Build Platform Adjustment Knobs Loose. Normal?

[Elbot]

I level my build platform and then print. First print is successful. After that, I do not re-level and then attempt a 2nd print. The extruder moves around but doesn't extrude filament. I took apart the  extruder and clean the gear, I make sure there's no obstruction in the nozzle. I grease the rods. I replace the kapton. Then, I hot level the plate. It started the print again, but curled and was thin in one section. So, I clear the failed print and put a bit of abs slurry on the platform to prevent curling. I re-attempted the print. Now, it is not even extruding and/or extruding thinly in places. I have gone through several failed prints. I had a dozen good prints before this so I figured I needed to do some maintenance. I did the Makerbot company recommended maintenance, but it still doesn't work.

Is this because my build platform adjustment knobs are loose? Or something else?

I did the extrusion function in replicator g and the extruders work fine. I also did the x y and z axes movement in replicator g and the stepper motors and rods work fine.

What's the problem?

[66tbird]

Will the 'Load Filament' script extrude filament in a smooth straight consistent flow? If not then soak the nozzle (in pure acetone) and clean with a very fine wire, then soak it again. Consider putting a dust cover over the spools.

[Dan Newman]

> Is this because my build platform adjustment knobs are loose? Or something
> else?

Is the platform going out of level? Keep in mind that ideally you should
level it when it is at 110C (or whatever temp you use).

A likely issue is that the Z offset needs to be adjusted now that the bot has
broken in.

Dan

[Elbot]

yes, ran load filament script. yes, hot levelled platform.

No, I do not know what "Z offset..." adjustment means. Please enlighten me and tell me ho wto adjust the z offset . Thanks.

[Doogiekr]

It is most likely because of loose adjustment screws. When you level the platform after its preheated it puts the adjustment screws at the edge of their usable limits and loose. I put spacers in between my front adjustment screws and the platform to help fight this but i am also going to print the fixture that 66tbird designed to keep them from moving.

It is pretty easy to check if this is the problem... When the print starts and there is no ABS coming out or really thin, give the front 2 screws a bit of an adjustment to lower the build plate. If the ABS starts flowing properly then it is most likely because those screws have loosened and the build platform has raised a bit in the front during the previous print (or print removal). If this is the case, the fixture from 66tbird might fix your issue, ai am pretty sure it will fix mine.

[Mark Cohen]

Basically the gap between the tip if the nozzle and the top of the platform us too narrow and us stopping the extrusion.

On Aug 18, 2012 6:31 PM, "Doogiekr" <doog...@gmail.com> wrote:

It is most likely because of loose adjustment screws. When you level the platform after its preheated it puts the adjustment screws at the edge of their usable limits and loose. I put spacers in between my front adjustment screws and the platform to help fight this but i am also going to print the fixture that 66tbird designed to keep them from moving.

It is pretty easy to check if this is the problem... When the print starts and there is no ABS coming out or really thin, give the front 2 screws a bit of an adjustment to lower the build plate. If the ABS starts flowing properly then it is most likely because those screws have loosened and the build platform has raised a bit in the front during the previous print (or print removal). If this is the case, the fixture from 66tbird might fix your issue, ai am pretty sure it will fix mine.

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[Doogiekr]

The fixture from 66tbird can be found in this thread https://groups.google.com/forum/m/?fromgroups#!topic/makerbot/TR5S5zh_uVc

[Busybotz]

HBP is too high. If you allow it to print the first 2 or 3 layers, often the plastic will begin to flow once the platform has moved down a notch or two. 

I am trying 66tbirdJZ's fixture, it will take a while until I can say if it works.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:28723 

On Saturday, August 18, 2012 10:37:33 AM UTC-5, Elbot wrote:

What's the problem?

[Elbot]

thanks, that print did the trick. adjustment knobs no longer drift during prints.

[Doogiekr]

Good to hear... It fixed my issues as well.