NOZZLE FAILING TO EXTRUDE MATERIAL v3

2. NOZZLE FAILING TO EXTRUDE MATERIAL

This is also one of the most common problems in 3D printing especially experienced by new users. But luckily troubleshooting this problem is quite easy. The following 3D printing troubleshooting tips will list some of the possible reasons and corresponding solutions to resolve this problem in 3D printing.

• Check Clogging of Nozzle

Clogging of the nozzle is one of the most common reasons for an extruder to not perform its main function. The nozzle can clog due to many reasons like blocking due to external rubbish like accumulated dust, fine particles which cling to the filament. These particles, over a period of time, stick to the inside walls of the nozzle and once they gather in sufficient quantities can lead to blockage of the nozzle outlet.

This can also occur simply because of the regular plastic material sitting inside for a long time (generally happens when the filament is not removed after print completion and it sits for a prolonged period of time like months). Users may have to remove the nozzle and resolve the issue by contacting the manufacturer as it requires critical work to unclog the nozzle.

• Ensure Priming of Nozzle

Priming is very important at the start of every print and should be carried out every time. This occurs because while the extruder is being heated the material sitting inside starts melting and some of the material starts dripping/oozing down from the nozzle. This causes a void in the nozzle and when the actual print starts, the nozzle does not extrude the material. But in fact, it is only a delayed extrusion which has occurred due to the initial oozing of the material.

So, start all your prints with a few layers of ‘Skirt’ which will help in maintain a regular flow of the material before it starts printing the actual model.

• Adjust Nozzle Height

Nozzle height can also affect the extrusion of material if the nozzle is too close to the build plate then the extruder may not be able to deposit the required amount of material on to the bed. So, it is important to set the nozzle height appropriately.

• Check for Filament Problems

This problem in 3D printing sometimes goes unnoticed. While the users try to assess the problem, they tend to overlook the fact that the filament may have been damaged. Many times new users do not store the filaments appropriately and this can expose the material to ambient conditions which can deteriorate the material. This causes the filament to break, gather moisture leading to various printing issues. Sometimes while printing the filament snaps into two beneath the drive system (mostly occurs in a direct drive system). This may go unnoticed and the extrusion may completely stop while the printhead continues to move in prescribed geometry.

This can also be caused due to scraping of filament due to hard drive gears. The gear teeth bite into the filament and this upsets the extrusion flow leading to intermittent extrusion.

This can also occur is the filament absorbs so much moisture that it forms air bubbles. These air bubbles block the flow and again disrupt the extrusion flow.