my A1 mini doesn’t load filament “normal” (as my P2S do), I always have to “help”…
I load the A1 mini with new filament to the limit and tip to load".
After heating up the nozzle, the Extruder tries to charge.
Then I hear a clacking and the prompt “loaded, continue” or “try again” appears on the display.
Here I always have to push and (gently press) the filament into the Extruder and hold it until it loads - this is the only way to load the filament correctly.
Which filament? Can you write that down briefly? Not all filaments are compatible with the A1 Mini.
Do you use an AMS or is it direct feeding? If you use an AMS, which one?
Does this happen with every filament? Have you tested others, or do you always use the same one?
I know, lots of questions, but this way you can narrow down whether the problem lies with the A1 Mini itself, the filament, or, if you have one, the AMS.
Your extruder gear is probably worn out. As I said, probably! I can only guess, but you can check this relatively easily. You don’t have to replace it right away, just take a look inside and clean it if necessary.
Also check your PTFE tubes to make sure they are not crimped, the angle is not too steep, and the ends are not properly seated. Although it is highly unlikely based on your description of the error, since you are already checking the tool head, it is only one more step.
Otherwise, please also consider such basic matters as checking whether the filament roll can turn smoothly when you are feeding it directly. This is also unlikely to be the cause of this error, but it only requires one additional step, too.
You will always need to give a little helping hand with external loading its so the extruder grabs the filament to feed the hotend , giving the printer an extra attempt can also help as the process appears to come up a little short with its first attempts
What does your PTFE look like? I mean the internal diameter, does it show wear? Does it have any sharp(is) angles? Have you tried different holes in the 4-1 at the top of the spool head?
My A1 & A1 mini both prompt pushing filament into extruder when loading. Seems normal to me. My lulzbot taz 6 & creality k1c lock on to the filament prior to software loading. I rarely use my AMS lite from previous problems and only use it with multiple color prints. Storing filaments on the lite may lead to broken filament inside the ptfe tubes, including the common ams lite filament covers & using desiccant inside. It’s just easier to run & remove filament from the supplied over spool feeders. But the ams lite is sure handy for empty spool change during a print.
With no AMS you’ve gotta get the tip of the filament to engage with the extruder gears before it can continue to manage itself, seems normal to me. On the A1 [nonmini] the way the extruder is cleared after a print you can generally just hold down the manual extruder tension lever, and move the filament down INTO the gear teeth yourself. The cut plane is a little lower, so there’s usually space to do this. This way you can set it up, hit the button, and walk away not have to babysit till it heats.
Good to know. Off topic side note about tpu loading. I’m wondering if the same method can be used if the tension arm hack was installed? This hack is suggested for tpu non-ams use. Seems the oem part holds the rollers too far apart to properly grip flexible filaments. I suppose it would with the understanding of paying close attention to the tension screw settings after installing the printed arm.
Five days ago I got my own P2S,
so I agree with you that loading filament using the external spool procedure is much easier (no need to push)
After 1500 hours with the A1 Mini, I use the following technique:
Gently push the filament hub with one hand, and with the other hand push the filament toward the toolhead.
