Troubleshooting.
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THIS PAGE IS NO LONGER UPDATED
FOR CONVENIENCE PURPOSES I MADE THIS A DESIGN WHICH IS EDITED FREQUENTLY
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3574369
So I have been all over the group lately, trying to assist here and there the best I can. I am no Ender 3 expert, or 3d printing as a whole. But I do have a great grasp on the concept of printing, from failures and success of my own. So I created this here to give people a one stop shop for assistance. All information can also be found if you know who to look for them, but this is for those who just cannot seem to locate the info they need or are too lazy to do the legwork themselves. In the end the goal is to same, get it working and getting answer
This is where it all began had to make it into a thingi because I change and change and change things so much they flagged the post, sucks because I have it pinned in the ender3 group, but this is the origin page of this beauty https://www.thingiverse.com/groups/ender3/forums/general/topic:36068#comment-2455385
Change log
4/25/2019
Added under extrusion issue that I, the OP for this guide, experienced.
4/22/2019
Rearranged some thing in the text. Kinda threw everything together as it was found or provided to me. Just basically made it easier to read through. So structural and literacy edits, nothing more
Added Fixes:
User @TheMagicalC added a great suggestion regarding belt tension. Which I had done myself as well, but did not think much of it as it was sensible for me to do some might now think so simply as I and TheMagicalC had done. See "user fixes" section below
04/20/2019
Added Reddit Link for Fixes, upgrade fixes, and common issues
Got bored and looked around on facebook at the official Ender 3 group, and found something, IMO, that many of you could/ should take a look at this as well.**
Enjoy the loooooooong read. (see attached PDF)
**Full disclosure TL/DR
So I thought I would add a pretty good assembly video, which I followed and have had none of the common little issues. This along with some of the other links below have help me and others. So check it out if you haven't yet. https://youtu.be/me8Qrwh907Q
Reddit link for Recommended fixes and upgrades
https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/wiki/newguideender3
Another great reference regarding printer alignment which many of you find useful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnzNd_FIMKY
Another guide for assembly from makersteve, just a different approach with a few different steps
https://makersteve.com/2018/08/25/ultimate-build-guide-for-creality-ender-3-step-by-step-a-makersteve-special-report/
FOR THOSE WITH Z AXIS BINDING ISSUES / makersteve
https://makersteve.com/2018/08/24/ender-3-z-axis-binding-fix-bring-a-basic-stringing-test/
FOR THOSE WITH COMPRESSION/ PUSH FITTING ISSUES OR JUST LOOKING TO SAY TO CHANGE THEM FROM STOCK / makersteve
https://makersteve.com/2019/01/04/a-tale-of-eight-enders-maker-steves-bowden-edition-compression-fitting-fix/
EXTRUDER UPGRADE AND POSSIBLE UNDER EXTRUSION FIX / makersteve
https://makersteve.com/2019/03/19/a-tale-of-eight-enders-aluminum-extruder-upgrade
Another guide, this one is regarding the XT-60 connectors which connect from the PSU to the Control boards main PWR / makersteve
https://makersteve.com/2019/04/16/safety-first-replace-those-bad-xt60-connectors-ender-3-fix/
Next link is not a troubleshooting link but is still good to have the ENDER 3 Github info
https://github.com/Creality3DPrinting/Ender-3
REPRAP IS YOUR FRIEND, GET FAMILIAR WITH IT
TROUBLESHOOTING LINKS LISTED BELOW
Generic Troubleshooting - https://reprap.org/wiki/Troubleshooting
Print Specific Troubleshooting -
https://reprap.org/wiki/Print_Troubleshooting_Pictorial_Guide
Extrusion Issues - https://reprap.org/wiki/Inconsistent_Extrusion_Troubleshooting_Guide
Calibration Fun - https://reprap.org/wiki/Calibration
Heated Bed https://reprap.org/wiki/Heated_Bed
USER FIXES COMMON AND UNCOMMON
USER: TheMagicalC
"The Pry and Tighten"
Something I'd like you to add to help others (as I experienced this problem) is that if your prints come out oblong or sort of stretched along a diagonal, it means your X-Axis belt needs tightening. If you have difficulty tightening it with your hands, you can put an allen wrench between the roller at the end of the x-axis bar and the bar itself and lever the roller farther out with the allen wrench, and tighten the screws with a different wrench once it reaches optimal tightness. It should twang a little bit if you pluck it. Thanks for your work helping the Ender 3 community.
