1 Topic by schlegz

  • schlegz
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Topic: Extrusion clog from hell

Just got my SD3 yesterday, ran through a few test prints. I've left the printer software with default settings, no changes to any settings.  Was in the middle of another print today and heard some creaking and saw huge blobs of plastic leaking out of the top of the extruder (see attached picture).  Pulled the extruder assembly apart to see if I could remove the blob but it looks like it is not coming off since I cannot break it down any further.  The plastic has bonded everything together.  I know SD says to use the extruder at 190 but the printer software was defaulting to 200, and this being my first time, thought the software was correct.  Reading some other posts seem to indicate if the temperature is too high then the plastic burns and generates clogs.  I was using a roll of SainSmart 1.75mm PLA and their site shows operating temperatures between 210 - 250.  So now I'm left with questions:  is the hot end repairable at all give the massive plastic clog?  What went wrong? Was the software default temp too high?  Was the hot end perhaps not assembled/manufactured correctly?

-Scott

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2 Reply by IanJohnson

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Re: Extrusion clog from hell

On a Solidoodle PLA should be printed at around 180.  Most printers have the thermistor in the heating block so their temperature readings are higher than the Solidoodle which has the thermistor taped to the nozzle.  So when a vendor says to run their filament at 230 that generally equates to about 195 on the Soidoodle.   You will start to endanger the hot end above 215 or so, but the temp is limited in firmware to prevent that. 

At 200 the PLA was runny enough to get through the threads.  You may not have any trouble if you keep it down to 180.

3 Reply by schlegz

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Re: Extrusion clog from hell

My mistake, I was using ABS, not PLA.  What are the heating guidelines for ABS on an SD?  And my leakage through the threads, I'm assuming my hot end is toast and should just get a replacement?  Where in the printer configuration do I set the default temperature (if possible)? 

Thanks very much for the response and clarification.

-Scott

4 Reply by elmoret

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Re: Extrusion clog from hell

195-200 is good for ABS on a Solidoodle. That hot end is defective, RMA it.

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5 Reply by RavensCrest

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Re: Extrusion clog from hell

If you didn't change temp setting... the 200c you were talking about is probably just the initial heating.. mine would heat to 200 and cool down to 195 to start printing.

contact Solidoodle support, something is not tighten in the hotend.

Solidoodle2 with Ceramic tile heated bed http://www.soliforum.com/topic/2544/my- … eated-bed/
"1kg should last for an while" is a lie!

6 Reply by schlegz

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Re: Extrusion clog from hell

Ok thanks.  Fired off a support email.  Hoping that I can get this resolved quickly.

7 Reply by dkeeling728

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Re: Extrusion clog from hell

if it was indeed ABS and not PLA, you might be able to soak the assembly in acetone long enough to soften the ABS and let you remove the nozzle. ive not had this problem yet, so idk if thats a good idea or not, might end up eating away insulation from the heater/thermistor wires.

baring that, ive heard of some people using a propane torch to carefully heat the hotend up enough to clean out the jammed plastic. but again, never attempted it, so not sure how to proceed. take it or leave it smile

8 Reply by schlegz

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Re: Extrusion clog from hell

Unfortunately a lot of ABS leaked out down over the heat block to make it impossible to disassemble.  Because of this, acetone or torching it are out of the question since either will damage the rest of components still attached.  Fortunately, Solidoodle support is helping me out and I've already sent the parts back to be replaced.

9 Reply by RavensCrest

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Re: Extrusion clog from hell

I was wondering... do they provide return shipping? just wondering
and good luck with your new hotend

Solidoodle2 with Ceramic tile heated bed http://www.soliforum.com/topic/2544/my- … eated-bed/
"1kg should last for an while" is a lie!