MakerGear Forum

I'm new to 3d printing, and during my last couple of prints, the printer has randomly stopped extruding plastic. The last 2 specifically were rather small jobs, only taking around 40 minutes to complete, but it still couldn't complete it without failing. We've taken the nozzle off to make sure it wasn't jammed, so I don't believe that's the problem. Have any of you had a similar issue? I figure one of the 3d printed parts we're using may be failing, but I don't know enough about it to determine which one it may be.

First I'd retract the filament (u have to heat the nozzle 1st) and check the tension on the filament drive screw to make sure that the filament wasn't stripped in the drive. (You don't want deep tooth marks on the filament - just about a quarter of the way through the plastic or less. PLA likes it loosey-goosey, so if it's stripped, loosen that tension screw at the top.) On the other hand, there should be visible marks on the filament that you retract - if the teeth of the gear aren't catching the filament, tighten up the screw a little.

Then I'd probably check to make sure that the filament diameter was consistent, and round. (I've had a couple of spools come in with some pretty wide swings in diameter - just enough to jam the works.)

Run a dust wiper on the filament before it goes into the plastic feed tube - that keeps clogs from forming.

(And that's about the extent of my expertise on the subject.)

Jules' suggestions are good. Also try dismounting the filament drive and checking the drive gear for signs of wear and clean out any filament particles from the teeth; it can get clogged up. While you're there, make sure there is no play in the drive gear due to a loose set screw.

Your basic issue is that your filament drive is no longer applying enough pressure. That's either because it's applying less force (not enough tension, clogged or worn teeth), or because the force required has gone up (partially blocked nozzle, inconsistent filament diameter getting jammed somewhere). If it turns out to be the latter, a thorough nozzle cleaning may help.

With paint stripper: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=732
With fire: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2074