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[Prusa MINI+] Filament Feed Issue

I installed 3D Chameleon Mk3 on my Prusa MINI+ with the help of YouTube videos and information from Printables. The mode is set to Direct Drive Mode.

reference1: https://youtu.be/fdfgv_ZD5cM
reference2: https://www.printables.com/model/48846
print data: https://www.tinkercad.com/things/hgYyl62dCqL

I have tested loading with PETG filament @220-250℃. It feeds it smoothly until the filament reaches the nozzle, but once it reaches the nozzle it is not feeding the filament well, perhaps due to weak tension in the gears and bearings. What should I do to solve this?

E-step is set to the recommended value of 152 for this thread (and for other settings as well).

https://www.3dchameleon.com/forum/support/prusa-mini-cannot-print-even-with-single-color

Any advice would be appreciated.

14 comments

14 Comments

Bill

Aug 07, 2023

Did you print the new Tension Tuning Sliders for direct drive operation? If not, you'll need them... they increase the pressure applied to the filament. See them here: https://www.tinkercad.com/things/0JBXWmRAdxn-3dchameleon-mk3-tension-tuning-sliders

Bill

Hiro

Oct 13, 2023

Replying to

Hi Bill,

Sorry for the delay in contacting you. Appreciate your many advices about Mode 1.

I tried changing the inner diameter of the tube from 2.0mm to 1.9mm (couldn't afford capricorn tube), and filament materials (PLA, PETG), and adjusting the tension of the extruder, the nozzle temperature to form the thinner filament tip.

However, due to my inability to do so, the filament stopped flowing after the second layer while printing, or the filament got stuck in the hotend while changing.

So I decided to use 3DChameleon in not mode 1 but mode 3 when integrating it into the PrusaMINI+.

The filament path is longer, so it takes more time for that loading, but this mode does not require many adjustments, and with a few adjustments to Gcode, the printing and filament exchange is stable. When unloading the filament, even if I change the temperature, a clean tip is not formed, so the forming motion may need to be improved (or 3DClippy).

This change allows me to enjoy multi-color printing on my 3DChameleon without frustration. Also, I use a Prusa stock extruder so this mode is adaptable for fast printing with input shaper (5.1.0-alpha1 firmware).

I understood through experience your description of these modes.

1) Loader/Unloader Mode ... this is the easiest method of installation, but is a little slower.

2) Direct Drive Mode ... This is a harder installation, but allows for much faster color changes.

(Source: https://www.3dchameleon.com/mk3-mode-2-gcode-generator)

I will continue to make adjustments for better printing. Thank you for such an interesting product. Looking forward to future updates.

4-color object, printed in eSUN PETG with Prusa MINI+ & 3DChameleon

Layout: 3D printer, 4 filaments and 3DChameleon

Bill

Oct 13, 2023

Replying to

Good to hear. I agree with you, Mode 3 on the Prusa Mini will be our recommendation... in fact, it's our recommendation for all printers moving forward. Also, I do recommend a 3DClippy upgrade for it as well. I have a new one that we are working on that we will be releasing soon that will be automatic. It uses a servo motor to do the cutting. I'll be sharing the details on it soon... but it will require a firmware upgrade to our electronics. Your prints look great so far!!!

Bill

Hiro

Oct 14, 2023

Replying to

Thanks! I agree with your recommendation.

I saw your recent post (tweet), and am excited with the new 3DClippy using a servo motor. I have two questions about that.

1. Will the servo motor be connected to the 3DChameleon board or to the Raspberry Pi that I will buy separately?

2. Will the new 3DClippy work with 3D printers with cantilever structures like the P

rusa MINI+? I am wondering how much more the weight of the print head will increase with installation.

I look forward to more information, pictures and videos about the new 3DClippy.

Additionally, I found a post in the forum about the 8-color version of the 3DChameleon. I am curious about this as well, so I hope you will publish pictures and videos in the future.

Thank you for your tireless efforts.

Hiro