How does this even happen? (That's an honest/serious question.)
I had a print of about 3 hours stop half-way through. Figured it was a clog or filament jam of some sort. Took the filament out, checked the gear for blockages -- PETg often seems to get a stripped & bent wad right at the gear for me -- and it was OK. Got things back up to temperature, tried to insert filament -- and it wasn't gripping. Further inspection revealed it wasn't turning -- though the motor was humming as if it was.
So, I checked this forum and found write-ups on the pinion. My drive gear was spinning freely in my hand, but did seem to catch occasionally, so I took it apart. This is what I found:
I don't feel like I'm abusing this poor machine, but...
Extruder motor shaft broke
Extruder motor shaft broke
-Vprints
Changing my world, one print at a time
Changing my world, one print at a time
Re: Extruder motor shaft broke
Custom 3D printing for you or your business -- quote [at] pingring.org
Re: Extruder motor shaft broke
Yes i have seen people on the forum have that problem. Not often but ive seen it. Most likely just a flaw in the shaft. Send an email to support
Re: Extruder motor shaft broke
Surprisingly, you're not alone:Vprints wrote:How does this even happen?
viewtopic.php?p=12351#p12351
I suppose a Good Design would have the pinion gear wear out at the same time the shaft snaps...