USER: BoothyBoothy
"Toe The Line"
X Axis Drive Belt Not Parallel to Extrusion
I had an issue on my Ender 3 Pro where the X Axis drive belt was not running parallel to the extrusion. After a lot of investigation in turned out that the tensioner assembly plate was slightly bent. Using a shim between the plate and the extrusion rectified this issue (see attached images from original message on this thingi and also on the original post)****
USER: Ender3Guy
"The Straight and Narrow"
Personally I probably had one of the worst Enders ever sold. I spent months trying to figure out why the bed wouldn't level when it was already flat. The front right and rear left corners were perpetually too high Finally, DerWaldschrat (I think that's how you spell his username) pointed out that it had to be a warped Y axis extrusion. Sure enough, it leveled perfectly after replacing the extrusion.
USER: SHENKOE (wait thats me)
"The Rub-A-DubDub"
Ohhh Nooooo (in my Family Guy voice) I have under extrusion. Why could this be happening I just printed something and switched out filament, now it under extrudes.
ender 3 (obviously)
Micro Swiss All Metal Hotend w/ 0.4mm standard steel nozzle
Hatchbox, Esun, and CC3D for PLA / Sunlu for PLA+
capricorn xs ptfe
stock extruder with 3rd party push fittings
So I checked the nozzle clear, did cold/ atomic pulls with white filament to be sure all was clean. tightened the nozzle, removed the nozzle, removed the heat break from the sink and checked interior walls, all clean,checked tube seems good, a little worn from use on 2 printers, but still good. checked extruder assemble, there is tension, but there could be more.
Tested first layer everytime I completed a step, everytime it would under extrude. So I decided to swap the ptfe tube for one I had not used from some other 3rd party. Removed the extruder release arm, low and behold the filament had already worn a groove in the arm after only a few weeks of moderate printing. Luckily I believe in spare parts and had printed an extruder assembly called the Bantamfeeder > https://bantam.design/feeder 2 weeks ago, unsure when I would test it. Well guess im testing it out now.
So I swapped out the assembly and ptfe tube, viola issue resolved see newly added photos.
So I found this while shredding some waves. Just tips to help people address their issues in the forum and how to get answers sooner, rather than later or not at all. These are not oriented towards 3d printing, but the intent still applies to any forum that you request help on.
Before You Ask
Before asking a technical question by email, or in a newsgroup, or on a Web site chat board, do the following:
Try to find an answer by searching the Web.
Try to find an answer by reading the manual.
Try to find an answer by reading a FAQ.
Try to find an answer by inspection or experimentation.
Try to find an answer by asking a skilled friend.
When You Ask
Choose your forum carefully
Be sensitive in choosing where you ask your question. You're likely to be ignored, or written off as a loser, if you:
Post your question to a forum where it's off topic
Post a very elementary question to a forum where advanced technical questions are expected, or vice-versa
Cross-post to too many different newsgroups
Post a personal e-mail to somebody who is neither a personal acquaintance nor personally responsible for solving your problem
Use meaningful, specific subject headers
On mailing lists, newsgroups, or Web forums, the subject header is your golden opportunity to attract qualified experts' attention, in around 50 characters or fewer. Don't waste it on babble like "Please help me" (let alone "PLEASE HELP ME!!!!"; messages with such subjects get discarded, by reflex). Don't try to impress us with the depth of your anguish; use the space for a super-concise problem description, instead.
One good convention for subject headers, used by many tech support organizations, is "object - deviation". The "object" part specifies what thing, or group of things, is having a problem. The "deviation" part describes observed deviation from expected behaviour.
(non-3d printing question examples)
Stupid:
HELP! Video doesn't work properly on my laptop!
