1 Topic by Bfreak

  • Bfreak
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  • Registered: 2016-07-15
  • Posts: 4

Topic: are varying motor voltages causing the variation in my filament?

Hi there guys.

I've been trying to lower the variation in filament width lately (fluctatues between 1.7-1.8) and suddenly noticed that, when the element is on, the motor voltage lowers.

At first, I noticed this as the sound the motor makes drops in tone a little.

When the heating element is on, the motor voltage drops from 11.80 to roughly 11.50

The adapter I am using at the moment is 12v5a. The one provided blew up on the UK's beefy 230v.

I have a power supply, so can use any voltage/amperage I need. what do you suggest?

Should I be looking elsewhere for the variation in filament width?

Thanks.

2 Reply by elmoret

  • elmoret
  • Filastruder
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  • Registered: 2012-10-11
  • Posts: 6,048

Re: are varying motor voltages causing the variation in my filament?

Not likely, as .3 volts is less than 3%. Insignificant, and a common rating for load regulation of a PSU. Diameter is proportional to pressure which is proportional to torque which is proportional to current, not voltage.

+/- 0.05mm is normal for ABS without a winder, or PLA with. What material are you extruding? Winder?

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3 Reply by elmoret

  • elmoret
  • Filastruder
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  • Registered: 2012-10-11
  • Posts: 6,048

Re: are varying motor voltages causing the variation in my filament?

You're the Trackhat guy, right?

Recycled material, especially 100% recycled material, will have more variation by its nature. Your setup could likely be improved by mounting vertically, the immediate 90 degree turn is probably introducing stress in the polymer chains that then manifests itself as diameter variance.

Filastruder - the robust, inexpensive filament extruder
E3Dv6 All Metal Hotend - the premier 3D printing hotend