PLA nightmare
Hi,
I don't know if this has happened to anyone here. It would be great to know how you would solve this problem — before I'd pick up a hammer and a chain saw. I gave it a couple of yanks, but it sits there like an alien trying to impregnate the extruder. This is not it's first print though. A few prints came out just fine.
Re: PLA nightmare
Yep, happened to me twice. Once on the MK2s about a year ago, and a month ago on the MK3. Really sucks!!!
Watch this for tips on getting it off...
But as careful was I was, I broke my thermistor wires. Waiting on replacement parts now.
The first time it happened to me was with a part that portions of had a very small footprint. After a few layers, it poped loose and stuck to the nozzle. The second time was with a poorly designed model that I should have watched more closely.
Re: PLA nightmare
Heat up the extruder, so that the PLA becomes soft, and you can gently pull it off.
If you try to force it, you'll damage the wires going to the thermistor and heater cartridge.
Re: PLA nightmare
Heat the extruder. Try to remove the fan shroud. It's always in the way when doing this.
Wait for a while. You want it heated through. Be a man, and grab that 150c+ molten plastic with your fingers like I did, and gently pull it off with your fingers, avoiding the hot spots, you will find with your temp probes. (you have 10, so if you break a few by finding hot spots, you have extras)
On the smart side, grab a paper towel, and once the blob is soft, give it a tug and see if it's coming lose, if it is, give it a few jiggles, I don't know how to explain it, but "jiggling" it eases the release. Pull STRAIGHT DOWN. If you pull any other direction you are likely going to make things worse. If you feel like something is caught... don't force it. Wait a while longer.Typically you can get them off without any damage. Looks a bit worse for wear, but typically, no damage.
NOTE: Don't actually use your fingers. It hurts, and when the plastic sticks to you, it gives a lot of pain, with the potential for a burn... and I don't want to hear "Well Sean said..." Yes, but Sean also said "Don't be an idiot, just because I am."
Hi, I'm Sean. I used to work on CNC machines.
I try to not make mistakes, but the decision is YOURS.
Please feel free to donate to my filament/maintance fund.
Re: PLA nightmare
Haha, thanks Sean, Tore and George!
I'll have a wack at it after work. I usually stay and make sure that the first layer is printed properly - that's were it failed - but I was too tired/lazy. This[mk3] is actually my third printer - if a SLA printer counts. I got a CR-10 S5 as well, and had a similar clogging, but not this BIG :shock:. I've been printing stuff about a year, and need to learn a lot more. Patiens is probably the most important thing when it comes to 3D-printing.
May the force be with you!
-- Update --
Yep, I broke the damn thermistor cable — just like George; what did I say about patiens :D. I've ordered a new Hotend. Wouldn't it be great to add a sensor near that area to stop the print when the molten filament start crawling up the extruder.