Topic: Plug of Death :(
(wails) Why is this happening to me ?
I spent hours with this thing (not slept the whole night).
New build. All assembled correctly (to me).
1. Auger sticking out from pipe about 1/4 inch
2. Sample pellets
3. Temp 180 C
4. With or without FilaBottle extension (same issue)
5. Compression bearing compressed fine
6. Shaft not pushing into motor (enough slack)
7. Shaft collar tightened properly
8. Pipe not bent (auger moves fine by hand when clean)
9. Heater junction and nozzle tightened fine
10. Pellets feeding fine
11. Temp stable at 180, auto tuned performed
It will run great for about 1 hr, no getting stuck or anything, good extrusion rate.
Then the rate will drop dramatically, the whole pipe will turn clockwise following the motor about 30 degrees (pipe is TIGHT on the flange). Taking it apart after reading about the symptoms reveals the huge molten plug stuck to the auger (helix shape) about 3 inches of it, no less.
Cleaning the auger makes it work for another hour, then it happens again.
Tried higher temps until 210, same issue.
Any ideas ?
Help !
Thanks.