Ongoing Underextrusion and Extruder Stops
I've been having ongoing problems where, during prints, the printer will stop extruding material, causing the print to fail partway through completion like so:
I must say, this is NOT a clogging issue. I have used different nozzles, removed all material from the nozzle, and made sure there is no blockage in the hotend.
When I first started printing, the first handful of prints turned out perfect, but over time, more and more prints started failing, until now almost everything I try to print will fail. My firmware is up to date and I only use Prusa PLAs. I usually run with default Slic3r settings. I've tried using many different tensions on the extruder gear screws: according to the manual, extra tight, barely engaged, and everything in between. I heard that some people's extruder motor will overheat and take chunks out of the filament, but supposedly a firmware patch fixed that, so I don't know what else could be going on.
I'm really at my wit's end here. I contacted Prusa support, and everything ran fine for a while after, but now the issues are back and worse than before. I'd really appreciate a hand, because I'm not sure what else to try at this point.
Re: Ongoing Underextrusion and Extruder Stops
Hi,
I have EXACTLY the same issue... I also use the last firmware, changed the nozzle, etc....
But I have observed that this issue appears with one kind of PLA: Neofil. When I use Polymaker Polymax PLA, everything runs perfect.
So I guess the problem also comes from this Neofil PLA. That's strange cause I have already printed many pieces with it without any issue. My spool is only 2 months old and I always store it in plastic bag with dissicant.
I have also noticed that that big flat prints are more affected... I print a 20cmX5cmX1cm rectangular piece and it always happens between layers 15 and 20.
I really wonder what's going on...
Do you have this issue with all PLA spools?
Regards
Re: Ongoing Underextrusion and Extruder Stops
Do you have this issue with all PLA spools?
The only filaments I've used so far are eSunn PETG (these prints have gone well except for one failure caused by a belt slip), Hatchbox ABS, and two spools of Prusa PLA (ivory and silver). Only with the Prusa PLA have I experienced this exact issue. All the other ones seem to print fairly consistently. That being said, I try to use PLA much more than the other two, so maybe it's just a matter of time before something else gives out.
Re: Ongoing Underextrusion and Extruder Stops
Quick Update:
I was actually able to get some 3D Solutech PLA and tried another print with the same result. Definitely not a material issue.
Re: Ongoing Underextrusion and Extruder Stops
Ok...
In my case the problem only happens with Neofils red PLA. Today I tried to print other 3D files than my faulty rectangular piece with the Neofil PLA...and it worked!
So I have unfortunately no idea what's going on.
I initially thought it was a problem of tension in the extruder bontech gears. But as you said I couldn't find any good settings (loose screws, medium, tight...).
At this point I can't see any reason. Does anybody else have already observe this strange issue?
Re: Ongoing Underextrusion and Extruder Stops
Whats about your room or enclosure temperature ?
Sometime, on such hot days, now 30+ degree in germany, some prints with PLA did not work. Maybe you have the same problem.
Thomas
Re: Ongoing Underextrusion and Extruder Stops
How much "force" do you need to turn your spool? It should be easy to turn. I started to use 2.2kg spools and had that problem with the Ikea Lack enclosure variable spool holders. When I switched to another spool holder those problems were gone.
Re: Ongoing Underextrusion and Extruder Stops
Please check this thread:
there were a few of us who had issues with blockages introduced by heat creep.
Re: Ongoing Underextrusion and Extruder Stops
Whats about your room or enclosure temperature ?
I have a removable enclosure that I take off during PLA prints, and the room is conditioned. It doesn't go above 24C. I printed myself the new extruder enclosure out of PET which supposedly will have an impact on the issue from what I've heard.
Side note, the PET printed just fine. No jams or failures. Makes me think that this is all just a heat-creep issue that affects PLA only. If that's the case, then hopefully the new extruder body will fix things up.