Reasons Parts Fail (MakerBot)
There are a variety of reasons why a part may fail on the MakerBot. It is important to monitor the print regularly in order to catch potential failure. This page will list a few reasons why a part might fail and how the problem can be resolved.
Extrusion Stops[edit | edit source]Tangled Filament[edit | edit source]One of the most common causes of a failed print is stuck filament. When the filament gets stuck, the extruder no longer has any material to work with, and will continue on printing nothing. It is hard to catch this before it happens without sitting and watching the entire print (which is a waste of time). If this happens, stop the print and ensure the filament is feeding in such that it will not catch on anything when you attempt the print again. Clogged Nozzle[edit | edit source]A clogged nozzle will make the printer unable to extrude more plastic. To check if the nozzle is clogged, go to the LCD menu and run the Load script in Utilities > Change Filament. If the plastic curls up toward the extruded, the nozzle is probably clogged and needs to be unclogged. If the nozzle is clogged, you should probably ask a mentor to help you fix the issue, but here are the steps you can take to fix it.
If this process doesn't work, wait until a mentor can come help you fix the problem. |
No Supports or Incorrect Supports[edit | edit source]
A print may fail due to lack of structural support while printing when creating overhang features like arches. It is important to note these features in your part design and either orient your part such that it will not need supports or add structural supports into the print to keep it from failing.Print Not Sticking to Build Plate[edit | edit source]
A print can fail if the base does not adhere properly to the base plate. There are a few things that can cause this:- The base plate is not level.
It could be possible that the base plate is not level. If the base plate isn't level your part may come out lopsided or won't stick properly. See Leveling Base Tray for instructions on how to level the base plate.
- Bubbles or Other Defects in Tape
There is tape on the base plate in order to make maintaining the MakerBot easier. If there are any defects in the surface such as bubbles or significant wear, the part will have trouble sticking. See Maintaining Tape for more information.
- Complex Geometry
Complex geometry on the bottom side of a part can cause issues with adhering to the base plate. Try simplifying the part geometry or adding a raft to avoid this issue.
References[edit | edit source]
http://download.makerbot.com/replicator/MB_Replicator_UserManual.pdf
https://support.makerbot.com/learn/makerbot-replicator-2/extruder/how-to-unclog-a-nozzle_13470