1 (edited by Heartlander 2013-08-16 00:46:36)

Topic: Let's talk about clogs

I'm sure this dead horse has been beaten many times, but not by me.

My standard GI-issue  SD3 hot end is apparently partially clogged. No amount of probing wire, high and low heat, pressure or foul language can persuade it to release its impediment. It got that way with ABS and a bit of Flex PLA.

It actually prints fairly well for a minute or two then the filament starts backing up, kinking between the extruder drive wheels, whether or not there is a piece of guide tubing in there.

What is the corporate wisdom on this? What's the bast way to operate on this little bugger and get er cleaned out?

Also, I see lots of gray beards switching to an after market hot end. What's up with that? What are its advantages? Less clogging, I hope. Any preferred sources to acquire such a hot end?

Thanks, you know I appreciate the guidance.

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

Kinking above the hot end is often caused by the extruder motor getting too hot.   Is the fan still working?

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

Yes, it still runs. I know, I got my pinkie against the blades.

With the KK5 set up there is no PEEK. Does that mean there is more heat transfer back up to the cool end?

I tried to research the E3D hotend. Does the Bowden feed eliminate this kind of kinking problem? Why o folks change to the E3D?

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

I got an e3d just for extruding materials with a higher melt temp than the peek is capable of... however if/when any of my other hotends fail I think they will get replaced with more e3d's or similar(all metal) just because I think they are more bullet proof.

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

FWIW,you could try removing the nozzle and soaking it overnight in a jar of acetone to dissolve/remove the clog.It can be done without removing the hotend,just be careful.I clean mine periodically as maintainence.

http://vimeo.com/55042438

6

Re: Let's talk about clogs

I am having the same issue right now. I feel you pain. I torched my nozzle and brass tube so i know its not plugged. Another forum member suggested making sure your drive gear is perfectly lined up. I have to go and try this tonight.

Let me know if you find a solution. I would like to get my printer up and running.

I will do the same.

This incident has also made me purchase an E3D.

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

Here is my thread I started on the subject.'

http://www.soliforum.com/post/33184/#p33184

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

Stevos, I did indeed see that the drive gear was not aligned with the hot end intake orifice, so I aligned it. You'll need small metric allen wrenches. If you need to buy some, I suggest the kind with the "ball end", they enable you to insert the hex ball yet have the wrench at an angle, unlike a standard allen wrench which has to be straight up from the socket head.

Although SD warns against it, I will ease the nozzle off and soak it in acetone overnight, see if I can unclog it.

So, I guess the next obvious question is, where's a man get a good deal (or a deal) on an E3D?

Thanks, guys.

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

http://www.e3d-online.com/ourshop/prod_ … usion.html

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

And... does the E3d'S Bowden feed eliminate this problem with the kinking filament?

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10

11

Re: Let's talk about clogs

I wouldn't think the kinking would happen with an E3D. I have been doing research and everyone is really liking the E3D.

http://www.soliforum.com/topic/2584/got … nted-pics/

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

Here's a question. Has anyone tried soaking the clogged extruder bits in a Crock Pot, on Low I suppose, with a couple inches of acetone? Seems it would be less radical than a blow torch. I clean carburetor parts that way, with carburetor cleaner (some wicked stuff) and it works great

Sure, you want to set it out on the patio to avoid the embarrassment of a fatal explosion but does acetone harm any of the associated plastic parts of the barrel and tip? i.e. wiring insulation, connectors, etc.

BTW, I got a used small Crock Pot at the thrift store for $5. You sure wouldn't want to also use it for food, I don'rt care how you like your Chili.

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10

13

Re: Let's talk about clogs

The e3d setup does not *intrinsically* eliminate the kinking problem [lol I had to edit that, I wrote kinky first time]. 

But in so far as the e3d is many times more resilient against clogs, it eliminates the times of extremely high pressure that might cause the kinks. But you still need to feed the filament into the bowden setup, and you need to grip the filament well.

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

Can anyone point me to any instructions about what it takes to put an E3D into place replacing the Solidoodle extruder?  I've already made the move to a Lawsy (MK4, though I have a printed MK5 in reserve), so I think the E3D pretty much just slots into place (but would like to confirm that); but I'm less clear about how the wiring works.

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

Heartlander wrote:

With the KK5 set up there is no PEEK. Does that mean there is more heat transfer back up to the cool end?

What is the KK5? Do you mean the MK5? Why is there no PEEK if that is the case? Unless you have an all metal end that has massive cooling fins, you need the PEEK.

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

Yeah, I meant MK5. I didn't see the PEEK in the photos, where does it go? I just printed for a couple hours at 195C and nothing melted.

Woo Hoo! I got it to print ABS again by cutting prints speeds in half. Now, if I can coax it to print Flex PLA I'll be a legend in my own mind. Or out of my mind.

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

The PEEK is the black plastic part at the top of the extruder. It is the piece that has the groove that slides into the MK5, so if you had no surprises when you assembled the MK5 then you have the PEEK. What you got rid of when modding to the MK5 was the acrylic "Jigsaw" stock extruder mount.

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Re: Let's talk about clogs

I thought the PEEK was the flat piece with two screws that held the hot end to the jig saw, I pitched that piece, but yeah, I have the black plastic (PEEK) barrel. Thanks for the sanity check, still learning the lingo.

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10