Questions tagged [extruder]
Questions about extrusion hardware for 3D printers.
293
questions
43
votes
7
answers
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When to use 1.75 mm vs 3 mm filament?
Why do we have two standard filament sizes, 1.75 mm and 3 mm? Does it really make a difference when printing? Or is the 1.75 mm just for smaller printers?
In what situations should I ...
- 1,912
30
votes
11
answers
29k
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Why do the corners of my ABS object lift off the bed?
I print ABS on a LulzBot Taz 5 and frequently have issues with the corners of objects lifting off the bed.
My extruder is at 230 °C and the bed is at 90 °C for the first layer and 100 °...
- 1,553
26
votes
8
answers
57k
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of an all-metal hot end compared to one with a PTFE heat break?
Related to an issue I had in this question, where the PTFE tube feeding my filament to the metal tip of the extruder clogged and became discolored: what are the advantages and disadvantages of ...
- 628
25
votes
5
answers
8k
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How should I clean my extruder when changing materials?
I often switch my print material, i.e. ABS / PLA / Wood / Flex,
How can I best clean out my extruder between them to ensure I don't contaminate my next print?
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22
votes
2
answers
3k
views
How to get consistent and accurate readings from thermocouples?
I upgraded to an Mk9 dual extruder, and it came with thermocouples installed instead of the thermistors I had before.
No matter what I did with the thermocouples, the indicated temperature jumped ...
- 3,201
19
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Filament extrudes at an angle
On one of the nozzles on my printer, the filament comes out at a 45 degree angle. It seems that this causes problems with adhesion to the bed and overall quality.
What caused this problem?
How do I ...
- 2,238
18
votes
4
answers
18k
views
How do I keep my extruder head from getting clogged?
Using a thermoplastic MDF printer with a 0.4mm extruder nozzle, I frequently have trouble with the nozzle getting clogged.
I am not sure what's causing the clog, but my guesses are dust and/or burnt ...
- 1,466
17
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Can 1.75 mm filament be used in a printer that takes 3 mm filament?
As an extension from this question, is there any reason that you would not be able to use 1.75 mm filament in a printer that takes 3mm filament? I know you would have to change the filament size ...
- 2,238
16
votes
5
answers
27k
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Efficient and easy way to thermally insulate the heat block of the hotend?
Sparked by this question, I wanted to discuss the most efficient and also the easiest ways of thermally insulating the heat block of the hotend.
I have seen Kapton tape insulations as done here with ...
- 2,884
15
votes
1
answer
23k
views
Which is the difference between MK6 and MK8 and even MK10?
I made and assembled my own 3D printer two years ago and I notice that some extruders are MK6 and MK(*whatever). Some of them has the block fuser horizontal and others vertical, then uses a nozzle ...
- 1,480
13
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Will I see a noticeable difference switching from a .4mm to a .3mm nozzle?
I currently print with a .4mm nozzle on my extruder, and my prints seem to come out fairly accurate; would I see much of a difference if I went to a .3mm?
What are the pros and cons of larger and ...
- 1,912
12
votes
6
answers
33k
views
Extruder clicks
I have Prusa i3 derivative with MK8 extruder and Marlin 1.1RC8 as firmware. I already reduced the default speeds as well as the accelerations. But sometimes when trying to print with BQ PLA filament (...
- 913
11
votes
6
answers
3k
views
Pulling filament through long tubes
I'm setting up my printer in a small room, and I thought I'd come up with a system for more easily swapping filaments, but I'm not yet sure it is feasible.
Rather than physically replace the spool, I'...
- 951
11
votes
4
answers
15k
views
Extruder stepper motor problem, what can be wrong?
I bought a self-made Reprap Prusa Mendel 3 printer, modified to be built from cheaper materials, and immediately after the deal I got various problems. I fixed the majority of them, but don't know ...
- 213
11
votes
3
answers
10k
views
Why does my PLA filament form a spiral shape and clog my extruder?
I'm using brand new PLA filament and am getting frequent clogs in my extruder.
I've had this problem with 2 different filaments from 2 different vendors.
It will be print just fine, then clog up. ...
- 375
11
votes
2
answers
21k
views
How to choose an extrusion temperature?
From what I've been able to find out, online sources recommend around 205ºC for PLA and around 240ºC for ABS. But these are only guidelines, of course. Optimal printing temperature can be different ...
