Hey there, 3D printing enthusiasts! If you own a Funmat HT 3D printer, you might run into a common issue from time to time – gunk accumulating in the extruder gear, especially when working with softer filament materials. But worry not; we’ve got your back with a quick and easy guide to get that extruder gear clean and running smoothly again.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the process, make sure you have the following tools at hand:
- A 2.5mm hex wrench
- Compressed air (canned air or an air compressor)
- A small brush (optional)
With these tools, you’ll be able to tackle extruder gear gunk like a pro.
The Cleaning Process
Let’s get started. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your Funmat HT extruder gear:
- Begin by loosening the tension bolt located on the extruder. Loosen it enough to slide the spring bolt out. Take care not to let it fly across the room; those springs can be quite enthusiastic.
- With the spring removed, set it aside. You can use the bottom of the chamber as a handy bolt holder to keep things organized.
- Now, it’s time to grab your 2.5mm hex wrench and remove the bolt that holds the extruder assembly in place. This bolt will only turn a little before it’s fully loose. Once you’ve turned it a few millimeters, you can pull it right out.
- Voila! You’ve successfully removed the extruder assembly. This is the heart of the cleaning process.
At this point, you’ll be able to access the gears that require cleaning. You’ll notice the gunk that has built up over time, and it’s crucial to clear this debris to ensure your printer’s optimal performance.
Using a little compressed air, blow out the gunk from the gear area. This should clear out most of the debris. If needed, you can use a small brush (like the one that comes with our Nano Polymer Adhesive) to help get the extra stuff out of there.
If you want to be extra thorough, you can turn the gear through the machine menu to ensure there’s no lingering gunk stuck in the gears. Alternatively, manually move the motor with needle-nose pliers to ensure all the gears are clean and in good condition.
Reassembly and Final Steps
Now that your extruder gear is clean, it’s time to put everything back together:
- Reattach the extruder assembly and ensure that the bolt is secured but not overly tight.
- Reinsert the spring and tensioner bolt to complete the assembly.
- Adjust the tensioner bolt to your preference. Make sure it’s not too tight to allow for smooth movement.
And there you have it! Your Funmat HT extruder gear is clean, free of debris, and ready to continue its 3D printing journey without any hiccups.
Why Cleaning Your Extruder Gear Matters
Regularly cleaning your extruder gear is vital to prevent issues during printing. Over time, gunk build-up can lead to jams, hinder filament extrusion, and even cause extrusion problems. In severe cases, the filament can wrap around the gear, requiring manual intervention to clear the blockage.
While this issue is more common with materials like ABS that require higher chamber temperatures, it’s always a good practice to ensure your extruder gear is clean, regardless of the material you’re using. It’s all about maintaining the optimum performance of your 3D printer.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions or encounter any issues with your Funmat HT 3D printer, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help. Vision Miner is located in Southern California, and you can contact us via email at contact@visionminer.com or give us a call at 833-774-6863.
Thanks for watching, and remember, a clean extruder gear leads to a positive 3D printing experience. See you in the next video!