Printer wont extrude  

Re: Printer wont extrude

Hi Tomas

What temperature is being displayed on the LCD?

Raise the Z axis to 100mm, remove the 2 screws which clamp the filament in place, and check the filament is loaded correctly into the top of the PTFE tube.

Heat the extruder to 200 degrees and try to push the filament through manually. It should push in without too much pressure, but quite slowly and hopefully it will come out the nozzle.

Peter

Re: Printer wont extrude

I am trying to print with PLA and use the preset preheat (210 C)

Okey I will try this when I get home!

Some questions on what is the next step after this:

What should I do if nothing comes out? Try to see if there is any filament stuck (even tho i havent used the printer successfully yet) and Give the nozzle and "tube" a bath of acetone to disolve the eventual plastic?

If I am able to push filament through the nozzle, does this mean that the problem is elsewhere? (i'm thinking to low torque on the "E-Motor" )

Tomas

Re: Printer wont extrude

Hi Tomas

An acetone bath will not dissolve PLA, only ABS and therefore it is not worth doing.

There are two options when you manually push the filament through:

1. It works; this probably means the filament tensioning screws were not tight enough; it could also indicate an issue with the motor wiring.

2. It does not work which would indicate a blockage further down the extruder (past the motor) or a heating issue.

Unfortunately, this will be a "one step at a time" exercise. Let us know how things go after you have tried the first step.

Peter

Re: Printer wont extrude

As Peter said on point 1, also make sure the tension screws aren't too tight. If you hear the extruder motor clicking when trying to extrude filament you probably have the tension screws too tight.

Re: Printer wont extrude

Okey i have now testet it
and it does not work

Re: Printer wont extrude

Hi Tomas

Can you be a bit more specific please. I presume you mean that you have heated the extruder and attempted to manually feed some filament and the filament would not push through?

If that is the case, can you please upload a couple of pictures:

1. From the left side of the extruder through the hole looking at the drive gear
2. The nozzle and heater block

Thanks

Peter

Re: Printer wont extrude

Hi Peter,

Thank you for the fast reply!

Drive gear from side (testet it it is loading the filament):
zoomed in:

From Above with the tension screws unscrewed:

Nozzle and block front/left:
Nozzle and block front/right:

I tried to do an extrude 150mm filament, and the "blob" at the nozzle is the result...

Tomas

Edit: Yes I tried to push the filament manually, nothing extruded

Re: Printer wont extrude

OK Tomas

Looks like your nozzle is a bit of a mess for a new printer, but I can't see anything there which would cause your problem.

You could try a nozzle clean - use the "Atomic Method" from step 3 here: https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/149-atomic-method

However, it may well be that it won't help, in which case, you should contact support - use the "live chat" facility on the shop pages and give them a link to this thread.

Peter

Re: Printer wont extrude

hehe Ye I've tried to unscrew it which explaines the marks om nozzle/block!
Okey I will try the Method!

Thanks you for the help!

Tomas

Re: Printer wont extrude

Tomas

Always use proper spanners (7mm + 17mm) when working with the nozzle. And only ever loosen/tighten when at working temperature.

If you do anything other than the above, then you could shear off the nozzle or damage the threads.

Best place for replacement nozzles is E3D direct: http://e3d-online.com/E3D-v6/Extra-Nozzles

Do not buy from eBay as the vast majority are Chinese copies which generally are nothing like as good.

Peter

Re: Printer wont extrude

Okey, i used the nipper as shown in the instruction, but stopped trying when i saw the damage it did instead of actually doing any good! Thanks! replacing the Nozzle will be my first step if the atomic doesn't work! if that dont help i'll just order a new extruder kit and use some proper tools

I would never buy chinese copies ^^ Been working toward china my entire career and know first hand how bad their "quality" is ^^

Tomas

Re: Printer wont extrude

Hi Tomas

If you do want to buy a new hot end, then go for the V6 and not the Lite6. It is a tad more expensive, but you won't have issues with the PTFE tubing.

However, I don't believe you will need a new hot end, at most, just a new nozzle. There are a few spares you should also consider; PTFE tube and fans are always worth having as far as the extruder goes. You may also need a few bearings after a while.

Peter

Re: Printer wont extrude

Yep the atomic method on the Ultiimaker works well for many printers. It does work. I have used it on mine.

Bearings if lubricated with sewing machine oil every now and then will last a long time. (Do not use WD40) The Z screws will need the same oil every 6 months, they move less. A 3D printer is a bit like a sewing machine. And needs maintenance every now and then. 😀

Re: Printer wont extrude

Personally, I would never recommend lubricating the bearings, as that brings its own set of problems. It is probably also why Josef does not make mention of lubricating bearings and other moving parts.

When I have used any lube (ranging from light machine oil to copper or PTFE grease), I have had to replace the bearings quite quickly.

Most environments where 3D printers are located are quite dusty. This dust will stick to any lube and build up to a fine grit. The bearings in these printers are not sealed (unlike sewing machines etc) so the grit will get into them and cause premature wear.

Peter

Re: Printer wont extrude

Peter,

My comment above is recommended by many 3D printer manufacturers, the use of sewing machine oil every 6 months on linear bearing rods. You sir are a source of misinformation and bias. Whatever I say you will be contrary. I mention the above, as recommended by Ultimaker and other manufacturers of professional printers.

What do you think is the oil applied within linear bearings when you built your so called genuine Prusa I3.

Re: Printer wont extrude

Nigel

I bow to your far superior knowledge in this (and other) matters. I promise I will try not to correct your mistakes again.

Peter

Re: Printer wont extrude

https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/150-lubricating-the-axes

Re: Printer wont extrude

@Peter being patronising/sarcastic is a very low above.! Your comment above..... Seems a new low here.

I have genuine respect for you, however you maybe not always be right.

Re: Printer wont extrude

Meanwhile my Prusa I3 is printing over 24 hours again.