1 Topic by cmcc

  • cmcc
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Topic: Inconsistent Heater PID

It looks like if I go much over 240 degrees C, the PID goes all over the place and I can't even start a print. It will actually be very consistent but undershoot the temperature, then very rapidly rise over the intended amount, then cool back down below target. It seemed to be working fine before I installed my E3D Valcanos, but now I can't seem to get the heaters to be even somewhat consistent. I have tried running PID autotune and input the data into my configuration.h file, but still no luck. 220 still seems fine.

Also, I am setting my autotune to 260 degrees. The min/max temperature will be +-5 degrees or more, which seems like a lot. I will post the data when I get back home.

2 Reply by carl_m1968

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  • carl_m1968
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Re: Inconsistent Heater PID

cmcc wrote:

It looks like if I go much over 240 degrees C, the PID goes all over the place and I can't even start a print. It will actually be very consistent but undershoot the temperature, then very rapidly rise over the intended amount, then cool back down below target. It seemed to be working fine before I installed my E3D Valcanos, but now I can't seem to get the heaters to be even somewhat consistent. I have tried running PID autotune and input the data into my configuration.h file, but still no luck. 220 still seems fine.

Also, I am setting my autotune to 260 degrees. The min/max temperature will be +-5 degrees or more, which seems like a lot. I will post the data when I get back home.

Maybe your cooling fan is working too well and cooling the tip more than it should. The fan should only blow on the fins.. If you have a part fan it should only blow on the part, not the tip or nozzle. You may need to insulate the block if you cannot adjust your fans.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
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3 Reply by cmcc

  • cmcc
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Re: Inconsistent Heater PID

Thank you, I'm 95% sure that was the issue. I think part of it was I had swapped my Davinci board compatible 5v fans for the original 12v E3D fans when I changed to Volcano. I didn't think the hot end would need insulation unless I had a layer cooling fan, but the 12v are noticeably louder and stronger. I got it to start twice in a row after insulating with fiberglass and katpon tape, and the only hicupp was that it looked like the heat got to where it was supposed to be, and then reset back low. I was a little nervous that maybe the temperature was being read wrong and getting too hot, but it seems to be printing fine.