Flexible filament not detected
I'm experiencing a strage behaviour. Trying to print a combination of PETG and Flex (Extrudr 58D). I'm using MK3/MMU2S with latest firmware.
As soon as the Flex is to be printed, the printhead doesn't detect the filament properly (or this is what I assume). Filament comes pouring out, but the lateral movement (either the pre-print stripe in single mode) nor on the wiping tower starts. All I get is this.
I tried to follow other forum suggestions, but no change. To me it seems as if it's transported well but not recognized at the nozzle. The MMU2S detects and feeds fine.
Any suggestions?
RE: Flexible filament not detected
Since flexible filament is squishier, it may not be pushing the extruder idler gear out far enough to trigger the filament sensor at the extruder. Remove the tubing to the extruder, bring up the sensor info menu, then loosen the screws on top to allow the IR sensor assembly to slide, then adjust it until it triggers when an actual piece of flexible filament is pushed in. I found it to be very touchy, and it might not be possible at all with sufficiently soft filament.
RE: Flexible filament not detected
@kpreid
Hi, I had the same behavier with my MK3S too. After reliable work with TPU it starts after months. Loosen idler screw is mandantory while printing flex. In my Case this was not enough. I have to readjust the IR sensor. My hint is: when printing flex the Filament Sensor must be able to detect the Filament. This may Work with hard PLA but flex is squezed a little and this can bei a problem with flex. The printer is sill working with non- flex and cause a lot of headache.
Thomas
RE: Flexible filament not detected
Thanks for the tip, you have helped me a lot!
RE: Flexible filament not detected
Thank you RaBu63 and kpreid for posting the issue and a fix. I’ve been struggling for 2 days with FilaFlex40. Once I got over the filament not feeding or wrapping around the MMU or extruded gears, I’ve been baffled by the filament pouring out during the initial purge / pre print stripe but no X axis movement!
The only addition to this post is that I ended up having to TIGHTEN the extruder idler screw from 3 threads showing in the nut to only 1/2 (only visible on top but not back or bottom). Otherwise the filament sensor was either on or off, irrespective of wether filament was loaded.
Just try an idler screw setting, feed a piece of filament into the bondetech gears, adjust the Sensor housing location so the filament is detected, then pull the filament out and check the sensor drops to zero.