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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Posts
    44

    Extruder not working. PLEASE HELP!!

    So I shelled out 150 bones for an i3 clone on ebay. I know all the haters are going to say I should have bought a better one, but here we are.

    First print the thing works like a champ, I download a file from thingiverse, slice it, and presto bammo we are printing. Not perfect, but not bad for a first run.
    I take a swing at a second print and start having extrusion issues. I could hear it clicking and assumed the cheap, plastic extruder that lacked any sort of spring tension was the issue. After disassembling and reassembling a million times the problem continued to get worse and worse. I started to notice the stepper for the extruder wasn't running properly, and eventually not at all.

    I have tried the following to narrow down the problem and am still stumped:
    Connected the extruder stepper to the x axis. It works fine.
    Swapped the drivers around. Both are functional.
    Checked the reference voltage. Also acceptable.
    Swapped the cables to the stepper motor. Also functional.

    Anybody have any ideas as to what might be going on? This was a very progressive issue and worsened gradually until the motor was inoperable.

    Thanks in advance guys and gals!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Posts
    44

    Re: Extruder not working. PLEASE HELP!!

    My printer is equipped with a GT2560 RAMPS board with A4988 drivers and NEMA 17 steppers. Here is a link to the printer I bought.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/23262895211...3A232628952111

    Thanks again!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    1856

    Re: Extruder not working. PLEASE HELP!!

    The hot end will be blocked heat it up to 260 then pull it to bits when its hot
    http://danielscnc.webs.com/

    being disabled is not a hindrance it gives you attitude
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Posts
    44

    Re: Extruder not working. PLEASE HELP!!

    The hot end isn't blocked I can push filament through without an issue. The extruder motor doesn't run at all, even when unmounted from the printer with nothing attached but the cable.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Posts
    6618

    Re: Extruder not working. PLEASE HELP!!

    I suspect a loose cable to start with. Then is the stepper stalling when skipping? I would check to see if the extrude volume or speed has been changed in the software you are using to slice with. Does this machine have an auto filament load and unload?
    If so, that is a good way to test the extrusion process.
    Lee

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Posts
    44

    Re: Extruder not working. PLEASE HELP!!

    Quote Originally Posted by LeeWay View Post
    I suspect a loose cable to start with. Then is the stepper stalling when skipping? I would check to see if the extrude volume or speed has been changed in the software you are using to slice with. Does this machine have an auto filament load and unload?
    If so, that is a good way to test the extrusion process.
    I checked the cable. The Printer doesn't have auto anything as far as I am aware.
    I can literally dismount the stepper motor and hold it in my hand while plugged in and when prompted to move it does not. I can connect it to another axis at which point it moves as intended. It doesn't respond to any extruder commands what so ever.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Posts
    6618

    Re: Extruder not working. PLEASE HELP!!

    and you said you changed the stepper drives out?
    Lee

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Posts
    77

    Re: Extruder not working. PLEASE HELP!!

    It seems like the only thing you haven't ruled out is a bad channel for the extruder output on your controller board. Look for physical damage to the components on the board.

    That board has dual extruder support, right? Can you reconfigure it so that you use the 2nd extruder channel, instead?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Posts
    44

    Re: Extruder not working. PLEASE HELP!!

    Quote Originally Posted by jo_ky View Post
    It seems like the only thing you haven't ruled out is a bad channel for the extruder output on your controller board. Look for physical damage to the components on the board.

    That board has dual extruder support, right? Can you reconfigure it so that you use the 2nd extruder channel, instead?
    It does support dual extruders, now that is a heck of an idea right there! I am not sure how to do this, but I am sure the internet can tell me.

    Quote Originally Posted by LeeWay View Post
    and you said you changed the stepper drives out?
    I did swap the drivers to be sure one wasn't faulty.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Posts
    6618

    Re: Extruder not working. PLEASE HELP!!

    A little tip on those stepper drives especially ones with dual extruders, make sure you have fans blowing across them.
    Heat can kill them pretty quickly.
    If it is a bad board, try to get a warranty replacement. It happens.
    Lee

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Posts
    1899

    Re: Extruder not working. PLEASE HELP!!

    Quote Originally Posted by KidKhaos View Post
    It does support dual extruders, now that is a heck of an idea right there! I am not sure how to do this, but I am sure the internet can tell me.



    I did swap the drivers to be sure one wasn't faulty.
    You must make a change in Marlin to enable the second extruder.

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