I have a Taz5 printer with an SE print head and a Boro glass bed. Currently running Cura 4.13.10 and have updated the latest firmware. I am getting a random problem, different projects, different filament with the filament feed stopping mid print, the printer continues to operate and finish the project. Does not appear to lose head or bed heat. The filament appears to jam as it appears that the feed dogs strip out. The filament does not appear to be jammed in the head as I can do a retract and the filament will feed back. The printer is running off of a dedicated PC running Windows 11. Have checked/changed the tension with no change in the results. Sometimes I can restart the project with the same filament/settings and get a complete model.
I have taken the head apart, cleaned the drive gears, checked for problems but can see none.
Filament appears to feed cleanly from the spool with no restrictions.
Any ideas on what else to check???
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Here are some possible solutions:
- Check Extruder Gear Wear: Even though you’ve inspected the extruder gears, if they are worn out, they may not grip the filament effectively. Consider replacing the extruder gears with new ones to ensure better grip on the filament.
- Inspect the PTFE Tube: A worn or damaged PTFE tube can cause filament feeding issues. Check for blockages or damage to the PTFE tube and replace it if necessary.
- Adjust Extruder Spring Tension or Idle Pressure: If the spring tension in the extruder is not set correctly, it can lead to filament feeding problems. Try adjusting the idle pressure of the extruder to ensure the filament can pass through smoothly.
- Check Extruder Motor: If the extruder motor is not functioning consistently, it can cause filament feed interruptions. Check for loose or damaged connections and ensure the motor is operating stably.
- Check Hot End Temperature: Ensure that your hot end temperature settings are correct, as incorrect temperatures can lead to improper filament melting or clogging.
- Inspect Filament Path: Make sure the filament path from the spool to the hot end is clear and unobstructed. Any bends or compressions could lead to filament feeding issues.
- Review Cura Settings: In Cura, check for any settings that might cause filament feeding problems, such as excessive retraction settings. Reduce the retraction length and speed to see if there is any improvement.
- Check Printer Firmware: You mentioned that you have updated to the latest firmware, but it’s worth double-checking if there are any firmware updates that might address this issue.
- Inspect Power Supply: Unstable power supply can cause the printer to work erratically. Ensure that your printer’s power supply is stable and there are no voltage fluctuations.
It sounds like a case of heat creep. You didn’t mention what type of filament and what temperature.
The link above will find lots of articles explaining the issue and lots of suggested solutions. Something as simple as lowering the temperature by 5 degrees can be the difference between success and failure. Also reducing the retraction distance can help.
Thanks for the response.
I think I have tried most of the recommended solutions. The printer has been a faithful workhorse for me. As tech support no longer supports the TAZ5 it was reaching the limit of its life.
I thought about replacing the head but finally decided to just buy a new printer.