Jammed Nozzle help - CTC: Makerbot Replicator 2X

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03-24-2015, 12:48 PM
SamTheBuilder

1 Attachment(s)

Jammed Nozzle help - CTC: Makerbot Replicator 2X

Hi all,

I have a CTC Makerbot Replicator 2X that I have had for a couple of months, and it has just jammed for the first time. I took the nozzle off to soak it in acetone to clear the jam, but it has this plastic tube on it that I cannot get off. If I put it in acetone it will dissolve this tube too will it not? I am not sure if this tube is important, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a picture of the nozzle and tube:

http://3dprintboard.com/attachment.p...tid=5401&stc=1

Many thanks,
Sam.
03-24-2015, 03:54 PM
3dkarma

I believe that's a PTFE liner, which won't dissolve in acetone. https://capolight.files.wordpress.co...g?w=832&h=1005
03-24-2015, 04:10 PM
SamTheBuilder

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3dkarma

I believe that's a PTFE liner, which won't dissolve in acetone. https://capolight.files.wordpress.co...g?w=832&h=1005

What does that do? Help feed the filament? Thanks for the help! I didn't want to accidentally dissolve it in-case it was important!
03-24-2015, 07:39 PM
3dkarma

PTFE is pretty slick, so it guides the filament down through the cold break into the melt chamber.
03-24-2015, 07:45 PM
SamTheBuilder

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3dkarma

PTFE is pretty slick, so it guides the filament down through the cold break into the melt chamber.

Ah I see thanks for the help, I'll soak it in acetone tomorrow. My extruder is making a clicking noise when I load the filament, so I'm guessing there's a jam somewhere.
03-25-2015, 04:13 AM
Mjolinor

My guess would be that the PTFE tube in question has distorted. It is not really supposed to come out of the stainless steel heat dispersing tube.

I would warm it with a hot air gun gently until the PTFE tube comes out then pick out the plastic that is stuck in there with heat as much as you can then clean with Acetone or MEK. << vicious stuff is MEK be careful.

It does seem that there is a lot of evidence that sort of says that once a nozzle has started blocking it will continue to block and it's best just to replace it. Certainly on mine that was the case. For the cost of these parts it is best to consider them as consumables, chuck that one in a box marked "spares that may work" and buy a new nozzle and stainless tube.
03-25-2015, 05:36 AM
SamTheBuilder

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjolinor

My guess would be that the PTFE tube in question has distorted. It is not really supposed to come out of the stainless steel heat dispersing tube.

I would warm it with a hot air gun gently until the PTFE tube comes out then pick out the plastic that is stuck in there with heat as much as you can then clean with Acetone or MEK. << vicious stuff is MEK be careful.

It does seem that there is a lot of evidence that sort of says that once a nozzle has started blocking it will continue to block and it's best just to replace it. Certainly on mine that was the case. For the cost of these parts it is best to consider them as consumables, chuck that one in a box marked "spares that may work" and buy a new nozzle and stainless tube.

I think replacing the stainless steel tube is beyond my knowledge, is buying a new nozzle and PTFE tube a better idea? Where does the tube go does it just stick up inside the hole the nozzle threads into?

I tried to take the other nozzle off that jammed also, it kept moving so I tightened the screw that secures it, but over tightened it, stripped the thread now it seems like that nozzle is unusable now as it will keep moving :(
Thanks for all the help!
03-25-2015, 05:46 AM
Mjolinor

Are you trying to remove these nozzles while the extruder is off?

If so that explains why the PTFE tube came out. The plastic is solid when cold so you can do all sorts of damage trying to dismantle it without heat.
03-25-2015, 05:53 AM
SamTheBuilder

I did a preheat to 205C, but as soon as it reached it I unscrewed it, should I have left it a little longer?
03-25-2015, 06:01 AM
Mjolinor

No, that is fine.
03-25-2015, 06:15 AM
SamTheBuilder

Would replacing the PTFE Tube work? If so how do you install it?
03-25-2015, 10:07 AM
Mjolinor

It is easier to buy it with the tube already in. It is only a couple of quid.
03-26-2015, 05:15 PM
SamTheBuilder

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjolinor

It is easier to buy it with the tube already in. It is only a couple of quid.

I can only find nozzles by themselves when I search? What would I search for?
03-26-2015, 05:26 PM
CTC-USA

You will need to remove the cooling tube and the nozzle. Disconnect the connections to the aluminum block.

Measure the needed PTFE, then cut with sharp knife.

Insert the PTFE into the nozzle, then screw the nozzle into the aluminum block.

Now screw in the aluminum "cooling tower" with filament through the PTFE and cooling tower assembly for support and guidance.

Test that the filament END can be inserted and removed from the cooling tower without ANY resistance. If you feel resistance, unscrew the cooling tower and re-seat the PTFE.

The PTFE is not pressed in and can only be inserted into the cooling tower ONE-WAY.
03-26-2015, 05:53 PM
SamTheBuilder

That helps a lot!
Can I not buy the nozzle with the PTFE Tube attatched @CTCWarrantyUSA? If not, how do I disconnect it from the aluminium block?
Many thanks.
03-26-2015, 05:58 PM
CTC-USA

Your welcome.

