Dual extruder issues

gautam2000 · 2016-02-02T01:29:07.000Z

I have a flash forge creator pro, and it seems that one extruder is slightly lower than the other. My right extruder seems to be slightly higher while the left is slightly lower, and this is resulting in the left extruder hitting the print and destroying anything I am trying to make. My left extruder still doesn’t work ( thanks to MadeSolid filament) so, how can I correct this issue

Thomas_Sch_l · 2016-02-02T08:25:37.000Z

I had the same problems, what I did was to remove the fan from the higher extruder, loosen the two screws on top of the assembly and move the stepper motor aside so I could reach the little grub screw behind the extruder that fastens it.

First level your build plate with the extruder that is lower.

Then loosen the screw just a bit so you can move the extruder up and down with a little force.

Put a the sheet of paper that you use or leveling under the now loose extruder and knock (with the handle of a screwdriver or something similar) on the metal pipe on top of the extruder to push it down until the friction, when you move the paper, is the same as with the other extruder. Then tighten the screw again (I needed to press down on the pipe a bit while tightening the screw).

Now both extruders are exactly the same level on my FFCP and don’t scratch over the print of the others.

Jeremy_Orange · 2016-02-02T09:35:14.000Z

I use paper between the extruder head and one side of the carriage to level my heads. Just figure out which side is high and add a slip of paper then try again. I’ve never had to add more than 3 sheets on any of my machines.

This method is far better than adjusting the extruders and removing the motors and everything.

MiniFabrikam · 2016-02-02T09:35:34.000Z

This is a common problem .Watch out the video and look for the advice at the end of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVZUWmGfnWQ

Bay3D · 2016-02-02T09:40:11.000Z

I have a similar issue with the second extruder dragging over prints. Oddly, it is absolutely fine with ABS on a raft, only happens when use PLA raftless.

hey Jeremy, interesting - could you post a pic of where the paper sits, Id like to try your solution but having problems visualizing where you are placing it.

3dprintwiz · 2016-02-02T10:09:29.000Z

The video link that oral gave is very informative. Take note of the folded tinfoil while the guy is unscrewing the extruder assembly, that is what you should put one side of the extruder assembly depending on which you think is lower, or dragging on your prints. Good luck.

modfab · 2016-02-02T10:14:58.000Z

Unfortunately some of the extruder assemblies are delivered this way. We have sold sixty or so Creator Pros and about three have had this issue. The only way to correct this unfortunately, is to strip the extruder assembly down to just the feed tubes and the aluminum block. Once you have it in this state, if you’re lucky, you can undo the set screw that holds the feed tube in place and then wiggle one tube to be extending the same amount from the block as the other. The top surface of the tube protrudes a little and I leveled mine by making both tubes equal to the one that extended out of the top of the block the least. I discovered the tube a very tight fit (almost an interference fit)

So I got a drill vice and put the block in it so it was resting on both jaws but not clamped. I used a hammer to tap the tube and vernier calipers with a depth probe to measure after each tap. I gently worked the tube down until it was dead level compared to a measurement taken from the other tube. Make sure you back off the set screw on the tube you’re moving!!!

Sorry it’s not better news :-/

Robert_Massey · 2016-02-02T14:50:43.000Z

I have this same issue with my flashforge dreamer, I related it back to when i attached the extruder to the machine and tightened one side more than the other, I have just been using the right as a spare holder.

natewin · 2016-02-02T15:39:52.000Z

I’ll second this as it is what I do as well. You’ll want to make sure the extruders are very close with adjusting the grub-screw first. Then you can make each extruder exactly the same with this method using a feeler gauge with the nozzles measured from the same bed position under the front leveling screw.

Post-it notes work well since they stay in place. Cut the strip you need with an exacto. I make a piece that is the depth of the bar front-to-back and has cutout to go around the screw. Almost a [ shape around the screw coming up from below.

Bay3D · 2016-02-02T16:56:58.000Z

Nate, dont suppose you could take a pic of what you are describing, re the position of those post-it notes?

thanks!

natewin · 2016-02-03T12:03:41.000Z

The image below shows where to shim, on the surface highlighted yellow between the bar mount and plastic carriage .

Unscrew the two screws that hold the extruder assembly to the carriage.

Put a shim of paper or thin plastic under the left side if you want the left extruder to go higher (if it was lower than the right).

Do this on the right side if the right extruder is slightly lower than the left.

I find that post-its are measuring about 0.003" or .09mm

shim.JPG957×614 83.8 KB

Bay3D · 2016-02-03T12:24:37.000Z

cheers mate, I’ll give that a go!

Max_Schlein · 2016-02-03T15:42:06.000Z

Remove the nozzle that doesn’t work(heat it up first). That way it wont break you prints.

Print this, Dualstrustion nozzle leveling Fixture by einer_designs - Thingiverse

Watch this video, FlashForge Creator X, Pro & Dreamer Nozzle Height Adjustment - YouTube

robby_roboter · 2016-02-05T07:15:13.000Z

I just unscrew one extruder, not printing much dual color/material anyway.

Ryan_92 · 2016-05-11T04:56:45.000Z

This just worked perfectly for me. Thanks! Brand new to this and couldn’t print my first piece. Now, I did it without a problem! Glad there are so many good 3D communities online. Cheers!

stax3d · 2016-07-28T01:43:55.000Z

https://support.makerbot.com/troubleshooting/earlier-products/replicator-original/my-dual-mk8-stepstruders-nozzles-arent-the-same-height\_11812

I haven’t tried it myself, but in looking up the answer to this question myself this is one of the methods I found more than once. Granted it feels like a “JUST USE DUCT TAPE” sort of method, it theoretically works if MakerBot themselves documented it on their website and other forums lead to it.

Alternatively you could go with this upgrade I’m considering as well - http://store.wmdproducts.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=63&product\_id=62

Hopefully 6 months haven’t passed without any answers, but even if so - here you go. Good luck! Let us know if your actions are successful and how you did it.

- Chris Dastan from the STAX3D Team