At my wits end with extrusion problems (PLA, first layer - PETG works better)
 
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At my wits end with extrusion problems (PLA, first layer - PETG works better)  

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hatch
(@hatch)
Active Member
At my wits end with extrusion problems (PLA, first layer - PETG works better)

For every successful print I've spent ten times that troubleshooting extrusion problems. Prusa Mini+ kit.

  • I've disassembled, cleaned, and adjusted the extruder multiple times.
  • I've changed nozzles to a brand new one (0.6mm).
  • I've disassembled the hotend and cleaned it, and retightened the PTFE tube.
  • I've readjusted/recalibrated the super PINDA.
  • I have fresh filament.
  • I've tried various temperatures 
  • I've tried increasing the nozzle temperature by 5-20
  • I've tried various live z adjustments
  • I clean with IPA relatively regularly
  • I've cleaned the PEI smooth sheet with dish soap and warm water
  • Been testing with prusas USB print files

 

My very first print turned out crap, and then I experimented with higher temperatures, which seemed to improve things slightly (whilst causing other issues with the prints). Had intermittent decent/good results, then suddenly a subsequent print utterly fails. Troubleshoot, rinse and repeat. Lately it's pretty much instantly failing on the first layer - the PLA isn't coming out, or rather, it comes out in little dots and strings. Did a couple of petg prints on a textured bed and it worked great. 

I've pretty much given up at this point. It's a pretty big-ish job to do the refitting of the ptfe tube, and I decided to do that when everything else failed. I don't feel that I should have to do this for a product I've bought, but okay. But after retightening the ptfe tube and recalibrating the super pinda (and run all the built-in calibration tests), to my disappointment, the extruder starts clogging immediately when doing the first layer calibration.

Questions and thoughts:

  • Is the built-in first layer calibration utterly useless? I mean, with different nozzle diameters, filament types, etc, how is it possible to use the same 215 degree preset for all conditions? Won't it struggle in some situations? Is it only meant for 0.4mm PLA? For example, using a larger diameter nozzle it's possible that you have to raise the temperatures a little bit. If that's the case, that means that the default first layer calibration has a high risk of clogging your nozzle. So what gives?
  • Purging! Purging works absolutely fine. However, the moment the first layer starts (calibration, or regular print) everything starts clogging. How is this possible? Is the extrusion much lower during the first layer than it is during purging? The temperature is the same (215), so it can't be due to temperature.
  • PETG using standard prusaslicer settings on the textured sheet works great. Only tried a couple of prints before going back to pla because I wanted to get printing PLA configured. Switched to a new 0.6mm nozzle when I went back to testing PLA.

This is the first time I get into 3d printing, and this has been a frustrating and disappointing experience. I bought this to print, not 90% troubleshoot and 10% okay-ish prints. Been struggling with it for weeks. Would never recommend this device. I get that some adjustments have to be made here and there for optimal prints, but this is actually ridiculous.

This topic was modified 3 years ago 2 times by hatch
Posted : 28/05/2021 11:36 am
diku22 liked
Zoltan
(@zoltan)
Member Moderator
RE: At my wits end with extrusion problems (PLA, first layer - PETG works better)

This could be not the printer but the used filament issue in case PETG works great. What PLA Mark do you use?

Can you please attach any picture?

Be aware that changing the nozzle you must ensure the perfect heat transition between the heatblock and the nozzle. The thermistor is measuring the heatblok temperature not the nozzle. You are adviced to use Thermal vaseline for better thermal transmission or slightly increase the temperature.

even an old man can learn new things 🙂
Standard I3 mk3s, MMU2S, Prusa Enclosure, Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer, Windows 10
PRUSA MINI+ Prusalink + Prusa Connect

Posted : 30/05/2021 5:12 am
Zoltan
(@zoltan)
Member Moderator
RE: At my wits end with extrusion problems (PLA, first layer - PETG works better)

You are correct using different nozzle tip diameter requires different temperature as the filament flow is higher and the filament speeds shorter time in nozzle to get melted.

Which Firmware version are you on?

even an old man can learn new things 🙂
Standard I3 mk3s, MMU2S, Prusa Enclosure, Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer, Windows 10
PRUSA MINI+ Prusalink + Prusa Connect

Posted : 30/05/2021 5:19 am
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