CLICK-CLICK-CLICK with TPU
This is my first time with Overture TPU filament (or any TPU filament). When I load it, the extruder starts clicking. Is that expected? I have been also changing the settings (particularly speed settings) to roughly 1/2 of what they are for PLA (based on comment crumbs left from Googling). Thank you.
RE: CLICK-CLICK-CLICK with TPU
I'd start with the PrusaSlicer flex filament settings, which have worked well for you. And no, the extruder shouldn't be clicking. Make sure you loosen the idler screw to just catch.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...
RE: CLICK-CLICK-CLICK with TPU
Clicketyclick noises with flexible filaments are rarely good news. I ignored it and that is what happened:
The softer the filament the less it likes pressure while going through the gears. I ended up with the idler tension screw so loose that it just about grabs the thread.
RE: CLICK-CLICK-CLICK with TPU
I had the same problem, loosened the extruder screws about 1 + turn. Too much is also a problem. While fiddling with it just doing a Purge with the extruder screws way out, the TPU did ball up in the extruder. I removed the TPU it and purged with PLA to clean out the extruder. Tried again with the extruder screws only out about 1-2 turns from normal.
You may have to adjust temperature as well. I rarely print TPU, I have a small roll of "Eryone TPU Black". Used the Extruder Flex SemiSoft filament setting in Prusa Slicer 2.6.1 input shaper 0.4 nozzle. Prints very nicely now at 215/50.
RE: CLICK-CLICK-CLICK with TPU
In my experience, the click-click-click is the extruder trying to push the filament against an effectively clogged nozzle. Sometimes this is the result of an actual clog, but if you are changing filament types, from one printed with a hotter temperature to one printed with a lower temperature, it is likely the result of having some residual filament of the old, higher melting point, still in the nozzle. Try setting the temperature to the temperature for the old filament when loading the TPU, and when it starts moving the filament down into the nozzle immediately set the temperature down to what you want for the TPU. I've had this problem frequently when changing from nylon to PLA or PETG, or PETG to PLA.
RE: CLICK-CLICK-CLICK with TPU
Thank you for the reply and suggestion. It could be that, although I did push some PLA through along with backing out the Exruder gear screws. Working fine now, although TPU is a bit tough to keep the nozzle clear. I've been able to get my prints made. I won't miss printing with TPU though 🙂