1 Topic by frozensoda

  • frozensoda
  • frozensoda
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  • From: Rockford, Illinois
  • Registered: 2013-01-25
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Topic: Strange problem with extruding Solidoodle 3

I have had this printer for a long time, and I haven't had any problems until now.

It was printing fine for the last 6 hours when I noticed on the start of a new print that it was not extruding plastic. First I thought it was a clog, but then I noticed that on each extrude command, it extrudes fine for the first 20mm or so, and then stops. It seems like it has a lot of backpressure, but the filament coming out is smooth so I don't think it is a clog. Also, the filament is creating smoke at the point where it exits the nozzle. It's not a lot of smoke, and it's not constant either but I can definitely see it. It just happened randomly I haven't done anything that I don't normally do. I have $50/kg filament from inventables right now so I doubt it's caused by poor quality filament. Does anyone have any idea what could cause this? I need to get back to printing ASAP so any help is appreciated.

Just to reiterate, I don't think it's a clog because the filament coming out is smooth and not choppy, and it extrudes fine for about 20mm and then stops. I can watch the bearing wheel opposite the extruder gear to see how much is coming out, and it goes from the normal amount to none instantly. The smoke really bothered me.

I edit my posts a lot.

2 Reply by wardjr

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  • wardjr
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  • Registered: 2013-06-10
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Re: Strange problem with extruding Solidoodle 3

I have had the barrel and the peek come loose and cause the same thing.  The plastic leaks a bit where the two meet and eventually causes to much resistance for the filament to handle and it would strip.  Try extruding some through by hand (unhook the bearing and push it through) and you will be able to feel the resistance build up. 
Also make sure your not having a heat problem with the extruder.
It really sounds like you have a clog though.

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3 Reply by mr_tim34

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  • Registered: 2013-02-17
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Re: Strange problem with extruding Solidoodle 3

How's the humidity? Could the smoke be steam from absorbed moisture in the filament?
Just a thought.

Tim