replicator 2 extruder fun

[big_red_frog]

Hi All,

 

Just to capture my recent experience.

 

I was fighting problems with getting the support matrix to stick to the bed or tape, and ended up giving it a wipe with TSP to get rid of my greasy finger marks.

 

This allowed things to stick, but I still had my next problem, which was feed from the extruder failing early in prints.

 

Initially I thought this was my own files being a problem, as experience with the sample nut and bolt had been good, I was playing with temperature, worried I was running too hot at stock 230 with large prints, and allowing the filament to heat up.

 

But moved to smaller prints adn then I moved back to the samples, and they failed the same part way through print, fluffy bits of plastic appearing on the top surface, and after a few more layers realisation that the feed had stopped.

 

Ended up taking the extruder apart as per manual. There was no plastic to clean out, it looked good inside on the pressure feed axle, but I put an 1/8th of a turn on the feed setting, and things seem back to normal now.

 

Still never got a good print off this from my own files, but at least I am baselining again.

[Guidozelf]

I've recently made the Minimalistic Mk8 replacement from emmet (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:28241) which allows for a spring loaded ball bearing to feed the filament.

I feel the spring load is essential here: have a look at the comments on Thingiverse ;-)
My Replicator 2 has never (not even when just unpacked) printed so beautiful and smooth as after this upgrade. It's beyond me why Makerbot hasn't done this as standard, but perhaps things aren't so bad with ABS as with PLA (my only experience is with PLA, because I only have a Rep 2).
In order for this mod to fit, you need to slightly modify the black plastic cover that's holding the filament tube: you need to cut out a small piece.
I used a Dremel tool for this, at low speed, after disassembling the 6 Hex screws and disconnecting a few wires. Easy, fast and simple proces.
I'm now printing at 0.1mm with RepG40 and MBI firmware 6.2 without any problems, no clicking, no missing plastic and smooth as a baby (is that the expression?) ;-)
I've made a few pictures, may be that helps you with the build / mod. Highly recommended!
Pictures are available on: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/makerbot/hpIebvPqRiY

Perhaps this will be of use for you, cheers, Guido

[big_red_frog]

Thanks for the feedback, half way through a print that is about twice the volume of the nut and bolt, and now after having tightened the feed pressure, it is like a different machine.

 

I was getting very frustrated, but understand I have a lot of learning curve to go, being new to 3d printing and replicator 2 being my first machine.

 

I have hope again!

[big_red_frog]

Managed to get 3 good prints of angry birds at about 4 cm max diameters.

Just using these as test objects, simple STL's pulled off the web.

Looking quite good. Bought some acrylic paints so the SO can try her hand at painting them.

Will update on results.

TSP on the bed, and increasing filament feeder pressure seems to of got me baselined again.

May well look at that extruder upgrade if I find I have to keep messing with it...