For the past 3+ months I’ve printed the same part hundreds of times. Each one has a small hinge that allows one piece to move back and forth (open and close).
After printing the first time using the hinge there was always a small snap and the hinge would be lose and operate just fine. But something has changed, the last 50 or so prints do not have that “snap”, they still move but its stiff and not as loose as it has been.
I’m using the same exact filament, same rolls, same printer (X1C). The only thing that has changed is updates to Bambu Studio and Firmware updates to the printer. I’ve rolled each back a version but still having the issue.
Has anyone else ran into this type of issue? Any suggestions. I’ve linked an image the hinge in question.
Printer: X1C
Studio Version: 2.3.1.51
X1C Firmware: 01.10.00.00
Filament: Bambu PLA
Changing the flow rate seems to have corrected the problem. I went through the calibration and change flow rate from 0.98 to 0.833. The hinge is back to as it was moving freely and loose.
My question is since I’ve printed hundreds of these with no issues and all flow rates have been 0.98 across all filaments (Bambu, Sunlu, eSun, Elegoo) is this an indicator that the nozzle is wearing out? If not why would I need to change the flow rate after all this time?
0.833 is a little concerning for a reputable filament (you mentioned still using bambu pla?) How’s the rest of the surface look, not just that print-in-place hinge?
Usually when its correct to have your flow +/-15% off it’s when you’re doing wierd stuff, like recycled PET strip filament, foaming filaments, truly awful spools, or other homemade shenanigans
Not so sure about nozzle wear decreasing flow. But a partial clog would constrain the filament in the nozzle, leading to lower flow.
Maybe a number of hex key cold pulls are in order? No need to spend time on the other methods.
And maybe use the change to check if the nozzle is still straight.
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I have noticed the surface has started to show more visible layer lines. The PLA in use has been Bambu, eSun, Sunlu, and Elegloo, nothing else.
Another thought dropping 15% was a bit excessive, so I update to dropping 5% down to 0.931 and with that my results are good. Hinge is working fine and the print looks good.
I will be changing out the nozzle and setting it back to the 0.98 to further test.
I think its the opposite, its increasing flow.
You may be right in this if we factor in human calibration. A smaller than expected orrifice would lead to a reduced line width, appearing like under extrusion in a manual calibration. A user would then respond by increasing flow.
Either way, since you have already narrowed down the issue down to the nozzle, did you replace it yet? What did the old nozzle look like (bent, worn, clogged)?
I myself would not use the nozzle in its current condition as I did have some nasty experiences with travelling clogs in the past. A partial nozzle clog leading to the extruder abrading filament forming a dust reservoir which then led to repeated clogs… A bit of a merry go round for filament contamination…
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New nozzle has not come in yet, should be there next couple of days. Once I’ve replaced it, I’ll give an update.
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new nozzle in place. Its hard to get a good clear pic of the old nozzle but there was some type of metal hanging off on the side.
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That area is a filament trap. In particular PETG likes to creep into the cavity between the slicone sock and the nozzle. It looks pretty much like what can spot in the pic’s. Enabling wipe on retract in the filament settings can help a little.
& with the new nozzle,
Eno
