EZstruder stepper temps and PLA

[jwalrath]

Guys,

So I built my V2 over Christmas break with the kids. Went through 300 meters of ABS without a problem printing tons of things. I just started trying to use PLA and have had a whole host of issues - mostly with temps and jamming.

My biggest problem with PLA is jams. Seems like many of my problems are at the EZstruder stepper motor. I would have a successful print, then setup for the next print and no filament would extrude. In fact, several times I had to take apart the EZstruder and clean it out and unjam some filament pieces. One time I found that the PLA was deformed over the gear that attaches to the stepper motor. My guess is the heat from the motor was heating up the gear and causing it to melt the PLA and thus stop extrusion on the next print. I blew a big external fan on it after that and found I had a LOT less problems. Also found in the forums others having similar problems.

I was wondering if anyone has designed and printed a fan shroud for that stepper motor using a 30mm or 40mm fan? I found a few stepper motor shrouds on thingiverse but they dont appear to blow over the entire motor like the temporary fan I am using now.

Just wondering - any other folks having these issues too and what you did?

As a side note for another discussion: why is everyone so gaga over PLA? So far compared to ABS I really hate the stuff. Just want to know what it is that I am not understanding or missing...

-jeff

[BenTheRighteous]

Not exactly what you asked for, but you can check out my extruder thread where I move the stepper to the top of the machine and point an 80mm fan at it: http://forum.seemecnc.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=7216

That is, if you don't mind the spool arm hanging at a funny angle for the time being...

A lot of people prefer PLA because it's easy to print big with. It doesn't curl or warp like ABS does. On the other hand, it strings like crazy and snaps when deformed. They are both good materials depending on your application.

[jwalrath]

Thanks for the link. I will definitely consider all options at this point. I have to do something so my first thought was a fan shroud. Perhaps moving it will help too - definitely make it easier to cool.

Thanks again.

-jeff

[jdurand]

Since we're planning an enclosure for our Max, I just ordered water cooling parts intended for graphics cards. Since not a lot of motor is exposed on the extruder, I ordered 40mm x 40mm heat exchangers to paste to the rear of the motors. I have heat sink glue (like heat sink grease, but hardens) to hold them on. I also ordered a radiator and pump.

I was thinking of tying it into the PEEK fan so it goes on and off with the system heat. Certainly won't be extruding anything when the hot end is cold.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131336779919

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201087635704

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261684499541

[BenTheRighteous]

I was thinking of tying it into the PEEK fan so it goes on and off with the system heat.

That's how I did it. Unfortunately I couldn't tell which pair of my red/black wires went to the PEEK, and which went to the layer. I guessed wrong twice so I wound up cutting all four wires. Oh well.

[jdurand]

Since we're not done assembling this yet, I'm replacing the PEEK fan wires with heavier ones to handle the pump and extra 80mm fan. Since they now won't fit inside the center of the column, I'm running the wires under the wheels with a piece of 1/2" wide strapping tape slide in to keep the wires away from the cheapskate wheels.

I'll post a picture over in Hints later when I get the wires all in place.

[Bradley]

Guys,

So I built my V2 over Christmas break with the kids. Went through 300 meters of ABS without a problem printing tons of things. I just started trying to use PLA and have had a whole host of issues - mostly with temps and jamming.

My biggest problem with PLA is jams. Seems like many of my problems are at the EZstruder stepper motor. I would have a successful print, then setup for the next print and no filament would extrude. In fact, several times I had to take apart the EZstruder and clean it out and unjam some filament pieces. One time I found that the PLA was deformed over the gear that attaches to the stepper motor. My guess is the heat from the motor was heating up the gear and causing it to melt the PLA and thus stop extrusion on the next print. I blew a big external fan on it after that and found I had a LOT less problems. Also found in the forums others having similar problems.

I was wondering if anyone has designed and printed a fan shroud for that stepper motor using a 30mm or 40mm fan? I found a few stepper motor shrouds on thingiverse but they dont appear to blow over the entire motor like the temporary fan I am using now.

Just wondering - any other folks having these issues too and what you did?

As a side note for another discussion: why is everyone so gaga over PLA? So far compared to ABS I really hate the stuff. Just want to know what it is that I am not understanding or missing...

-jeff

I think I had the exact same problem. I followed this thread http://forum.seemecnc.com/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=6024, lowered the current and haven't had any problems since. Make sure to check your motors are the ones they are talking about, but it might also help you in this situation.

[DavidF]

Throw the stock hot end in a box and replace it with the e3dV6...Oh dang did I just say that?
I found the stock hot end finickey when it came to pla. You have to have the speed and temps matched up for each filament mfg to keep it from jamming.
Ok im ducking before I get shot now....