Filament catches on the nozzle during printing
So, this has been a thorn in my side for some time now. When I print anything, even run a first layer calibration, the extruded filament will seem to jump, and catch onto the edge of the nozzle. I've ran a cold pull procedure several times, chemically cleaned the nozzle (which seemed to help for about a day before the problem returned), and tried clearing the nozzle with the supplied acupuncture needle. Nothing seems to be helping, not even lowering the Z-distance from the nozzle to the bed. Any suggestions or solutions are appreciated. COVID-19 has me stir crazy not being able to print things.
Best Answer by bobstro:
So, this has been a thorn in my side for some time now. When I print anything, even run a first layer calibration, the extruded filament will seem to jump, and catch onto the edge of the nozzle. I've ran a cold pull procedure several times, chemically cleaned the nozzle (which seemed to help for about a day before the problem returned), and tried clearing the nozzle with the supplied acupuncture needle. Nothing seems to be helping, not even lowering the Z-distance from the nozzle to the bed. Any suggestions or solutions are appreciated. COVID-19 has me stir crazy not being able to print things.
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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.
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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 and 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. You should not be able to peel the lines apart after printing, but the top should be regular.
RE: Filament catches on the nozzle during printing
EDIT: The filament catches on the nozzle frequently, but there are instances when it will not. It will jump onto the nozzle edge, then jump back onto the build plate. But if say, I'm printing supports where the axis makes repeated up and down movements, the filament will simply build up on itself, making a bad extruder blob.
RE: Filament catches on the nozzle during printing
if you are printing PETG, try reducing the Flow Rate to say 90%
If the printer is slightly over extruding, PETG tends to get picked up on the nozzle where as with PLA the nozzle tends to push the filament out of the way.
If you are slicing your own models try making the extrusion multiplier 0.95 instead of 1, for petg...
regards 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: Filament catches on the nozzle during printing
@joantabb
Thanks, but I'm using PLA filament. Probably should've clarified that.
RE: Filament catches on the nozzle during printing
So, this has been a thorn in my side for some time now. When I print anything, even run a first layer calibration, the extruded filament will seem to jump, and catch onto the edge of the nozzle. I've ran a cold pull procedure several times, chemically cleaned the nozzle (which seemed to help for about a day before the problem returned), and tried clearing the nozzle with the supplied acupuncture needle. Nothing seems to be helping, not even lowering the Z-distance from the nozzle to the bed. Any suggestions or solutions are appreciated. COVID-19 has me stir crazy not being able to print things.
-
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 and 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. You should not be able to peel the lines apart after printing, but the top should be regular.
RE: Filament catches on the nozzle during printing
@bobstro
Ah how archetypal. We Mechanicus always favor overly complicated solutions over the most basic and simple ones; praying machines to work with burning incense and overlooking the obvious solution.
Thank you very much. Cleaning the printing plate worked like a charm. Thank you so much for the help. I really appreciate it.
RE: Filament catches on the nozzle during printing
Glad you got it fixed. Happy printing.