- 951
10
votes
6
answers
2k
views
Are the Makerbot 5th generation's initial issues resolved
I am considering buying a 3D printer for work (scientific research). On paper, the Makerbot 5th generation seems to be the best option, because the price is right for my budget, and also because I'm ...
- 1,509
10
votes
2
answers
57k
views
Extruder is running backwards?
I have a (HIC) version of the Prusa i3. I have recently installed the E3D v6 hotend and titan extruder. After fixing some other issues, I noticed that there is no filament being extruded. In addition, ...
- 615
9
votes
4
answers
6k
views
Filament isn't going into the Bowden tube, instead it goes "into the room"
The pictures explain my problem. I have already tried to reduce the retraction but that showed no effect. Thank you for your help.
The effect is a total stop of the print (no material is extruded).
...
user12769
9
votes
2
answers
2k
views
M3D filament not extruding well (anymore)
I use OctoPrint on an Ubuntu system with a M3D printer.
Midway through a recent print, the filament just stopped extruding although the motor-functions of the printer were proceeding fine. Since then,...
- 325
9
votes
1
answer
13k
views
How can I prevent my nozzle catching on my print?
I have created a budget 3d printer using parts of old computers, specifically I used the CD drive mechanisms for the x,y and z axis. This printer is similar to the curiosity E-Waste printer, as seen ...
- 335
9
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Extruder motor does not turn
When printing from Cura on my laptop via USB, my extruder motor does not turn to extrude filament. However, when I use the "move axis" command in the firmware (on the little screen on the printer), it ...
- 211
8
votes
1
answer
11k
views
How do I calibrate the extruder of my printer?
For my DIY coreXY printer I use 2.85 mm filament that is fed into an E3D clone hotend using a Bowden tube and a custom designed extruder with belt reduction centered around an Aluminium Bulldog ...
- 33.1k
8
votes
5
answers
12k
views
How to connect filament end-to-end?
Is it possible to connect two pieces of 1.75 mm filament end to end, with no change in width? I am asking the question because I am interested in creating a multi-filament feeder to a single extruder, ...
8
votes
2
answers
376
views
Geeetech Prusa i3 Extruder seems to push more filament, gear slips/skips?
I got my first printer, a Geeetech Prusa i3, and for the price I paid (160$) I am so blown away. As I saved so much money, I treated myself to a legit copy of Simplify3D, which I am happy with.
I'm ...
8
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Nozzle always "randomly" moves to 0 during print, then resumes
I recently bought an Anet A8 (https://pevly.com/anet-a8-3d-printer-review/). I've managed to get everything up and running, leveled the board, but am now running into a problem.
At the start of the ...
8
votes
3
answers
274
views
What is this called and where can I buy a replacement?
In the image, there is an object circled in blue on the anet a8 printer that I need to buy a replacement of, however, I can not find it online, please help.
- 81
8
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Teflon tubing in nozzle throat coming out?
I have a HE3D prusa XI3 printer with an MK8 extruder. While printing or testing, the extruder makes a clicking noise as if the filament isnt getting hot enough to extrude. I began my investigation and ...
- 605
8
votes
1
answer
488
views
Auger Paste extruder
I've made a paste extruder(plunger type), in which a plunger will push the syringe to extrude. Plunger movement is controlled by a stepper motor. In that arrangement, for g-code generation I've used ...
- 653
7
votes
3
answers
861
views
Silver Solder specifications for hot end heating element
In this question I was told that I should use silver solder to connect the heating element to the power supply.
(I was also told that a ceramic extruder head was the way to go, but I'm working with ...
- 1,883
7
votes
1
answer
486
views
PTFE pulled into extruder gears
I have a Tevo Tarantula, the problem is that PTFE is getting pulled back to the extruder gears and stopping filament extrusion, do you know how to solve this?
Image:
One hypothesis I have is that ...
- 193
7
votes
2
answers
8k
views
Why does my part-cooling fan cause stringing?
Really strange observation with my MP Select Mini V2 printing PLA. I've printed a dual-fan shroud so I can have a dedicated part-cooling fan. I've noticed that when I turn it on, the extruder starts ...
- 173
7
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Extruder Clicking without Extrusion Problems
I own a DIY Hypercube Evolution equipped with Tevo Titan extruder, Clone Chimera hotend and Capricorn's High-temp PTFE tube. I use RAMPS with Mega and A4988's.
During prints, my extruder motor ...
