Probable clog in the steel ball assembly
I had a filament jam which caused a blob of filament just above the bondtech gears. I have been able to snip of the blob. However, I seem to still have a blockage somewhere between the filament sensor cover and the bond tech gears (filament goes in ca 2 cm before refusing to go further); so probably somewhere in the steel ball assembly. What is the easiest way to resolve this? Can I remove the ball assembly?
Could I slide out the ball assembly after doing steps 4 and 5 from 'How to replace a hotend PTFE tube?' Would that work?
Thanks!
Jan
RE: Probable clog in the steel ball assembly
Maybe not quite so easy. Read through the comments under Step #7 here; there might be something useful for your issue:
https://help.prusa3d.com/guide/5-e-axis-assembly_169235
Good luck!
RE: Probable clog in the steel ball assembly
Thanks for the link. Some comments mention issues with getting this part in, which could indicate that getting it out is also tricky.
In the pictures under step #6 I don't see anything that would prevent the steel ball assembly to slide out. So, I'll just try and see. Getting it back in might be tricky as I have to get the filament sensor arm to move out of the way. Fingers crossed.
I suspect that the actual issue might be just under the steel ball assembly. But currently I can't reach/see there, so I'll have to remove that part anyway.
RE: Probable clog in the steel ball assembly
You need to follow the directions in reverse and disassemble it.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Probable clog in the steel ball assembly
Ok. I did release the screws at in step #4 from How to replace a hotend PTFE tube and opened up the hotend approx 3 mm. After that I was able to remove the ball assembly. Remove the blob of filament and reassemble. I put some photo's and remarks below in case anybody else has to do this.
Thanks for the help!
The ball assembly has a point on the side facing the front, so you'll need some space to get it out:
Below the extruder opened up partially; enough to remove the ball assembly
To insert (or remove) the ball assembly you'll have to insert it front first (to get the point into the hole):
This was in the tube just below the ball assembly. Not sure how that happened.
RE: Probable clog in the steel ball assembly
Glad you got it sorted and that you didn’t have to completely disassemble the hotend.
Cheers