1 Topic by MissCheevis

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Topic: XYZ da Vinci Jr. 1.0 - Not extruding when loading filament

First time using my new 3D printer and I carefully followed their video tutorials for "Unboxing" and "First-time Printing."  Nothing comes out of the extruder . . . ever!  I have tried and tried and unloaded and reloaded.  I even tried printing a sample file (rose), which caused the printer to "go through the motions" but nothing actually "printed."  The machine heats to 185 degrees Celcius, then I get the message:  "Check filament out from nozzle. [<] to Retry or [OK] to return.

Any ideas to get this thing to extrude?  On the Jr. you cannot adjust the temperature.  Do you think the nozzle is clogged?

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

2 Reply by MissCheevis

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Re: XYZ da Vinci Jr. 1.0 - Not extruding when loading filament

Answered my own question . . . yes, nozzle was somehow clogged.  Followed video on that.  HOWEVER, tried printing a small rose and started out fine for about 3 minutes, but then the nozzle just drug the object OFF the taped printing platform, so I had to cancel that print.  I guess there's just going to be a learning curve.

Speaking of learning curve, they provide you with sample .stl files, but you have to open them first in XYZware, then export them into your folder as a .3w file and then you can print them.  Information they should have PLAINLY provided, but did NOT!  I had to figure that on my own (day 2 of learning this 3D printer).  Sigh . . . why can't they hire experienced INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNERS to explain this stuff in the first place.  I guess they would rather be inundated with mass phone calls and mass e-mails from new users.

3 Reply by widespreaddeadhead

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Re: XYZ da Vinci Jr. 1.0 - Not extruding when loading filament

The object probably had too small of a "footprint" on the tape, if you can adjust it, try adding a brim to the rose when you print it.

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4 Reply by IronMan

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Re: XYZ da Vinci Jr. 1.0 - Not extruding when loading filament

Welcome to the state of things in the Consumer 3D Printing Industry big_smile

It's actually gotten a little better than it was when I started about 3 years ago...I bought one of the first SD2 models and when I unboxed it had to hunt down my own Arduino drivers; install Arduino, get the correct firmware online, and flash the control board.  Then I started the task of dialing the printer in.  I would have expected a CD or a thumb drive packed in the carton to get me started...

If it wasn't for the likes of early experts in the field: IanJohnson, elmoret, Lawsy, wardjr (and many others too numerous to name) I would have been completely lost!

But enjoy your printer and you've come to the right place!

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5 Reply by Morganism

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Re: XYZ da Vinci Jr. 1.0 - Not extruding when loading filament

What Ironman said.

Even last year, my SD4 came with no instructions whatsoever. If I did not have a year's experience and this website I would have a very large, expensive paperweight.

The community here is the best place to go on the web to find some help troubleshooting your machine and getting going.

Having a small base and wide top can certainly cause your failure, especially with a tall piece. Try using a brim and going slower. Also, if you are over-extruding (which can be caused by many things) you might wind up with small bumps and ridges. As time goes on they can get big enough that the extruder actually hits them and knocks your print off--regardless of size or shape.

P.S.-Welcome to 3d printing. If you want a hobby that is expensive, frustrating, and disappointing you have come to the right place.

P.P.S.-Make sure your temperature is right. You might be too low if you are using ABS or too high if you are using PLA, either one could cause your printer to jam.

IronMan wrote:

Welcome to the state of things in the Consumer 3D Printing Industry big_smile

It's actually gotten a little better than it was when I started about 3 years ago...I bought one of the first SD2 models and when I unboxed it had to hunt down my own Arduino drivers; install Arduino, get the correct firmware online, and flash the control board.  Then I started the task of dialing the printer in.  I would have expected a CD or a thumb drive packed in the carton to get me started...

If it wasn't for the likes of early experts in the field: IanJohnson, elmoret, Lawsy, wardjr (and many others too numerous to name) I would have been completely lost!

But enjoy your printer and you've come to the right place!

Solidoodle 4-Mostly stock running off headless Raspberry Pi with Octoprint

6 Reply by MissCheevis

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Re: XYZ da Vinci Jr. 1.0 - Not extruding when loading filament

Thank you . . . so glad I found this spot.

Ha, ha, this is especially frustrating since I just switched to Windows 10 last week and now I really want to pull my hair out!

I think you guys are correct with it not having a "brim" if a "brim" is what I think it is!  wink  The object I tried printing had a small base and it was just being dragged across the tape on the printer bed, so I cancelled the print.  Not sure how to "add" a brim, but will continue playing with the software. I tried printing something else with a wider base and it seemed to print fine.

Scratching my head with the file extensions still.  It seems once I do an "export" it converts the .stl file to a .3w file and then it appears to no longer be editable. But that's a different topic I suppose . . .

7 Reply by Morganism

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Re: XYZ da Vinci Jr. 1.0 - Not extruding when loading filament

As far as the file extensions go, all 3d printers need to have a .stl file sliced. Think like an MRI. Those are the layers the printer uses to build. So you take your .stl file and put into a slicer that creates the commands for each layer of the print. Those commands are usually called gcode with a .gcode ending. Some companies use proprietary software, and put proprietary endings on their gcode files. That is what the .3w files probably are. It is possible to edit gcode, but it is more programming than using 3d printing  or CAD software. Given that it is not open source, you may not be able edit your particular gcode. There are also other commands in gcode, such as setting extruder and bed temperature, home position, etc.

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8 Reply by MissCheevis

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Re: XYZ da Vinci Jr. 1.0 - Not extruding when loading filament

Thank you, Morganism.  I am determined to figure this thing out!  I did figure out how to create a "brim" or a "raft."  This is what allowed me to finally get a print of an object that had a very small base.  Just in case others are reading this and are having problems with their object "slipping" or "sliding" on the printer platform, do this:

1.  Import an .stl file into XYZWare
2.  Click on Export button and adjust quality (as needed) and selecting either “Brim” or "Raft" which helps adhere the object to the printer plate (less chance for slipping) by creating a thin "base." Under “Advanced,” you can edit the brim (or raft) size.
3.  Once settings are correct, click Export button which will ask to save it as a .3w file; browse to the location you wish to save your file.
4.  You will then see that the object is being “sliced.”
5.  Once that is complete, an “Object Information” box opens. Click “Close.”
6.  Click “Print.”

This worked for me while trying to print one of their sample files [rose flower.stl].  Good luck!