- 141
7
votes
2
answers
435
views
Weight Reducing Design Change for Extruder Driver
I'm considering removing the driver motor from the extruder assembly, and placing it on a stationary mount point instead, and then using a flex-shaft type connector from the motor to the extruder ...
- 673
7
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Anet A8 reading 739°C from the extruder thermistor!
I accidentally let the print head of my Anet A8 crash into one of 2 clips that are holding a glass sheet onto the hot bed, and suddenly the screen went blank and the printer rebooted, then it started ...
- 333
7
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Retraction Causing Skipping
I am trying to get rid of stringing on my prints, to do that I have tried turning on a retraction in Ultimaker Cura, and reducing flow.
When I turn on retraction it causes the extruder to skip on the ...
- 669
7
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Filament not feeding then eventually blocked
I have an ANET A2 Prusa - which I've setup and performed a few prints on and they have various problems with the quality. I'm after some specific experience on what the flow of filament should look ...
- 205
7
votes
2
answers
548
views
Zonestar Extruder motor does not work - what can I check?
While this may seem like terribly noobish question, I'm sure one day someone will have same problem.
I own a ZONESTAR P802QSU (Bowden extruder) and all of sudden my extruder motor stopped working. ...
- 173
7
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Filament being pushed back out the filament hole
I just got a Monoprice Maker Select v2 off eBay for $200 and I'm very happy with it (so far). I'm learning a lot, but I've run into this problem that I cannot solve:
When I put filament into the ...
- 171
7
votes
1
answer
3k
views
How can I get PLA or PETG to stick to a glass bed permanently without adhesives?
3D printing gurus,
I've read on several forums that people have had issues with printing with PETG or even PLA on glass and it sticks so well to the glass that chunks of glass rip off due to thermal ...
7
votes
1
answer
999
views
Loss of extrusion in Stratasys FDM liquefier
I am running a Stratasys Dimension 768 SST, with a "rebuilt" extruder (dual setup includes support + model). This extruder, basically, follows the OEM design with exception to the tubing diameter (few ...
- 71
6
votes
4
answers
5k
views
What makes an extruder right handed?
I have been looking to buy a new extruder. One of the options I have seen comes in "right handed" and "left handed". What does this mean? How can I tell what my current extruder is, so I get the ...
- 1,309
6
votes
4
answers
948
views
Can an extruder rated for 24 V work with 12 V ATX power supply?
Heads up: I'm not good with electronics and only have a vague idea of it's inner workings.
I have a E3D V6 Extruder rated for 24 V, that i plan to use in my 3D printer. Will there be any ...
- 63
6
votes
1
answer
2k
views
If I have a nozzle clog, can I easily get rid of it by simply replacing the nozzle?
I'm getting a Prusa i3 with a replaceable nozzle.
If I have a nozzle clog, can I easily get rid of it by simply:
replacing the nozzle, or;
removing it and submerging it in acetone, or;
removing it ...
- 259
6
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What grade of wire is required for the heating element on a J-Head extruder?
I have a large resistor that goes in my J-Head extruder. It's grey, and it came with the extruder. I'm uncertain as to what grade of wire I need to solder to it. It being one of the elements of the ...
- 1,883
6
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Anet A8 extruder motor moves back and forth
This is what is happening to my motor. Any suggestions would help.
1. I have tried adjusting the trimpot.
2. Rewire the connector to match the one on the motherboard.
3. Anything else I found on the ...
- 63
6
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Installing bowden tube into E3D V6
I'm struggling with an upgrade I made to my Creality CR-10. I upgraded the extruder to an E3D V6 hotend. The extruder mount and cooling fans are installed and working, however, I'm doing something ...
- 303
6
votes
1
answer
30k
views
Print Nozzle Dragging and Smearing Filament while Printing
I am building a Prusa i3 MK2 Clone and I am caught on this one. I have replaced the extruder with a MK8 adapted by myself to fit with most of the previous hardware from the E3D style extruder.
My ...
- 343
6
votes
4
answers
4k
views
Good methods to clean extruder gear (hobbed) from filament pieces?
I'm using a CraftBot original to print PLA, but some of the filament has become stuck in the teeth of the extruder gear on its way into the hot end. I'm having issues with the gear becoming stuck and ...
- 382
6
votes
1
answer
3k
views
What kind of silicone glue should I use to attach my thermsistors?
I was watching a couple of videos about installing a Thermistor on the heat-bed and extruder of my Prusa i3; both videos mentioned that if I use either Sodium Silicate (Muffler & Tail Pipe Sealer) ...
- 1,883