Problem printing with ABS on Makerbot Replicator

[kannaballistic]

I am stuck with being unable to print with ABS on a dual extruder Makerbot Replicator and would appreciate any suggestions. Currently, I have the printer on a stable surface and it does print perfectly when using PLA filament. The ABS plastic extrudes but doesn't stick to the heated build surface. Things done so far:

 

a) Ensure that the build surface is level and the nozzles are calibrated.

b) Check to ensure the ABS filament is properly inserted and extrudes during the test

c) Take apart and clean the step struder.

d) I've tried to print different models (off of a connected PC or memory card)

e) Replace the Kapton tape.

 

Temperatures seems correct with 220 on each extruder and 110 on the build surface.

 

Suggestions?

[Brad Luyster]

What does your model look like?  Are you trying to print with or without a raft? Are you using one of the "Default" configurations in G-Code generation in Replicator G?

[Charlton Braganza]

Brad,

 

I've tried different models (key panel, snyder courthouse) without rafts and a couple with rafts.

 

I have not made any changes to "default" configurations in the Replicator G (possibly it?). I did try Makerware too with no success.

[Brad Luyster]

It looks like you're using the "Default" settings.  Try the "Accelerated Default" settings.  You might also try applying a slurry of ABS plastic and acetone to the build platform (you can find instructions for how to do this on the Makerbot forums and other places).  I know you mentioned that you had leveled and calibrated your build platform, but you may try that again.  ABS is much less forgiving than PLA.

[Christopher Cprek]

Charlton, you sure it's ABS filament?

You've got PLA on the left and ABS on the right. PLA doesn't stick to
Kapton well, and you should use something like blue painter's tape for
PLA.

If the build platform is leveled, with a little bit of bite on the
business card test, then the ABS should stick with very little effort.
For larger prints that tend to warp at the edges (unsticking), a
little bit of acetone slurry will keep edges from peeling up.

Chris

[Charlton Braganza]

Chris,

 

Oddly enough, it is the black ABS on the right and not the clear-ish PLA. I ran through the startup script a couple of times to level the build platform and check the extruders. The ABS filament extrudes and continues to curl without sticking to the platform.

 

Initially, I thought the base simply needed to be cleaned with acetone (haven't tried the slurry yet) and I eventually replaced the Kapton tape. However, no change in results. 

[Christopher Cprek]

Hmm.

The curling makes me think to also try cleaning the outside of the
nozzle. If some burnt or stuck ABS is on the extruder nozzle, it might
be slightly sticking to that rather than the build platform.

Chris

[kannaballistic]

Tried the "Accelerated Default" settings, slurry and recalibrated but have had no luck so far. The extruders were cleaned to to avoid any bits of plastic build up.