String coming out when unloading filament
Lately when I unload the filament from the extruder, I get a long thin string of filament attached to the tip of the pulled out filament that I need to pull out as well. I’m wondering if this could be a sign of some issue - like maybe oozing between the nozzle and heat break. I do notice an apparent small increase in stringing during printing as well and wonder if the two issues could be related.
Any advice?
Thanks.
RE: String coming out when unloading filament
That's not unusual. If you pull the filament out quickly it will tend to string less. If you notice increased stringing, be aware that relative humidity can impact filament and prints. Read up on drying your filament.
RE: String coming out when unloading filament
I guarantee any filament oozing out next to the heat break will not get pulled back into a string. That is a one-way passage.
Once outside - it is hard.
RE: String coming out when unloading filament
Ah, that’s a relief. Thanks for your comments.
RE: String coming out when unloading filament
I have also noticed a long very thin string of filament gets created when unloading. Sometimes I can pull out 5-6 feet of it. It seems like a new "feature" because I don't remember it being so obvious when I first got the printer. It could be a slightly different retraction code in the firmware. Or maybe the increase in default temperature from 210C to 215C. Or maybe different filament.
It does seem harmless, so I mostly ignore it.
RE: String coming out when unloading filament
I have also noticed a long very thin string of filament gets created when unloading. Sometimes I can pull out 5-6 feet of it. It seems like a new "feature" because I don't remember it being so obvious when I first got the printer.
It will depend on the filament you're using and the temperature at which you pull it out, the speed you pull it with etc. Think making cotton candy. If the material lends itself to stretching, it will be easier to create a thin, silky, gossamer thread. Some filaments do a few inches, but others seem to stretch forever. The worst, IME, has been rigid.ink cleaning filament that seems to be able to thread out forever, likely because of the wide temperature at which it is meant to be used.
Early on with my Mk3 (April 2018), I noticed this and realized quite a bit of the threads were floating about. One got in my shirt and drove me nuts. I dread some of it finding its way into my bed. Ever since then, I make a point of pulling the filament quickly and shoving the threads into a small box that gets zapped with a hot air gun to prevent the stuff from floating about. I don't want pets or wildlife getting caught up in a non-biodegradable nightmare, so soften all the brims, prime lines and filament threads into a solid block before disposal.