I am a senior citizen rookie to 3D printing. I have a Wanhao Duplicator i3 and I use Sketchup & Simplify3d to generate prototypes of display clips and attachments. Some generate without any problem while others seem to fail from the first minute of the process. The extruded ABS seems to come out of the nozzle thin as sewing thread while good pieces are generated with a stream about the size of angel hair pasta.Can I be setting something wrong while moving from one program to another or in the transfer to the printer? I bet the solution will make me feel silly for not thinking this out.
GIFT3D
2
Hey Ray,
The problem seems to be clogging in the nozzle. This would explain why it can sometimes be extruded in small threads. When the pieces blocking the nozzle become lose or move the printer appears to be working properly. There are various methods for removing clogs, it’s just about finding the one your most comfortable with.
This does not seem to be a problem with the change in programs used. Thoroughly clean the nozzle. If this continues just post a comment and another solution may be found.
Hope this helps.
It seems that if I go back to a model I have printed before, that works fine. Put the new model back on and I have the same problem. That is what confuses me. I have done a careful bed leveling and check it often. am using a roll of China origin ABS and wondered about inconsistency. I will purge the extruder and try again. Thanks for the help!
Garyg
4
Hi. I am also a senior citizen that does projects that involve 3D printed parts using Sketchup for designing my parts. Just in case it helps you, I’ll make the following suggestions. If the parts that you have previously designed always print well, then your problem is not your printer. When designing in Sketchup for 3D printing, what you build needs to be a solid before sending the file to convert to STL. I use Solid Inspector to check my files. I have yet to see any of my files fail once the solid inspector says they are solid with no errors. I have much trouble when attempting to load stl files from places like Thingiverse because of missing segments and such. Your printer might be working as it should, but your stl’s might have errors. The only real suggestion I would have is to draw project in Sketchup, convert it to STL and try printing it. This may lead you to a solution to your delema. Good On You for actually purchasing a 3D printer and using it. That’s my 2 cents worth. If you have other questions please reply.
