Broken filament in the feeder (not extruder)

[dwardio 4]

I've had my UM2 for almost a month and have had zero clogs or other problems. Tonight was the first time I've experienced "grinding" however. After making sure the extruder was up to temp, I attempted to remove the filament, but the filament broke exactly at the feeder drive, so backing the stepper doesn't achieve anything, nor is there anything to grab with needlenose pliers.

Presumably I'll have to remove the bowden tube from the feeder housing, but I have not been able to find instructions for doing so... I'm dead in the water until I can pull the piece of filament that's in the bowden tube. Can someone please point me to a procedure to accomplish this?

After this is resolved, I'll look at one of the improved feeder hacks, but obviously won't be able to implement any of them until I get my UM2. :cool:

Thanks!

 

[pm_dude 27]

Hi dwardio,

Welcome to Ultimaker and the forum!

To remove the bowden tube you need to remove the blue (or red) clip located above the feeder and under the white clip holding the tube. When that clip is removed, push the white clip down to remove pressure on the tube and pull the bowden tube out. The same procedure can be done on the print head if you need to remove it on that end.

If small pieces of the filament broke in the feeder you will probably have to remove the feeder too. That would require you to remove the four screws that are holding the stepper motor so try holding the feeder knot when removing the last screw. Just remove the front plate of the feeder, blow the plastic out and put it back together.

Good luck!

 

[dwardio 4]

Thanks-- I tried that last night, but the tube didn't come out immediately, so I chickened out until I heard back that I was doing it correctly. I'll give it another go this afternoon.

One follow up-- what is "the feeder knot?" Looks like the filament is still in one piece, so don't anticipate this step, but better to be prepared.

Cheers, Dennis

 

[pm_dude 27]

Sorry I mean the knurl nut. The metal cylinder that sticks out of the stepper motor that pushes the filament in the bowden tupe.

 

[dwardio 4]

Thanks-- I was able to get the clips off and remove the bowden tube from both ends. Whilst pulling the PLA out from the feeder end, it snapped about 10cm in, leaving me with PLA occupying the middle third of the tube. A very snug melted blob about 1/3 of the way from the the extruder end prevents me from pushing it through, though.

Will try hot water to see if I can free it up, but have also taken the precaution of ordering some 1/4" PFTE tubing. I have to admit I was gobsmacked to discover that the bowden tube for the UM2 is imperial sized...