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K6TJO
(@k6tjo)
Estimable Member
Filament Stopped Extruding

I am having a hard time trying to print with PLA. My most recent problem is that material has stopped extruding. The material won't extrude or retract. The gears moves like it wants to push/pull the PLA material but nothing happens.

My thought is that the gear inside the extruder is clogged but before I get too far ahead I wanted to post here to see what other advice I can get.

Thank you.

Posted : 22/10/2015 7:28 pm
K6TJO
(@k6tjo)
Estimable Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

There is a whole lot of grease on this roller which is probably causing it to slip. What is that goo?

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=97E3C4B2C3B90E23!290103&authkey=!AGs2z1nGtRQdu-Y&ithint=video%2cmp4

Posted : 23/10/2015 7:54 pm
K6TJO
(@k6tjo)
Estimable Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

The filament is really stuck. I heated up the extruder and attempted to push/pull the filament through it. The filament won't budge at all so I would like to have some advice on the next steps.

Thanks

Posted : 23/10/2015 8:41 pm
K6TJO
(@k6tjo)
Estimable Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

After noticing that I was unable to push/pull the filament through the extruder I opened it up more. I grabbed the filament with some plyers to get some leverage and gently pulled it free. I found that a build-up of filament was created on top of the metal extruder. The lip fused a bit to the orange housing which was why it would not move freely.

After clearing the jam and cleaning out the housing and burl-gear inside I loaded up the filament to run filament through it. I still noticed it was not coming out as nicely as I wanted so I pulled out the filament when I notice that that the build-up was starting again. This image shows a bulge where the buildup was beginning again.

I am going to try again using another brand of PLA to see if it happens again.

I hope Prusa can shed some light on this. Thanks

Posted : 24/10/2015 4:02 pm
K6TJO
(@k6tjo)
Estimable Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

Jammed again! 😐

Posted : 24/10/2015 4:31 pm
jack.z
(@jack-z)
Eminent Member
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

Hi, I could be wrong but if that's an e3d hot end, shouldn't there be a short stretch of tubing extending from the top of the metal hot end? If you have the tube, I think it would funnel your filament into the hot end without any of it having the chance to fuse outside the opening.

Here's an image of what I'm talking about.

Posted : 25/10/2015 12:04 pm
K6TJO
(@k6tjo)
Estimable Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

Interesting but such a tube is not part of this nozzle.

Posted : 25/10/2015 3:15 pm
jack.z
(@jack-z)
Eminent Member
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

Ah you are right. Well the version of the Prusa i3 that I just bought (1.75mm version) came with a e3d v6 hot end.

You can purchase the upgrade from them: http://shop.prusa3d.com/en/3d-printer-parts/71-prusa-i3-plus-285-mm-to-175-mm-upgrade-kit.html

I'm not sure about your setup, but this one also cools the "cold end" of the hot end with a fan that blows across the fins. This way the filament can't melt until it hits the intended hot end. You should also try printing in ABS. ABS melts at a much higher temperature so it may resist melting until it gets through the metal opening.

Posted : 26/10/2015 5:33 am
Josef Průša
(@josef-prusa)
Member Admin
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

Sorry for late reply, it seems to me, like your extruder fan is not working. Also check material guides on our websites how to print pla.

Founder and owner / Majitel a zakladatel
Posted : 27/10/2015 2:05 pm
K6TJO
(@k6tjo)
Estimable Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

Hmm. I did no notice the fan not working but I'll examine that and report back. As far as PLA and the materials. I do follow your instructions closely.

Posted : 27/10/2015 3:07 pm
Dartanelo
(@dartanelo)
Active Member
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

Hey Tim thanks for the info. I just switched to PLA as well and had my extruder stop working tonight. I will take a look tomorrow to see if it seems we are having the same problem.

Posted : 28/10/2015 3:38 am
K6TJO
(@k6tjo)
Estimable Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

I got mine working again. Tip for PLA. Wash your build plate with soap and water then re-apply juice and glue. The first layer is hard to lay down but starting fresh seems to work (at least for me). Let me know how it goes

Posted : 21/11/2015 4:42 pm
PJR
 PJR
(@pjr)
Antient Member Moderator
Re: Filament Stopped Extruding

Hi Tim

Better tip for PLA: Blue tape. Works every time, all the time. I use a bed temperature of between 35 and 60 degrees depending on size of print (larger = hotter).

Peter

Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…

Posted : 22/11/2015 2:07 pm
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