and load by manually move the extruder but without success. At the same time I tried to push/pull with my hand but not sure how much force I can use. I managed to get the filament pulled back 3-4 cm but that's it. Now it just moves up and down a few mm and the PTFE tubes moves with filament.

I'll try to set the nozzle temp to 285C and do it once again.

Thanks for all the tips and link to the guide with pictures!