Filament sensor questions
I know that there is a sensor in the head as well as in the external sensor blocks. What I'm curious about it:
1) Does turning off the sensor in the software (LCD panel option) turn off monitoring of the external sensors only, or does it also disable the sensor in the toolhead?
2) If turning that option off only disables the external sensor, will the print still pause and allow for feeding new filament / changing the filament roll when the sensor in the toolhead senses the filament out condition?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight!
RE: Filament sensor questions
Good questions - inquiring minds want to know!
RE: Filament sensor questions
I would like to know this, too.
The filament handling on the XL multitool printer SUCKS.
Senior Life member of IEEE.
RE: Filament sensor questions
I'm still in the queue waiting for mine, but I'd also like to know this. My current plan is to mount my spools above and feed them directly into the extruders, and thus illuminating the side sensor and bowden tubes.
RE: Filament sensor questions
My current plan is to mount my spools above and feed them directly into the extruders
I made a system to deliver filament from above for soft filaments like TPU. It's a much less tortuous path than stock. Click on the pictures to see the whole thing. I have the models for this system available for purchase in the Printables store.
RE: Filament sensor questions
How do you find it with both tool heads in use? Does it snag at all? Hopefully it’ll work for 5.
RE: Filament sensor questions
No snags at all. In fact, the standard setup snags a lot even with one tool being used. To do more than two, the system can be installed on both sides.
RE: Filament sensor questions
The side sensor is really only there for running out of filament. When that sensor doesn't detect filament it triggers to change the filament. When the extruder backs the filament out you'll be able to grab it right there at the side sensor and pull it out to change it.
If you turn it off it won't detect it until the sensor on the print head is triggered. The only way to pull the filament out at that point will be to disconnect the PTFE tube from the print head. No big deal honestly.
RE: Filament sensor questions
Replying with my own test: turning off the “filament sensor” disables ALL filament detection. I ran without it on and the detector in the head gladly ignored when my test filament ran out and attempted to print only air.
RE: Filament sensor questions
Replying with my own test: turning off the “filament sensor” disables ALL filament detection.
I had the same experience. The side sensor can easily be tricked by putting a 3" piece of filament into it and the sensor at the tool still functions.
RE: Filament sensor questions
I think this is going to be my plan - to "bypass" with a length of filament to get a false (1) reading. I have no issue reloading the entire path; in fact, the entire idea of having a side sensor is wasteful as you are required to throw away more than a meter of filament. An odd, wasteful choice given that they've delayed every print by several minutes by implementing the thermal "soak" feature using just the active tile instead of pre-heating the entire bed differentially based on ambient and target to minimize the heat up time.
RE: Filament sensor questions
in fact, the entire idea of having a side sensor is wasteful as you are required to throw away more than a meter of filament.
I find this curious too. Each time I pull out that long string I think "What a waste!". I've been saving that little bit by waiting until the filament is finished and following it with a new piece, pushing it up the tube manually until it grabs in the tool. Another waste of 15 minutes.
Then again, what alternative is there with the XL design as it stands?
RE: Filament sensor questions
I have an alternative which I am currently prototyping. When I am finished, I'll post the results.
Senior Life member of IEEE.