The Blob that ate my printer...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vzFtB44qmmQqwrbj2 shows a blob of PLA on my print head.
1) How do I get this off and make the head useful again?
2) What happened? I stayed around and watched the first layer extrude, then had to leave. i came back the next morning and the 'blob' started after the first couple of layers went down. Those layers did release from the bed during the blob-making adventure.
HELP!
Re: The Blob that ate my printer...
Set the nozzle temperature to 220°C.
Wait for the interface between the blob and the heater to soften.
Remove the blob with a plier.
Clean all around the noozle and the space between the heater and the heatbreaker is there is PLA there.
Your live adjust Z shouldn't be good.
Re: The Blob that ate my printer...
Thanks for the quick reply. I did follow your advice.
Followup, I did heat the printer, but while the plastic was still 'gooey' while I was pulling it off the printer noted 'thermal runaway' and the head started smoking. I need to replace the thermistor (wires got pulled out while trying to remove plastic), and hopefully that is all.
I got most of the plastic off the print head in the process
Still have some dismanteling to do to get the entire unit 'cleaned'. At the rate I work (till I get frustrated then leave it for another day, rather than throwing it out a window!) it may take some time to get running again. Ugh.
Note to Joseph and crew: Consider making a more easily swapable head assembly, so if something messes up, it can be pulled, worked on at a bench, and a 'replacement head' could be easily mounted and printing could continue. -- I had a Makerbot Jr, and its head was easy to swap, other than not being able to work on the head due to proprietary nature, it was great for 'swap out' maintenance). The MB head was magnetically mounted, I think something like http://quickreleasefasteners.com/z_spec_fasteners with the 'wings' to open/close with fingers/no tool required would be great. I used these on cowls of aircraft back in my flying days. It kept the covers locked over the where we checked the oil during pre-flight, for secure, but easy fastening and un-fastening.
Re: The Blob that ate my printer...
The key to preventing these blob type failures is to have a clean bed and a very well set Live Z value.
These steps should help:
Once you have dialed in the Live Z, you will never have these types of issues again.
Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage or loss. If you solve your problem, please post the solution…
Re: The Blob that ate my printer...
Hello guys!
I had a very similar situation here.. But while removing PLA I damaged the thermistor cables 😐
so now I am trying to figure out where to buy a new one
I have an original Prusa i3 mk2s
I have found the thermistor only:
https://e3d-online.com/thermistor-cartridge
and also the complete pack:
https://e3d-online.com/v6-block-sock-kit
and Heater cartridge 40W 12V:
https://e3d-online.com/heater-cartidge-40w
are all those compatible with the printer without modifications?
Re: The Blob that ate my printer...
are all those compatible with the printer without modifications?
I checked the first two, and those are correct. I did not check your third link.
Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage or loss. If you solve your problem, please post the solution…
Re: The Blob that ate my printer...
Hello guys!
I had a very similar situation here.. But while removing PLA I damaged the thermistor cables 😐
so now I am trying to figure out where to buy a new one
I have an original Prusa i3 mk2s
I have found the thermistor only:
https://e3d-online.com/thermistor-cartridge
and also the complete pack:
https://e3d-online.com/v6-block-sock-kit
and Heater cartridge 40W 12V:
https://e3d-online.com/heater-cartidge-40w
are all those compatible with the printer without modifications?
In the USA, I found that MatterHackers.com carries e3d equipment in stock and are very helpful. They also ship quickly.
Re: The Blob that ate my printer...
You can also go to shop.prusa3d.com and talk to support. They can sell replacement parts not listed on the website for repairs. Certain items are not listed or sold outright just to have on hand.
Re: The Blob that ate my printer...
first time that i checked on shop.prusa there were no thermistor not hotend, but after my login I could able to order it!
I also took the opportunity to get some more filament 😀