POWER OFF - Unplugged

Loosen the hex key for the said hot-end. Then lower the bed all the way.

Disconnect the connections for the heater cartridge, etc.

Your Nozzle/assembly should then fall out. If you have filament stuck inside. Cut it between the BLACK extruder housing and the large aluminum carriage block.

You may need tools, but unscrew the nozzle from the aluminum (small) block.

Then you can unscrew the cooling tower.

Under no circumstances should you run the hot-end without the PTFE in the nozzle assembly. You will ruin the entire cooling block, nozzle and PTFE. Just a fair warning.

Screw in the nozzle all the way flush FIRST, then the cooling tower. You'll note the cooling tower has 1-2 threads exposed. Normal.

This step is not done from the factory, so initial nozzle height is not optimized.

*Edit - The nozzle and PTFE are two separate products. They are known as wear items, and are rather general in the marketplace. Youll be looking for 3mm inlet Nozzle, and 3mm PTFE.
03-26-2015, 06:41 PM
SamTheBuilder

This sounds a bit confusing without pictures as I'm not entirely sure about the terminology yet as I haven't had it all that long, but I'll give it a go you've been very helpful!
03-26-2015, 07:01 PM
CTC-USA

1 Attachment(s)

http://3dprintboard.com/attachment.p...tid=5432&stc=1

This is a nozzle assembly.

Nozzle removal is : Left turn removes, Right turn tightens.
Same for cooling tower, the long piece. They are both "threaded" as they screw into the aluminum block.

Unscrew anything attached to this piece. You'll need to have it in order to install the PTFE correctly.

Insert the PTFE into the Nozzle when removed. Then screw the nozzle into the aluminum block. Insert some filament through the nozzle, PTFE, and aluminum block, finally sliding on top the "cooling tower".
03-26-2015, 07:23 PM
SamTheBuilder

Ah thank you so much! I get that now, I'll get some PTFE and a new nozzle and let you know if I encounter any problems.
03-28-2015, 07:58 PM
SamTheBuilder

Can someone help me find the nozzle with PTFE Tube attatched?
03-28-2015, 08:07 PM
CTC-USA

I only know of them as a kit from:

Here

You have 3mm inlet to the nozzle, and 3mm PTFE style.
03-29-2015, 11:12 AM
SamTheBuilder

Thanks, I found some of the same tubing and two nozzles on Amazon, spent £7 altogether lets hope it fixes it!
03-29-2015, 10:43 PM
CaptainObvious

Actually, and IMHO, it's better to use heating heads without a PTEF tube; an all metal nozzle in my experience is more reliable, robust and easier to maintain.
03-29-2015, 11:25 PM
richardphat

Ah, it's a typical problem. The PTFE wears out. You should have a tight fit when you try to remove/install it. If it's loose, you got to flip the side and use the unwear one, or just buy the PTFE. The rostock max V2 use this type of device and wears out from time to time.

When it wears out, filament will leak between the PTFE/extruder, and will jam/leak everywhere ruining your prints.
03-30-2015, 06:33 AM
SamTheBuilder

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainObvious

Actually, and IMHO, it's better to use heating heads without a PTEF tube; an all metal nozzle in my experience is more reliable, robust and easier to maintain.

Someone who posted earlier said it's vital to have the PTFE otherwise it will ruin my hot end? You may be right too but as I'm new to 3D Printing and have had 2 opposing suggestions I'm not entirely sure what to do.
03-30-2015, 06:35 AM
SamTheBuilder

I just ordered some 3mm OD, 2mm ID PTFE tube and 2 new nozzles for each extruder! Hoping it will fix it!
One quick question, tried to loosen the right extruder (the one I don't really use) by loosening the grub screw holding it in place at the aluminium block, when I went to tighten it I did it too tight unfortunately and stripped some threads, stupid mistake. Should I get a new aluminium block or a larger grub screw?
03-30-2015, 10:24 AM
CaptainObvious

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamTheBuilder

Someone who posted earlier said it's vital to have the PTFE otherwise it will ruin my hot end? You may be right too but as I'm new to 3D Printing and have had 2 opposing suggestions I'm not entirely sure what to do.

Well, if your extruder is designed to have a PTFE lining then you have to use it, but all metal hotends don't need it, for example the E3D I'm printing with right now is all metal and has worked flawlessly for the last year and a half.
03-30-2015, 10:45 AM
Mjolinor

Mine was without PTFE liner when I got it, I fitted ones with the liner and it improved a lot. It's a Wanhao.
04-10-2015, 10:58 AM
SamTheBuilder

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjolinor

Mine was without PTFE liner when I got it, I fitted ones with the liner and it improved a lot. It's a Wanhao.

I'm still waiting for the PTFE Tubing, I am getting mixed information so I'll probably try and install it with the tubing as thats how it was like before it broke.
Thanks for all the help I'll keep you updated.