I just received my FFCP from Amazon Italy, I had success printing the test_right file (ABS filament), but I’m having a lot of issues with PLA filament, because the filament gets stuck in the driver gear, which i alredy pulled out and tried to clean.
I already tried different print temperatures (220,210,200,190) but the result is the same: after a while the filament loses its track and gets stuck, nothing comes out of the extruder (see attachments).
I tried to google a bit, but I could only find procedures to clean the gears, which I already did twice, but not a definitive fix.
Should I contact support as this keeps happening or is it due to my low 3d printing skills?
I’ve had similar problems because the gears were too hot during the print and the PLA filament became soft close to the gears. Have you enabled the cooling fans that are cooling the extruder?
Hi @Vektor I had exactly the same problem with my FF Pro. Try adjusting your extrusion multiplier setting and/or checking your filament’s actual diameter. The problem is that the extruder is trying to push in more filament than is being used, so you need to reduce the feed rate.
Since it’s a real pain unblocking these jams, I’d suggest changing the setting to something very low first (70% or so), then increasing it gradually until you get a good print without under extrusion.
@noarth I tried turning on the support fan (I installed the duct as well) but when it is on I have the strange feeling that it “shrinks” my filaments. The issue still remains though, after some time the extrusion stops.
@norarth I think for me it was probably a combination of two things; the feed rate and the filament becoming soft. Dropping the extrusion rate (for me) seemed to work (I’ve had no jams for a long time now), but I suspect it was also the particular filament supplier I was using (who I won’t buy from again) as with another it doesn’t happen at all, even at higher extrusion rates/temps.
I don’t think you’d ever see over extrusion in the prints in this case because that requires a “firm” push into the extruder and the soft filament won’t allow this…
could be several issues:
- extruder is running too hot premelting the filament (gears are too hot)
- too high feedrate (see message from cobnut)
- extruder spring too strong (pushing and deviating the filament)
@cobnut you have right with over extrusion… probably just a clogged nozzle + feed rate since one extruder is working right and the other is not extruding and blocking the filament into the extruder.
What brand and type is that PLA? I can’t imagine the PLA I am using wrapping up like spaghetti like that. I would think it would break first unless it is getting that warm.
I would also have to agree that the feed rate is to high or something like a partial clog is causing a reduced flow.
It looks like blue is jamming. One trick I found is to lightly coat the first 2" above the extruder with 3-in-one oil. I just coat my fingers a little and rub it onto the filament. This helps lubricate the filament path and has virtually eliminated jams on my machine. Good luck!
The PLA that comes with the flashforge is junk. I think you will see when you get a good roll of PLA, your problem will go away.
In the meantime: measure your filament with calipers along a good stretch of it. Put the highest number into the slicer software.
Print cooler.
But the best advice is just pitch it and get better filament. You are probably the 5th poster in the last few monthes with this issue with Flashforge PLA.
I tried to search for it on Italian Amazon, but it’s sold only by 3rd party resellers at the ridicolous price of 150+€. Just got a spool from German Amazon
