Big woes after build
Hi all,
I started my i3 V2 build on Friday and completed it yesterday. The build itself went better than expected with selftest all going well and everything aligned nicely first time. Getting the probe dialed in went O.K so on the surface I was all set after couple of calibrations. Live Z adjust went perfect and before long I had an immaculate looking first layer.
About 10 minutes into the print I noticed that the filament wasn't spinning so I looked under only to see I was air printing. It was quite clear there was a blockage so I set about trying an unload cycle. This didn't work so I pre-heated the nozzle and thought I'd be able to back off the tension and pull out the filament. Unfortunately that didn't work. I then proceeded to take apart the extruder carriage which I'd just freshly cable tied nice and neat.
Upon disassembly and inspection it was clear there was a massive blockage. The PTFE tube was swollen and I had no choice but to rip it all out. I had some spare PTFE but none of the pneumatic push fit pieces so I took a gamble and after a massive clean up (took ages) put it back together.
Everything seemed O.K so I printed the Batman file from the memory card (which worked great) then called it a night as it was now 03:00 A.M.
Started another print this morning and blow me if 15 minutes in it didn't block up again.
I've just stripped it down for the 2nd time and again it's a right mess. The spare Zip ties that came with the kit are going to come in handy at this rate.
Thing is I don't want to replace the tube and hope for the best, something clearly isn't right.
I do have plently of 3D printing experience but this is my first E3D hot end.
I'm not sure I can save the hot end this time it's in there like a winner.
Any thought would be much appreciated.
Re: Big woes after build
Does anyone know somewhere in the uk that sells the little push fit compression do-dah's that go in the top of the extruder please?
Managed to unclog again but I don't want to go back in without the bit mentioned above.
Cheers.
Re: Big woes after build
Hi, Sharron, I've been having clogging issues too and noticed my teflon tube was deformed at the portion that sticks out above the heatbreak, just like yours from the sound of it. I'm looking into ordering a replacement.
When you say the push fit compression do-dah, do you mean the small black gasket-type fitting that's around the ptfe tube at the top of the heatbreak? I'd wager e3d supplies them, which is where I plan on looking for replacement tubing, but I think I just need 2mm tubing of the right length for mine.
Re: Big woes after build
Hi,
Yes the little gasket is what I'm after. E3D do several push fit pieces but I can't see specifically which one is for me.
The PTFE liner you're looking for is fairly common. I purchased a couple of metres from ebay a while ago as I used it on other printers. it's 4mm diameter 2mm inner PTFE.
I've ordered a couple of the compression gaskets from E3D of the one that looks most like what I need but I might be barking up the wrong tree.
So frustrating that I've had 2 major clogs and only 1 success. Using Prusa supplied filament, fully calibrated.
Re: Big woes after build
After a further strip out and rebuild I have noticed that a faulty fan is probably the root cause.
Seems to kick in and stop from time to time.
Should have picked up sooner than 3rd time as this isn't my first rodeo.
You don't expect this on a brand new build/ fan though. Missed the obvious and kicking myself.
I think I was threw by the other fan making enough noise for two that I missed it.
Re: Big woes after build
It seems that the Octoprint's temperature graph capabilities are one of the most useful tool for debugging the printer.
Re: Big woes after build
Make sure fans are set to 100% or nothing as required.. Many fans do not do PWM well. Within the software and hardware/firmware you use.
Nigel
Life is keeping interested and excited by knowledge and new things.
Re: Big woes after build
Thanks for reply dimo and merv.
Fan was 100% faulty. I have just replaced with a fan I purchased online and it kicks in and fires up and more importantly stays on.
This last strip down and rebuild was a total PITA. the filament was in there like a boss.
As luck would have it I have a fantastic needle nozzle for my metcal soldering iron which helped me clear a mountain of the clog.
Got the gasket from E3D and rebuilt this morning and thats in and everything is as it should be.
Two prints in now and it's looking good.
Very disappointed that a stock brand new fan has caused me a week of frustration..... on the other hand whilst I ordered the gasket I ordered a hardened metal nozzle so thats on and ready for som CF filament.