Flexible TPU Filament - No bonding of perimeters on vase??

[cassetti]

Well after a bunch of messing around. I discovered what the problem has been for me - the extruder drive gear!!

My original Flashforge included this iron extruder stepper gear:


However prints would keep jamming, and I couldn't even print with Ninjaflex due to jammed extruders. TPU was better, but not by much.

Then I discovered my brand new Flashforge had a different style Aluminum extruder drive gear (similar to this picture, but silver color)





As soon as I swapped drive gears, my printer worked flawlessly. I can print Ninjaflex perfectly!!!! Phew!

Thanks for the Help JimC

[bonzo]

I'm sorry, but which filament gear works for you?
The newer aluminum one or the older steel one?

[cassetti]

I'm sorry, but which filament gear works for you?
The newer aluminum one or the older steel one?

Sorry I wasn't clear - the newer aluminum gear is working

Since switching to the newer aluminum gear, I've been printing perfectly with Black Ninjaflex

[EagleSeven]

Since switching to the newer aluminum gear, I've been printing perfectly with Black Ninjaflex

Curious, is the aluminum gear Larger diameter than the steel one, ?
It appears to be, but it may not be larger where the Teeth are ?
If it is larger diameter at teeth, that may explain why it works better ?

Or was the steel-tooth gear clogged with filament, making it slip ?
(I normally clean that gear after about 25 prints, to remove residue,
and Flex-filament would require it be cleaned more often)

[bonzo]

Thanks for the response. I have the alum one as well, I am betting the sharper pointed steel one was cutting in and grabbing the TPU, then pulling it around...