SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (n2ri) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 20:26:13 +0000

southernrock18 wrote:

Ok, with the entire copper pieces cleaned out through the blow torch method last night, I finally was able to print about 4 hours before she fell victim to the same problem. That in itself is a huge milestone for me, to bad the print cycle was 4 1/2 hours lol. I almost made it. I will mess around with some settings tonight to lower my cycle time down and I will work harder on some of the other suggestions here. I have a project I must get out and feel confident that today is the day. I will look harder into the stickies and try to make some mods to ease the stress of this machine. I understand this is all just part of the learning curve so things will get more routine as time goes on. I greatly appreciate all the support so far

Umm... when did Solidoodle use copper parts in printers? do you mean brass? if they used copper in hot ends on the new SD4 thats why they clog always. copper can "anneal" at these high temps which is oxidation and causes black flakes to form on inside and outside surfaces which will clog tiny holes same as it does in HVAC and refrigeration systems if no filter/dryer is installed b4 metering device to catch it. it can also electroplate things with some chemicals passed through the copper and moister can form acids that not only make the same flakes but eat away copper over say 20 years like when used for some natural gas pipe lines.

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (southernrock18) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 18:04:21 +0000

Ok, with the entire copper pieces cleaned out through the blow torch method last night, I finally was able to print about 4 hours before she fell victim to the same problem. That in itself is a huge milestone for me, to bad the print cycle was 4 1/2 hours lol. I almost made it. I will mess around with some settings tonight to lower my cycle time down and I will work harder on some of the other suggestions here. I have a project I must get out and feel confident that today is the day. I will look harder into the stickies and try to make some mods to ease the stress of this machine. I understand this is all just part of the learning curve so things will get more routine as time goes on. I greatly appreciate all the support so far

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (n2ri) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 14:12:51 +0000

are you now are previously used PLA? that could be what clogged

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (wardjr) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 04:25:25 +0000

Sounds to me like you're over extruding. Check the WIKI to calibrate your steps per mm and change it in EEPROM. Then print a 20x20 calibration cube with one perimeter and adjust the extrusion multiplier in your slice profile until you get a single wall measurement of .48 mm.
If done properly you won't need to have any z-lift which is preferred. A layer height of .2963 instead of .3 is better due to the 5/16 z-rod. You can divide that out to get the numbers for .2 or .1 but at this stage use .2963mm's. It is worth taking a look at some of the STICKIES about printing on glass with some hairspray. It is much easier to level a bed that is actually flat.
Hope this helps.

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (jagowilson) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 03:28:53 +0000

I hope you are able to solve your problems. I had one hotend ruined by the SD4 extruder design before I was told on here to put a spacer behind the spring. Left a print and came back to find air printing. That nozzle never extruded again. And nearly burned out a new hotend before I realized the spring was too short. Solidoodle natural never gave me any trouble, but when I switched brands I encountered this. Be glad you got it over with now, not when you were printing every day and had plans!

I've had my SD4 for a month and am mostly satisfied, but trust me, it's been a struggle. When she prints, she prints well. You'll get into the routine of maintaining for quality soon enough. Check your bed level often. Mine falls out of level very quickly. Not sure if this is a common SD4 problem.

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (southernrock18) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 02:09:45 +0000

slimstar2 wrote:

slimstar2 wrote:
Don't give up take the hot end apart make sure it is cleaned inside and out . all it takes to plug up is a piece of dirt or burnt filament or an impurity that got into the filament .03 mm thick floating around in the molten plastic in the nozzle to muck things up . Relax... breath deep... take it apart ... clean it ... try it again .

I am repeating myself

Just a heads up, I made it past layer 22 lol. I bought some high temp exhaust tape since no one local has kapton. Temps are steady and seems to be running well, for now. Thanks again, If this is successful, then it was due to a small blockage.

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (southernrock18) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 00:12:29 +0000

I did. I took it all apart again. I used the blow torch method and made sure ALL plastic was out. Clean as a whistle. I didnt realize I needed kapton tape for the thermistor and since I have already reused it once, it no longer sticks so I will need to find some soon. I have a project due Wednesday, so not really looking good.

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (slimstar2) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 23:29:11 +0000

slimstar2 wrote:

Don't give up take the hot end apart make sure it is cleaned inside and out . all it takes to plug up is a piece of dirt or burnt filament or an impurity that got into the filament .03 mm thick floating around in the molten plastic in the nozzle to muck things up . Relax... breath deep... take it apart ... clean it ... try it again .

I am repeating myself

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (southernrock18) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 23:24:22 +0000

only had this since friday, and nope, nothing to show for yet.

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (slimstar2) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 23:17:00 +0000

I understand . I 've been there . But if you think about how much plastic gets squeezed thru that tiny little hole and how many times it goes from room temp to 200 + degrees C , that's over 400 degrees F . A little maintenance and cleaning now and then isn't that big a deal . Get a spare nozzle and barrel because eventually it will wear out or plug up beyond repair . I am fairly certain that you have made some things that your proud of . You will again and many more hopefully in the future ,. I have printed \ used 10 to 15 rolls, big ones, and only had 1 partial clog .It may have been something got in at time of manufacture or dust and dirt built up on filament who knows s_it happens. Bill D

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (southernrock18) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:39:51 +0000

Im not mad, just stating that if this is going to be a common issue 20 layers in, then whats the point?

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (slimstar2) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:27:29 +0000

Don't give up take the hot end apart make sure it is cleaned inside and out . all it takes to plug up is a piece of dirt or burnt filament or an impurity that got into the filament .03 mm thick floating around in the molten plastic in the nozzle to muck things up . Relax... breath deep... take it apart ... clean it ... try it again .

PS you can throw it my way if you want

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (southernrock18) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:18:32 +0000

slimstar2 wrote:

southernrock18 wrote:
Ok, it started acting up, again. Same issue. It got to layer 21 and the part started to look like crap and seems to be the same issue I have been having. There is filament dust on the gear indicating that its starting to slip. The screw that holds the tension spring is somewhat loose so their shouldnt be to much pressure going on. This is the first of the print, which looks great, followed by what it looks like now after 20 layers. http://imgur.com/a/FgCPe

Try cleaning nozzle your extruder looks similar to mine . Your tensioner assembly looks different

So, it prints great for 20 layers, then gets messed up? If thats the case, then no since in printing anything at all and putting this machine in the garbage. There has to be some underlying problem if it keeps getting clogged. Sure purging it might fix it for another 20 layers, but whats the point if this destroys the print?

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (slimstar2) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:14:55 +0000

southernrock18 wrote:

Ok, it started acting up, again. Same issue. It got to layer 21 and the part started to look like crap and seems to be the same issue I have been having. There is filament dust on the gear indicating that its starting to slip. The screw that holds the tension spring is somewhat loose so their shouldnt be to much pressure going on. This is the first of the print, which looks great, followed by what it looks like now after 20 layers. http://imgur.com/a/FgCPe

Try cleaning nozzle your extruder looks very similar to mine so video I linked should help you . Your tensioner assembly looks different

Re: New to this machine, gear that feeds the filament is slipping

null@example.com (slimstar2) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:10:22 +0000

Hi n2ri , most of my mods are on thingiverse or came from there search "solidoodle mods" I will add some more soon as i can
thanks for the LOL