plugged nozzes on Replicator 2

[mike_j]

I left a print going whlle I stepped out and the object was stuck to the nozzle when I returned. My guess is the nozzle and whatever's above it, filled up with PLA. Are there instructions anywhere on how to take the nozzle assembly apart and clean it?  I am able to stick a small diameter wire about 1/2" into the nozzle so the plug is above that..

 

Thanks

Mike

[Steve]

Mike:

The nozzle may or may not be clogged. The big plastic blob around the nozzle can happen when the build plate is not level, or warped, and the part comes loose from the plate and then gets stuck around the nozzle. There is a you tube video on how to remove the blob at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IJnAcnx444

After removing the blob make sure the build plate is level, not warped, and that your first layer is sticking well and smashed down into the build plate.

[Dan Ujvari]

I'm assuming you tried to preheat and load filament into the suspect extruder and could not?  If not, I'd try that first.  

Disclaimer: I'm speaking from experience with a Replicator Dual, which is similar, but not the same, so take it for what it's worth.

It's doubtful you have anything inside the cavity blocking outflow, so I'd attempt to clean the input of the cavity before I'd start unscrewing the nozzles.  .  Unscrewing nozzles is a job of last resort.  

On my machine, the screws that hold the fans go right into the stepper motor and hold all the pieces in between.  Once I have them off, I have access to the extruders.  

Removed the block (heat up the head until you can safely remove it), put it back together the way you took it apart.

Mike

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[Dan Newman]

On 5 Apr 2013 , at 7:44 PM, Dan Ujvari wrote:

> I'm assuming you tried to preheat and load filament into the suspect
> extruder and could not? If not, I'd try that first.
>
> Disclaimer: I'm speaking from experience with a Replicator Dual, which is
> similar, but not the same, so take it for what it's worth.
>
> It's doubtful you have anything inside the cavity blocking outflow, so I'd
> attempt to clean the input of the cavity before I'd start unscrewing the
> nozzles. . Unscrewing nozzles is a job of last resort.
>
> On my machine, the screws that hold the fans go right into the stepper
> motor and hold all the pieces in between. Once I have them off, I have
> access to the extruders.
>
> Removed the block (heat up the head until you can safely remove it), put it
> back together the way you took it apart.

Also, MBI has a support video on cleaning PLA blobs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IJnAcnx444


Dan

[Dan Ujvari]

If I read his question right, I think he already got rid of any blob on the bottom and is now concerned the it may have oozed/blocked the cavity intake.

[Eighty]

If I read the OP correctly, then you just need to do a big "unload filament" procedure.  Whatever is still in there must be removed manually.  You'll have to take the fan/heatsink off, and use some needle-nose pliers to grab the chunk of plastic.  It *shouldn't* be too hard to do...I've done it a few times.  Might be easier with the extruder heated up (but watch out - the fan will still be running!).

 

The only problem I foresee is if there's still something down in the barrel/nozzle after you've gotten what you can.  Sometimes a few iterations of "load" and "unload" will free it up.  If you have problems after that, you'll probably need to clean the nozzle with a toothpick or fine wire.  I don't really recommend removing the nozzle itself.  Too many people are doing that, and breaking things.

[Dan Newman]

On 5 Apr 2013 , at 8:33 PM, Eighty wrote:

> If I read the OP correctly, then you just need to do a big "unload
> filament" procedure. Whatever is still in there must be removed manually.
> You'll have to take the fan/heatsink off, and use some needle-nose pliers
> to grab the chunk of plastic.

FWIW,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuetJf4qq04

Dan

[mike_j]

Thanks to everyone. I'm back in business.

Mike

 

On Friday, April 5, 2013 6:23:08 PM UTC-7, mike_j wrote:

[Eighty]

For the benefit of others, please make a final post describing what worked for you, and what your observations were of the root cause. Thanks.

[Steve]

Dan:

Where did you track down that video? 

[Dan Newman]

On 6 Apr 2013 , at 12:32 PM, Steve wrote:

>
>
> Dan:
>
>
> Where did you track down that video?

That's the "channel" underwhich the MBI Support Team has been producing
their own support videos. So, I just check the videos they have uploaded
now and then to see what they've added to their library. They do also
have some videos linked to off of their support pages.

Dan

[mike_j]

I followed the directions from the video supplied by DNewman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IJnAcnx444). Remove the fan and heat sink, then remove the wire plug on back of the motor, remove motor, preheat, remove any plastic sticking out the top, then push through the plug to clear the nozzle. Put everything back together in reverse order and you're back to printing. The video is very clear although you have to make sure to get the orientation of the heat sink right. It will go on backward and the wire will extrude, just not very well.

 

Thanks for all the help

Mike

On Friday, April 5, 2013 6:23:08 PM UTC-7, mike_j wrote:

[Eighty]

Thanks for posting that.  Good point about the heat sink.  That applies to the fan as well.  It should always blow INTO the heat sink.