Running into a bit of problem with the extruder on the 3d chameleon not being able to push the filament through the PTFE tube to the Y splitter for loading using the hold for 5seconds then pressing to move the extruder forward. It always seems to either slow down or occasionally pushes it or out right looses grip, the extruder is not stopping it just seems to not have a good enough grip and slips. I am having it push through the entire length of the PTFE tube that is with the kit, is that perhaps to long??
I'm just using a normal PLA
Any help is much appreciated! I'm looking forward to printing!
A few things. Can you check that the filament is easy to push through the tubes by hand. There should be virtually no resistance to pushing it. If there is, check that the tubes are not bent/kinked. It's possible the crimp in the 4mm brass ferrule is too tight... if that's the case, try using a small drill (about 2mm in diameter) to open it up. No need for power tools here... you should just be able to turn the drill bit by hand. Also, check that the alignment of the drive gears is perfectly centered with the tubes on the extruder motor end. If they're not aligned, you'll get exactly that. Lastly, check that the cam is positioned at exactly 6 o'clock position when it is homed... if it is not, you need to reset it by holding the button for about 22 seconds... it will respond with 3 short vibrations of the selector motor to indicate that it was reset.
Bill
So I took the tubes off the extruder and out of the Splitter to push the filament through and it was really tough, The ferrules at the end seemed a little tight but then I decide to push them in from where the tubes connect to the splitter and they got really tight to push in only about the first 18 inches. I even tried a differ spool of PLA and it happened to that as well. So I did use a small drill bit and made the ferrules a little bigger and that helped but I in the end was still unable to push the filament trough all the way by hand. I tried all they while the tubes were layed out straight. I also reset the stepper by holding the button for 22 seconds and I believe it is operating correctly.
So it seems like a problem with the tubing?
Thanks
So, just the basic tubes at too tight. You need to check the diameter of your filament... Standard filament is 1.75mm +- .3. If it is outside that, then it won't work... as our tubes are 1.82+- .3.
Optionally, you can try a different filament that has a known good quality... something like Prusament.
Bill
I've tried 3 different brands of filament and they all are tough sliding through, I've had no problems in the past with these brands. I did measure them and they are all in 1.75mm spec. I have a spare 2 foot piece of Capricorn tubing that they all slid through great. I'm willing to buy another set of the 3dchamelion tubing if that is an option.
Thanks
Not sure what exactly is happening... but we can send you a new set. Bill
Sounds good. Ill go ahead and email to arrange that. Would it be any interest to you to have me send back my set of tubing for you all to take a look at?
Thanks for all the help.
I'm having the same issue. When the gears do get a grip, they just end up pushing the tubes out of place. I've tried multiple brands of filament and the tubes are just too tight without enough grip and without enough hold to stay in place.
We'll send you a new set.
@Bill That's super nice of you! I am curious it was just a really tight batch of tubes? Or if I should switch it to wider ones since these don't need to be that tight above the splitter?
I am experiencing this problem of the tubes being too tight as well. Just as an additional note, I have the 8 line system and both sets of tubes are too tight.