Fixing a Jam (opening up the printer) and voiding warrenty

[Andy Hudson-Smith]

Afternoon,

We used some MakerBot PLA in our Mod-T (1.75mm and in spec) - it caused a nasty filament Jam. We were unable to load/unload and everything we tried failed.

So we took it apart (see the photos). PLA has come out of the main chamber and into the inner workings (not good). This was easy to clear, the hard part was the jam inside the feeder unit - PLA was stuck in the feeder tube, we forced it clear with a paper clip.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8xqO72r4_PiV1d6MXBsUDZUa05rWlFBa25VTUpSNGFKeHRv/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8xqO72r4_PiQnA4a1M2dDVsenJUSHlzVjRmekRmT1daalc0/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8xqO72r4_Pidm13b2JkVXF3dHprM0dqdEo0OUd6NGtySFF3/view?usp=sharing

Everything reassembled fine (although i don't recommend it) - however, turns out the main jam is in the bottom screw thread where the hot head fixes in. It is completely blocked and does not heat up enough to clear.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8xqO72r4_Pia0dBMUJyam5KdlJVVEVoRnl0bnY4TTJlNjI4/view?usp=sharing

I'm sure its fixable but thought users might be interested in how to a) fix a jam b) completely invalidate your warranty - but if PLA is jammed inside there does not seem a way to clear it.

We had to bend the top metal part btw to get inside....

Andy

[Andy Hudson-Smith]

To add to the post above - the main jam was in the metal section that hold the hot head - we forced it out using a fine file and now, having put it all back together - the printer is back in action.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8xqO72r4_PiQUdia3g3enFxcllvWVQ0YTVadUhtdm1GNGFZ/view?usp=sharing

Andy

[Atrix]

is it possible to remove the hot end nut that holds it onto the printer head? 

[Andy Hudson-Smith]

Nope - its fixed in via a cap on the other side - the only way to reach it is to take the top off (bending the metal) and then the feeder mechanism - i.e. the same as i have just done, see the photos.

My main jam was in the hot head end nut - i forced it out with a small file.

Does not bode well for future jams as it took me 3 hours - i now have a working printer back but with a bent top plate...

Andy

[Marc Brenner]

Any idea what that white wire is that is attached tot he bottom metal plate?  (Seen: here https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8xqO72r4_Pia0dBMUJyam5KdlJVVEVoRnl0bnY4TTJlNjI4/view)

I imagine it is just a ground incase voltage leaks from the hot end or something.  Would the printer be okay without that wire attached?

[Atrix]

you should check my post https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/mod-t/o1mLY268Sik I think it has a job of earthing the plate, but not sure