For my next issue with this printer. I am getting this error at the beginning of approximately 50% of prints and about 50% of filament changes which makes getting through a print just about impossible. I have removed and inspected the Hotend, extruder and AMS and not found a problem. When this does happen the corresponding light on the AMS is blinking red. I have never gotten through a print with more then 40 filament changes without intervention which is getting frustrating. I am on my fourth hotend and second extruder in 7 months. I have had the toolhead apart over two dozen times to fix clogs or extruder issues. To put it mildly I am about at the end of my patience with this machine. If anyone knows what else I can do for this error I would appreciate it.
It does not neccessarily need to be something with the main hardware. After around 6 months, my initial X1C had rubbed a hole large but hard-to-spot through the AMS-Buffer PTFE. I literally only found it when the filament poked me in the eye
Did you replace the PTFE-tubes yet, making sure all ends are nicely straight and flush and fully pushed into the connectors?
It could also be that the connectors have been worn out.
I assume that problems are not related to any given AMS slot? Then the problem could also come from a worn filament switch.
One thing to check is the internal PTFE to the toolhead and cable organizer connecting to the extruder it may pay to print some of the PTFE guide i do not use it but had to redo the PTFE. If that is the problem will be a problem with external spool no AMS probably worth doing a few prints with out AMS
The tube connector on the head loves to wear out from all those retractions.
In some cases this can cause the tube to leave a gap.
Especially well worn out filament then can get stuck when hitting the collar of the push connector.
Cut the worn out part of and make a rings with a permanent marker around the filament.
With that you can check how far the filament actually goes into the extruder.
Based on that you can hone in on the actual culprit.
That is of course if your filament isn’t getting prior to that point…
I have not replaced the tubes. I will look at them. It has happened in 3 out of the 4 slots and I think that is because I have not used slot 4(support material) in over two weeks.
I have an AMS on top of my printer and only recently took it off to clear a break in the print head. The amount of wear on the teflon tube that connects to the printhead really surprised me. It’s about to open up all along its length where it rubs against the glass. To be replaced with added little rub rings to keep that from happening again.
Same here with the blocked extruder…
Two things stunned me…
The thing ate around 30 rolls of filament so far but those rollers transporting the filament had next no dust clogging those grooves.
Then I remembered those hotened swaps and cleaning sessions…
If the extruder does not eat much filament to turn it into dust - what was all this dust piling up inside the extruder housing and on top of the hotened ?
Tried the flame check with the next lot and was surprised that it wasn’t teflon dust.
Thought I should replace those tubes while I can but decided to take a good look first…
Not much to see, not even with a strong light from behind…
And telfon being telfon, trying to coat the inside with some marker fluid or such wouldn’t help either.
Looking like new should mean nothing to worry…
WRONG!
I used some uncommon testing equipment:
A length of braided fishing line
A blunt but heavy gauge sewing needle as a weight on the line
Cotton wool…
Goes like this:
Get the line through the tube.
Attach a bit of cotton wool to the end using a proper knot or sling.
Roll the cotton to just fit inside tube, meaning it should take a little bit of pulling but should not be at risk of breaking the line or ripping it out of the cotton.
Pull slowly and with even tension…
Where the tube is badly damaged you will feel an increased resistance.
Where it is badly worn out, like on the outside of a bend, you might feel a sudden decease in resistance.
The extruder tube with the constantly moving chain guide is a bad idea if you ask me.
I would rather had a few cm added to the top of the printer and a tube going from the housing directly to the head than this forced contraption that causes the tube to constantly bend around and with add to increase the wear and tear of tube’s inside.
