Prusa MK3 - Working Solution for Clicking Extruder, Under Extrusion or Inconsistent Prints!
Hello there,
I have seen many forum posts complaining about problems like clicking extruder, under extrusion, etc. But I wasn't able to find any working solution and all suggestions which could help to fix that was like to clean the nozzle, cold filament pulls. But I think that the real problem which is causing this is that the shaft on which is bondtech gear on the idler is too short (20mm) and the distance between two ends in which is this shaft inserted is around 24mm. So you can easily insert just one end and then the bondtech gear will lose traction and will not extrude the filament properly any more or the gears will start to skip teeth.
So this is my video about this topic and I would really like to know your opinions and experience with this problem.
Re: Prusa MK3 - Working Solution for Clicking Extruder, Under Extrusion or Inconsistent Prints!
Seems the length of this shaft is being considered, there was a comment and reply on the 2nd of November in the Mk3 E-axis assembly comments.
"I concur that the 3mm rod seemed too short and a slightly longer rod would go a long way to easy assembly with the tools provided. i was able to use a 3mm bolt with a pair of large adjustable pliers to adjust the pin to have good engagement on both sides. ALTERNATIVELY: I did not try this, but inserting the rod from the opposite side (top side, narrow side, side with the gear teeth) until flush would likely provide an acceptable engagement in both ends.
Jared Ressler - November 2 Reply"
Longer shaft is being tested, also slight redesign of this part is in progress 🙂
Jakub Dolezal - November 2
Re: Prusa MK3 - Working Solution for Clicking Extruder, Under Extrusion or Inconsistent Prints!
Interesting - I just checked my Mk3 - while the shaft was in, and seemed far enough, I pushed it through so both ends were equal-distance. Now the tension screws require a totally different "setting" -- Hmm. Doing a test print right now. But seems I was affected and didn't know it.
Re: Prusa MK3 - Working Solution for Clicking Extruder, Under Extrusion or Inconsistent Prints!
I would concur here. I reprinted my idler, and so had to re-insert the rod. On the new part, it was slightly easier to insert (was using Innofil rather than Rigid Ink PET) and was able to get the rod equidistant. The prints since have improved enormously - to the point where I really literally do not want to take it apart again!
Either another 2mm on the rod or shrinking the edges of the idler fitting would help.