SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — No output from filastruder

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (elmoret) — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 00:55:39 +0000

Disassemble = remove 4 flange mounting bolts.

foul_owl wrote:

Also, if I want to go the route of replacing the auger and pipe entirely, what are the specs of the pipe and the auger?
I'm guessing a local hardware store or McMaster-Carr should have replacement augers and pipes.

elmoret wrote:

Replacement parts are available by using the contact form on the Filastruder site.

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (foul_owl) — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 00:36:33 +0000

Thank you everyone!!!

I'm going to consider both approaches and see how that works!

elmoret: when you say "disassemble", do you mean unscrew the pipe from the collar?

Also, if I want to go the route of replacing the auger and pipe entirely, what are the specs of the pipe and the auger?

I'm guessing a local hardware store or McMaster-Carr should have replacement augers and pipes.

Thanks!!

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (fxdata) — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 21:36:21 +0000

In the past I've used MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) to dissolve the melted plastic stuck inside the barrel. Make sure it doesn't get on any other plastic items I.E. wires. As with all chemicals it needs to be done causally. Protective equipment and vented area as it does give off fumes.

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (JeremyLGSiegfried) — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 20:46:22 +0000

An interesting effect of exposing a carbon-based material to levels of heat far beyond it's melting/glass transition point (as with a blowtorch): it usually will carbonize, essentially vaporizing everything but the carbon. The resulting form is generally brittle, and can easily be broken apart and dug out, if it didn't fall out on its own. This is a reliable method for cleaning 3D printer nozzles, given one has the tools to pull it off (most commonly the cleaning cycle of an oven).

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (elmoret) — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 13:19:50 +0000

MTBF of the auger/barrel depends on the materials run through it. The longest I've gotten out of one is ~1500 hours, the shortest about 600 hours. But that is with a sample size of about 5, so it isn't too crazy that one might wear out sooner.

You could try tearing it down and blowtorching, others have reported success with that here on the forum. To swap the barrel you disassemble, heat to ~220C or so using the heater band, then pull the auger out of the barrel (I usually slide pliers between the shaft collar and flange and "lever" it out like that.

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (foul_owl) — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 08:04:26 +0000

Ah ok, that makes sense.

I wish the expected lifespan or MTF of the barrel and augur were documented somewhere, that's all.

With the plastic being solidified in the barrel, how do I replace the barrel and auger? Is there documentation or a video for that procedure?

Someone other than me must have had to do that by now

How many hours do you get out of an auger or barrel?

Thanks!

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (elmoret) — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 11:55:26 +0000

foul_owl wrote:

It is certainly 2 years old, but keep in mind it has only run for a total of 320 hours. (8hr/kg*40kg)
This is the same as running for 2 weeks straight.
Are you telling me the expected lifespan of the product is only 320 hours? o_O
Thanks!

I'm saying it may need maintainence parts after that time. For example after 320 hours of running a chainsaw one would be expected to replace the chain.

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (foul_owl) — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 04:59:14 +0000

Yes indeed, I mentioned that from one of my posts from last July.

Here's what the inside of the pipe looks like:
http://imgur.com/Nz3SsxJ

How do I unclog the pipe itself?

Thanks!!

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (AZERATE) — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 01:10:22 +0000

Foul_owl- Have you taken the nozzle off to inspect? You could have a plug needing to be removed.
Just my 2 cents.

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (foul_owl) — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 00:11:07 +0000

It is certainly 2 years old, but keep in mind it has only run for a total of 320 hours. (8hr/kg*40kg)

This is the same as running for 2 weeks straight.

Are you telling me the expected lifespan of the product is only 320 hours? o_O

Thanks!

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (elmoret) — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 04:53:45 +0000

With 40kg and two years old, the best bet might be a new barrel and/or auger. It is possible there is so much internal wear to the barrel that it can no longer build pressure.

Replacement parts are available by using the contact form on the Filastruder site.

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (foul_owl) — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 04:41:54 +0000

Still having problems here.

I tried higher temperatures, and I'm at least getting output now, but it's still very very slow, and the texture of the output is rough.

Also, where can I buy replacement fiberglass? I have found it at hardware stores in sheets for like attic insulation, but nothing curved like that which is needed for the filastruder.

Thanks!

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (elmoret) — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 15:12:28 +0000

If the thermocouple looks OK, then it probably is. You could try to test it using known temperatures, like boiling water is 100C.

I'd also recommend adding the insulation back. It is not only for heat loss, it lengthens the melt zone of the barrel which results in more pressure internally.

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (foul_owl) — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 23:58:24 +0000

Any thoughts on how to test the thermocouple?

Thanks!

Re: No output from filastruder

null@example.com (foul_owl) — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 00:47:02 +0000

The thermocouple looks ok. No physical damage is apparent.

How do I test the thermocouple? Is there a test procedure? I have a multimeter.

Thanks!