I feel like the better solution is to just use 4mm ID tubing. That way it doesn't bind entirely when the filament is slightly the wrong shape. My printer is running on 4mm ID PTFE tubing and it works great! Super slippery on the inside, held by threaded-on bolts at both ends (heater/feeder)
So i posted the Filament straightener i have been using to thingiverse last night:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:30733
I only straighten the amount im going to use before the print.
I have moved my filaments onto a bar that leaves about a meter of distance from the spool itself to the extruder. I have found so far that this not only cleans up the back of the machine/worktop, it tend to allow the filament the time and flexibility to straighten itself out/release its package memory. Still a recent move, but I have been VERY impressed thus far...
I feel like the better solution is to just use 4mm ID tubing. That way it doesn't bind entirely when the filament is slightly the wrong shape. My printer is running on 4mm ID PTFE tubing and it works great! Super slippery on the inside, held by threaded-on bolts at both ends (heater/feeder)
Are you still running the same setup as the last time it was discussed?
Well, my issue is more about accumulation of stress *before* the hobbed bolt. Then, the stress suddenly releases in the feeder and filament sometimes gets so much damaged that the bolt starts to grind into it without making it advance anymore.
I like the grooved bearings idea, though I would have to find/buy some and it is still a bit cumbersome.
And yes, putting the spool farther really improves things but in my case I had to move it at least 2 meters away which is not convenient, I want it on its support
In fact my best results so far are with a new filament feeder of my own, and a new kind of homemade grooved bolt (hardest part to make of course). I still should print many more hours before I tell (where would I tell btw? thingiverse is less friendly suddenly imho...). But it is already stronger and more robust than the stock one, esp. regarding PLA dust that otherwise accumulates in the bolt thread, which results on an obvious lower grip and failed prints in the end. Mine really was made to reduce friction and it seems to do a good job.
Are you still running the same setup as the last time it was discussed?
Yes. 4mm ID PTFE tube for most of the length, short 3mm ID PTFE tube from the top of the print head into the nozzle. I screwed a bolt on the short tube and wedged between the aluminum plate and the bottom of the wooden print head, as well as two bolts on the long 4mm ID tube to attach to the feeder and the top of the head.
Recommended Posts
kwatts 0
Hey,
I have a similar problem, plastic that is at the bottom of a spool, is tighter packed / coiled.
This plastic , seems to cause extra friction, and cause the filament to get stuck tin the tube or grind in the feeder.
I ended out making a plastic straightener that i run over the filament im about to use, to straightener it out before using it.
something similar to this:
http://www.leadmaker.co.uk/Seconduserpi ... HTENER.jpg
My local surplus store has *hundreds* of grooved bearing that fit the 3.0mm filament snugly.
I have had great results, plastic that i previously couldn't use works perfectly now.
If your interested, ill get the stl up on thingiverse.
Cheers
Kym
Link to post
Share on other sites