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mathew.p
(@mathew-p)
Active Member
Printing Issue

Hi guys,
Im trying to print PLA on the normal default prusa i3 setting ands the layers are coming out terrible.
Have checked:
Belts and pulleys,
have also changed out the nozzle
Extruder motor keeps clicking as it prints.
Am lost on what to look at next.
Cheers

Posted : 14/02/2016 2:15 am
richard.l
(@richard-l)
Member Moderator
Re: Printing Issue

I fought this problem this morning. My problem was incorrect tension on the filament feed screws. There was enough difference in filament diameter between two different colors from the same company that it created the exact same issue as you.

Posted : 14/02/2016 4:53 am
mathew.p
(@mathew-p)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Printing Issue

Clicking solved but still have the weird extrusion problem.
You were right about to much tension on the screws, thank you.
What size is the pt tube inside the extruder and is there a guide on how to change this somewhere?

Posted : 14/02/2016 9:42 am
PJR
 PJR
(@pjr)
Antient Member Moderator
Re: Printing Issue

Hi Matthew

First use the "Atomic Method" to clean the extruder (from point 3): https://ultimaker.com/en/manuals/149-atomic-method

This will give you an idea of how clean the insides are. If you see any black bits coming out with the filament, then chances are that the PTFE tube is burnt and blocking the filament path.

Josef posted on here recently about this and the possibility of running with a shorter PTFE tube if you don't have any spare (search his posts for "PTFE"). PTFE is 4mm OD and 2mm ID.

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 : 14/02/2016 11:08 am
mathew.p
(@mathew-p)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Printing Issue

Thanks i found your link to the atomic guide yesterday and tried it and was unable to remove the filament once the head cooled to the cooler temperature.
I found the guide josefs guide on changing the tube and pulled it out and im guessing its not supposed to look like this.
I have ordered some more and will replace it.

Posted : 15/02/2016 12:26 am
PJR
 PJR
(@pjr)
Antient Member Moderator
Re: Printing Issue

Hi Mathew

You are correct in that it should not be burnt like that. Apparently, it is possible to cut the end off and still print, leaving it short at the top end. You just have to ensure that the filament loads properly before printing.

Its best to have some spare tubing available, as this can happen. I have found that running out of filament during a print can cause it, but not always.

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 : 15/02/2016 9:49 am
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