Problems While Printing
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THIS IS NOT YET COMPLETE.
Be sure to read Cura Settings Explained and follow the 3D_Printer_Workflow.
This page will describe some possible issues that might come up during printing, and what to do about them.
1. The external fans that cool the print bed didn't come on.
- make sure they are plugged it.
- make sure the power switch is on (currently no switch)
2. The fan on the hot end didn't start. (no fan = printer jam)
- make sure the power switch is on
- make sure the power supply is plugged into the wall.
- on the printers LCD, select "Fan Speed -> Set to Full" Visually confirm the fan on the hotend is spinning.
3. I need to change the filament.
- watch the change printer filament video.
- set temperature to 200C
- release tension to extruder (the trigger-clamp) and remove the idler. Take note of how the clamp is attached.
- release bowden tube from effector (end of tube near the part that gets hot). use two finger's to firmly press down on the release while holding the effector with your other hand. Then with your third hand, pull up on bowden tube.
- pull filament out of tube from behind the extruder. take care to not let the remaining filament get tangled on the roll by securing the filament end.
- cut the end of the new filament to remove any burred, bent, dirty or melted bits.
- insert filament into the bowden tube, through the back of the extruder and feed untill there is enough sticking past the end of the tube to feed through your hot end. (approx 3-4 inches)
- reattach the idler and clamp, add tension just past enough for the clamp to hold itself in place. But not so tight it squishes the filament, or impedes the extruder from over tension. It is better to err on the side of "too loose" instead of "too tight".
- on the printers LCD, select "Extruder -> Position", and then turn the knob to find which direction extrudes and which direction retracts.
- while extruding, grab the filament behind the extruder and try to stop it from entering the extruder with your thumb and forefinger. If it stops easily, you may need to add more tension to the idler.
- thread the filament into the back of the extruder and firmly push the bowden tube into the fitting to lock it in place.
- turn the knob to extrude until you see the filament feed properly. you may need to adjust tension on the trigger-clamp.
- As you start your next print after changing the filament, keep a close eye on the filament inside the tube. Damage to the filament here might indicate a need for tension adjustment to the idler, or a change in temperature is needed.
4. My print didn't stick.
- make sure you are using good hairspray. (Aqua Net, Rave 4X Mega)
- make sure you use enough.
- try adding a brim (see Cura Settings Explained)
- make sure print bed is level. (see How to Level the Print Surface)
5. The hot end didn't get hot.
- make sure the power switch is on
- make sure the power supply is plugged into the wall.
- on the printers LCD, move to the top of the menu and select "Back -> Back ->" then turn the knob to get back to "Status" to see the current temperature.
6. The printer wont come on.
- make sure the power switch is on
- make sure the power supply is plugged into the wall.
7. The printer hates me.
- speak softly to it.
- curse it unmercifully.
8. The filament jammed.
- make sure the fan attached to the hot end is working. (no fan = printer jam)
- watch the change printer filament video.
- set temperature to 200C
- release tension to extruder. (the trigger-clamp) and remove the idler.
- release bowden tube from effector (end of tube near the part that gets hot). use two finger's to press down on release while pulling up on bowden tube.
- if filament comes out, clip it and put in back in. good to go.
- if filament is stuck, try holding the effector platform steady with one hand, while pressing down on the filament (hard) until it starts to come out the nozzle. you may want to try it with pliers (be careful not to break filament)
- if filament is still stuck, the not end needs to be unbolted and dissembled. Probably best to call Rob about that.
9. My skirt didn't show up, or doesn't look right.
- read "My print didn't stick" and "The filament jammed" above to make sure those are not your problem.
- very often this is caused by a STL/model that isn't perfectly flat. See Cura Settings Explained to "cut off bottom" start with .1 or .2 if your STL/model already looked flat.
More Useful links
RepRap Print Troubleshooting Pictorial