1 Topic by dethcookie

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Topic: Metal flakes in filament

I’ve noticed my printer has been getting clogged more often as of late. I took a look at my filament that I’ve been producing with the Filastruder and realized there’s small bits of metal in areas of it. I've have run the Filastruder more than 100 hours with no issues. Today I decided to take it apart and have a look to make sure everything was okay. Much to my dismay, there’s a fine redish metal powder on the inside of my enclosure. After pulling a few more things apart it’s apparent that it’s been happening for a while now. The thrust bearing is covered in it and the white thrust plate seems to be getting pushed through by the bearing. I have no idea what is causing this or how to fix the issue. Does anybody have any ideas?

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2 Reply by elmoret

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Re: Metal flakes in filament

Re: Flakes in filament - straight from the Filastruder product page:

Note that for use with printers having a nozzle size 0.5mm or smaller, it is recommended that a melt filter nozzle is used with the Filastruder to remove any dust/debris from the polymer.

If the thrust bearing is rusting, I'd bet you never lubricated it - this is discussed in the manual. Bare metal + humidity = rust.

As for the thrust plate, I stopped using them because they weren't quite hard enough. I now use a nylon spacer. If you order a replacement thrust bearing:

http://www.filastruder.com/products/thrust-bearing

I can throw in a spacer (replaces your white plate)

Filastruder - the robust, inexpensive filament extruder
E3Dv6 All Metal Hotend - the premier 3D printing hotend

3 Reply by dethcookie

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Re: Metal flakes in filament

Awesome, thanks! I'll do that right now. I'm pretty sure I lubricated it during the build, but it has been quite some time. Doh!

4 Reply by elmoret

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Re: Metal flakes in filament

Yeah, a thick grease is best because it stays on the parts longest.  Generally every 100 hours or so is ok in my experience, depends on how humid the air is.

Filastruder - the robust, inexpensive filament extruder
E3Dv6 All Metal Hotend - the premier 3D printing hotend

5 Reply by dethcookie (edited by dethcookie 2014-08-20 20:36:30)

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Re: Metal flakes in filament

Hey Tim, got the parts I ordered today and noticed that when I put it all back together, the barrel is able to slide back and forth now that there's no thrust plate. Is this okay? I vertically mount the enclosure and know it will slip down. Am I supposed to use the second set of black spacers? While that will help a little bit, I think it'll still slide forward about 1/2". Thanks.

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6 Reply by elmoret

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Re: Metal flakes in filament

That's definitely not ok - you need the second set of spacers in the gap shown in photo 02.jpg.

Filastruder - the robust, inexpensive filament extruder
E3Dv6 All Metal Hotend - the premier 3D printing hotend

7 Reply by dethcookie (edited by dethcookie 2014-08-20 20:53:15)

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Re: Metal flakes in filament

That's what I figured. The spacers I have though still aren't long enough. Maybe I can use washers or just print some to the proper length?

*Edit*
Looking at the manual for the latest rev, I don't understand how the same thing doesn't happen on the newest Filastruders.

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8 Reply by elmoret

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Re: Metal flakes in filament

You also need to use the white spacers or the laser cut spacers that were included with your kit enclosure.

The stock design uses wood that is 3/4" thick. Each laser cut piece is 1/4" thick.

Filastruder - the robust, inexpensive filament extruder
E3Dv6 All Metal Hotend - the premier 3D printing hotend

9 Reply by dethcookie

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Re: Metal flakes in filament

Totally forgot about those spacers. Thanks yet again!

10 Reply by dethcookie

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Re: Metal flakes in filament

Much better methinks. Thanks again Tim.

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