SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Is my printer broken?

Re: Is my printer broken?

null@example.com (mbarr) — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 13:52:07 +0000

I followed the instructions at wiki.solidoodle.com/hot-end-replacement to remove the hot end from my Solidoodle 2. I could see the ABS sticking out of the PEEK but it refused to come out even when gently pulled on with long nose pliers. I plugged it back in and cranked the temperature up to 210 C. The ABS expanded out of the PEEK! With long nose pliers I was then able to pull it out of the PEEK. I reassembled the extruder, inserted more ABS and tested. It now works!

Re: Is my printer broken?

null@example.com (zankrep) — Sat, 04 May 2013 13:10:28 +0000

If I can get it to print I shall print that off. Will start the unclogging first as I do think this is my main issue due to the acrylic chassis snapping.
Thank you

Helen

Re: Is my printer broken?

null@example.com (pcpoirier) — Sat, 04 May 2013 12:55:44 +0000

Pick all the loose pieces out and run it one last time to print this: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:47561
Remove the clear one and put this one on.

Is my printer broken?

null@example.com (zankrep) — Sat, 04 May 2013 12:31:48 +0000

Hey,
I received my printer in January 2013 (solidoodle 2) and I have had various prints with various success rates. I have printed all sorts and recently thought I had figured it all out and it has been fine. Until now.

I place the plastic to be thread through and it threads fine up to a point then it is acting as if there is a clog.
So I decided to investigate as it the wheel was turning and just grinding away at the plastic and intermittently stalling/stuttering. Again signs that there is a clog.

I thought that I would start small and make sure that it isn't the tension screw/spring causing issues as when I first got my printer this had been the main culprit for the flow of the plastic. As seen below I unscrewed the tension spring all the way off and found that there is a bit of the chassis snapped off. Or what I assume has snapped. (see second picture).

On closer inspection I found that some of the plastic was in the hole in to the hot end. I fished out the stuff I can find, tried again hoping that this was all that was causing the issue but no. I have tried manually feeding through, but it will intermittently again thread it through. I have a dreadful feeling that it will be a clog of the broken plastic further inside.

Can somebody confirm this theory for me firstly? (before I start following the dismantle/unclog procedure) And also as this bit has snapped does then therefore mean my printer is broken? and I need a replacement chassis?

Please let me know if further information is needed. I have tried to describe it as best as possible. If more pictures etc are needed I shall happily provide them.

Helen