SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Still cannot get PLA to print.

Re: Still cannot get PLA to print.

null@example.com (heidkampn1) — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 00:59:57 +0000

Hey sedzen, could you possibly post a video on setting up your printed parts? I printed the first fan duct but I'm having trouble setting it up

Re: Still cannot get PLA to print.

null@example.com (sedzen) — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 20:46:51 +0000

The existing fan runs on 5V and I am not sure if it's source is capable of powering a second fan. I am using a 12v fan on the front with an external powersource.

Re: Still cannot get PLA to print.

null@example.com (heidkampn1) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 02:09:08 +0000

Printing the duct now, will I need both the back and front fan? If so, do I just tap into the existing fan wires to add the second?

Re: Still cannot get PLA to print.

null@example.com (lessonz101) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 01:02:19 +0000

sedzen wrote:

I have been printing with PLA for awhile now. I am using the stock G firmware, Slic3r, and modded 1.1.29.42 ver of XYZware. I started with simple mods using kapton tape to create a better air duct/shroud to basically close off the gaps around the extruder fan forcing more air around the filament barrel. This still required the top to be open and usually required an external fan blowing in to help cool. I have since created a replacement fan mount/shroud for the extruder fan and added heat sinks to the extruder. I can now print in PLA with the door and top closed without any issues.
Here are some pictures of my mods that allow me to print with PLA including my initial tape shroud that has been replaced with the printed fan mount/shroud. I have tested several colors of "Gizmo Dorks" PLA from Amazon and some Shaxon translucent yellow PLA that I picked up at Fry's. Gizmo Dorks filament is affortable and both ABS and PLA print great in my printer. The Shaxon prints ok but the print quality doesn't compare to Gizmo's. I also included a few quick test prints pictures. Both were printed at higher than normal speeds.
I am currently working on mods that replace the stock nozzle/block with a generic heater block with interchangeable nozzles. I have a .2mm nozzle on my printer at the moment. (not pictured or in the video). I will try to post pictures of my latest mods when I have it apart again. My next challenge is to be able to print NinjaFlex!
All of my printable DaVinci parts are on Thingiverse dot com /sedzen/designs
I also have a Youtube video showing my Modded XYZprinting Da Vinci 1.0 printing PLA (search youtube for "sedzen da vinci")

I just wanted to thank you for the fan duct design. I remixed it to be a clip-on part and put in on thingiverse. Anyways just wanted to say thanks.

Re: Still cannot get PLA to print.

null@example.com (sedzen) — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 22:27:19 +0000

I have been printing with PLA for awhile now. I am using the stock G firmware, Slic3r, and modded 1.1.29.42 ver of XYZware. I started with simple mods using kapton tape to create a better air duct/shroud to basically close off the gaps around the extruder fan forcing more air around the filament barrel. This still required the top to be open and usually required an external fan blowing in to help cool. I have since created a replacement fan mount/shroud for the extruder fan and added heat sinks to the extruder. I can now print in PLA with the door and top closed without any issues.

Here are some pictures of my mods that allow me to print with PLA including my initial tape shroud that has been replaced with the printed fan mount/shroud. I have tested several colors of "Gizmo Dorks" PLA from Amazon and some Shaxon translucent yellow PLA that I picked up at Fry's. Gizmo Dorks filament is affortable and both ABS and PLA print great in my printer. The Shaxon prints ok but the print quality doesn't compare to Gizmo's. I also included a few quick test prints pictures. Both were printed at higher than normal speeds.

I am currently working on mods that replace the stock nozzle/block with a generic heater block with interchangeable nozzles. I have a .2mm nozzle on my printer at the moment. (not pictured or in the video). I will try to post pictures of my latest mods when I have it apart again. My next challenge is to be able to print NinjaFlex!

All of my printable DaVinci parts are on Thingiverse dot com /sedzen/designs
I also have a Youtube video showing my Modded XYZprinting Da Vinci 1.0 printing PLA (search youtube for "sedzen da vinci")

Re: Still cannot get PLA to print.

null@example.com (jeeplvr) — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 08:39:11 +0000

Tried it and I still cant push the PLA.

Re: Still cannot get PLA to print.

null@example.com (skywiselh) — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 08:53:41 +0000

I print quite successfully with PLA. Take the right side panel off, place a medium sized desk fan pointed kinda upwards into the unit. Preferable in a space below 75F/23C. Lower the extruder temp to 185, bed to 50C. For the initial loading 200C is fine and will help with the ABS getting pushed thru. Main issue seems to be that the PLA softens before the feeding gears can grab it.

Still cannot get PLA to print.

null@example.com (heidkampn1) — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 01:33:22 +0000

I have been trying for a month to print this spool of PLA. I have made some progress but the issue that seems to be consistent is that the gears do not have enough strength to feed the filament. The diameter is exactly 1.75. But the teeth don't wana move when I extrude it.