Extruder not pulling filament
New mini+ has been through 1 sample print and 1 failed print. Nothing is coming out of the nozzle. I have confirmed the nozzle is not clogged but it seems that the extruder won't catch/load/pull filament. I have removed the filament completely and fed some directly down into the hot and and it flows OK out the nozzle so that makes me think the nozzle is OK. When I load I can get it through the filament sensor and up into the extruder but when the gears should take over nothing seems to grab and the filament does not advance further into the extruder. Only thing I've seen so far in the docs is the adjustment screw at the base of the extruder below the bowden tube but that seems to be flush with the plastic as the docs say it should be.
RE: Extruder not pulling filament
OK so I learned there's a little lid on a hinge you can open so I can see the extruder gear now. It's clean and I can feel it touching the filament but it won't grab and advance properly so it spins but the filament stays put. There's no resistance preventing the filament from feeding just seems the mechanism isn't grabbing.
RE: Extruder not pulling filament
OK I found a definite clog from a small piece of PLA trapped in the brass fitting just past the extruder. I removed that section of tube and am trying to clear it. I can move it along the tube OK but it really doesn't want to get past the brass fittings at the end. Will look for youtube videos of how to do this.
RE: Extruder not pulling filament
If the PTFE is short enough, heat the |ptfe to soften the filament then poke it out with a 1.5mm allen key
Regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Extruder not pulling filament
I also had a bit of filament stuck in the extruder with a semicircular groove carved into it from the gear spinning on the same spot. I had to unscrew the brass connector to pull that out too.
RE: Extruder not pulling filament
Is it all working now?
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Extruder not pulling filament
@joantabb
Yes! I printed the sample threaded nut file and it came out fantastic.
RE: Extruder not pulling filament
Super,
some folk think the Brass Bush, constricts the inner dimension of the PTFE Tube, and they have tried drilling the tube with a sharp 2mm drill along the hole, to remove the restriction...
I have never tried this because I don't have a Mini...
IF YOU DO TRY DRILLING..... Please make sure you get all of the PTFE particles out of the tubes before using then. as there is NO WAY that you will melt any PTFE particles, that get into the Nozzle...
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Extruder not pulling filament
I glad to see you figured it out.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog