SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Still can't print with ABS

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2014-01-23T14:23:50Z

My ABS is from KBell also. I wonder if they have a problem with their supplier. Their PLA is great, but can't use their ABS.

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2014-01-22T02:00:58Z

I am having the same problem with KBell ABS. The exact same problems. Feeds then stops and grinds for no reason. Feeds fine in space. Sometimes I can get it print decent then it blows up. Swap it for Monoprice ABS or Sainsmart ABS and it works perfectly with beautiful results. I have tried 3 different colors of KBell all with the same issues. IF you solve it please let me know! I've got a roll of clear, orange and pink I want to use!

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2014-01-06T18:49:13Z

Could it be too tight a tension? can cause high pressure on the filament and micro cracks and shedding of abs.

I have abs filament from Solidoodle site, the filament did not bend the way as shown in the picture.
Calibrate is a must.

Cheers. my 2 cent worth.

gwfami wrote:

Actually, the feed quit 1/2 way through a 1 1/2 hour print. Print also has poor cohesion like it didn't get melted together and has a really blobby surface.
Here's a couple of pictures showing the ABS dust that accumulated during the run.

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-28T03:13:00Z

Seems like you just have a really bad roll of ABS.

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-28T02:48:28Z

Actually, the feed quit 1/2 way through a 1 1/2 hour print. Print also has poor cohesion like it didn't get melted together and has a really blobby surface.

Here's a couple of pictures showing the ABS dust that accumulated during the run.

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-28T02:47:08Z

Can you measure the diameter of the filament you are using?

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-28T02:30:18Z

even when the feeder is working, it apparently "shaves" some off that accumulates in the bearing and in the teeth of the feeder mechanism. Messing with the tension doesn't seem to improve it.

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-28T02:05:12Z

gwfami wrote:

Success!
Mounted the ABS above the printer, that way gravity helps the feed. Runs 100% better, but still creates a lot of ABS dust when running.

Dust?

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-28T01:56:35Z

Success!

Mounted the ABS above the printer, that way gravity helps the feed. Runs 100% better, but still creates a lot of ABS dust when running.

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-27T20:36:42Z

I generally run about 187 with the PLA. I've slicer sometimes does make a change, but I change em back.

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-27T20:28:47Z

You should be printing PLA at 165, not 195. Are your temperatures getting changed by slicer after you manually heat them? Do you know that you have to set your temperatures in slicer in the filament tab, or else they get over-written for the first and second layer? Its a long shot, but check what your temperature is during the print.

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-27T17:07:00Z

The print that I did (pics and videos above) were done at 195 C for the print head and 95 C for the bed. I have ran PLA at that temperature without any issues.

Good random theory, but if it works with PLA, then I doubt there is a motor/electronics overheating issue.

Claghorn wrote:

Totally random theory: It does need more power to print ABS at higher temps than PLA (if I'm remembering correctly). Maybe something in the electronics or motors is overheating after trying to print for a while? I'm afraid I have no idea how to test that though (maybe point a fan at the back of the printer to cool the electronics and see if it gets farther?).

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-27T17:05:15Z

Totally random theory: It does need more power to print ABS at higher temps than PLA (if I'm remembering correctly). Maybe something in the electronics or motors is overheating after trying to print for a while? I'm afraid I have no idea how to test that though (maybe point a fan at the back of the printer to cool the electronics and see if it gets farther?).

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-27T17:05:04Z

Why would it work great with PLA if the peek is the issue?

Here are some photo's.

Photo of the head shows what it looks like after trying to print (I pushed the filament down so you could see the noms).

The other photo shows that it attempts to print, but doesn't even complete the first circle.

Also attached is a short video showing the head extruding prior to printing. Please note that both the bearing and the toothed drive are turning (black marks on them) and the filament is coming out nicely.

The second video shows the beginning of the print as well as the filament just getting ground away then switches to show the toothed drive and the bearing. You have to look close for the black marks on each, but you can see the toothed drive happily turning away, while the bearing just sits all grumpy like not turning.

Please excuse the poor videography, as it was taken with a cell phone.

Re: Still can't print with ABS

2013-10-27T15:30:36Z

There is probably something wrong in the PEEK. If it won't work with cooling, I would write it off. I've had to replace them a few times myself. The PTFE inside can get deformed, or if the PEEK gets too hot once, the threads might melt a little and allow a gap to open inside. Between the PTFE liner and the top of the brass barrel. Soft or melted filament gets pushed sideways into the gap creating more drag and difficult extrusion.

At this point you should probably replace the hot end, though I would recommend getting a J-Head or E3D rather than one from Solidoodle.