Smart:
X.org 6.8.1 misshapen mouse cursor, Fooware MV1005 vid. chipset
Smarter:
X.org 6.8.1 mouse cursor on Fooware MV1005 vid. chipset - is misshapen
Be precise and informative about your problem
Describe the symptoms of your problem or bug carefully and clearly.
Describe the environment in which it occurs (machine, OS, application, whatever). Provide your vendor's distribution and release level (e.g.: "Fedora Core 2", "Slackware 9.1" etc.).
Describe the research you did to try and understand the problem before you asked the question.
Describe the diagnostic steps you took to try and pin down the problem yourself, before you asked the question.
Describe any possibly relevant recent changes to your computer or software configuration.
Ok this became longer than I wanted, so if this is unclear, check the link out
I recommend this to anyone who has had or has issues with the bed getting leveled or is just plain tired for leveling at anytime. I personally do not believe in ABL devices, they are band-aids to the actual issue. If you haven't heard of it or just have not cared to do this next step you should. *https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3415460 and pair it with this to complete the conversion https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3193722.**
After these changes were made on my ender 3s or my other printer formerly known as an A8(still have just not used and halfway disassembled), I have what I like to call walk away printers. I press print and walk away, without fear of a bad first layer. Check on the printer after a few minutes, if I'm still around, and if all looks good (whether still on the first layer or not) I let it rockout.
the second link is specifically for the Ender 3. I have done this on both my E3's, I use double thumbwheels with nyloc nuts and no springs.
SPRINGS ARE BAD, MMMMKAAAY.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO THESE CHANGES YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK, AS I HAVE HAD ONLY POSITIVE RESULTS WITH THIS SETUP ON 3 DIFFERENT PRINTERS. YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE MAY VARY
NOT MY STL MODEL OF THE ENDER 3 JUST ADDED IT TO GET THIS POSTED (LINK TO PERSONS WHO CREATED THE STL FILE- https://www.tinkercad.com/things/4WGWB2OmqR4-creality-ender-3-model
Strange blobs of filament on prints
I'm getting some strange blobs on my prints. I printed this at 80 speed with .04 line width and .08 layer height. What causes it and how can I fix it?
Here try this cura profile, if you are using Cura. I have to add it to the guide I linked. My apologies.
I will get the 0.08mm profile added to the guide and edit this reply with it in a bit maybe an hour
Here is the link for you to check out. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3574369
Here you go bro, https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3574369, but first read this reply.
First you are moving way too fast for 0.08mm layer height try losing it down to 50mm/s. If the part does not need structural integrity, reduce the infill to no more than 20%. I print most things at 10% either way.
You have a lot of thin parts. I would say lower you temps and flowrate (under the material section to 93.5 - 95 percent). If you check the photos on here, you'll see that I print an Anubis bust @ 0.08mm at about 5mm in height. That had about a 40% infill.
Use @Ender3Guy Cura profile (if you are using Cura that is), and use it as a baseline for your 0.08mm layer height. Remember to slow it down for anything under 0.12mm layer height, imo.
I have since made this a thing on my profile the Cura setting are on the files page, check the photos and tons of other good information. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3574369
I'm getting severe underextrusion issues to the point where I throw a G1 E100 F100 at my Ender 3 and it only feeds ~40mm at 200C. If I watch it I can see some "slips" of the feed gear where it tries to force more and can't. Have tried cold pulls, fresh capricorn tubing, swapped nozzle, and put provided needle into nozzle with no-go. Got a couple clean prints and now nothing good. Any suggestions?
@pyropro11 I have updated my guide with information regarding your issue. Check the "USER FIXES" section for a detailed description of my fix for this. included new pics as well
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3574369
I'm sorry but I am confused at where to get the info. I went to the link, but I don't understand where to look or what to look for.
Not to chuckle, but I just had this issue at around 11pm on Monday, and had to wait until yesterday after work to really look at it.
Check where the filament feeds into the extruder and the tension on the filament while in the extruder. On the release arm the filament tends to wear a groove into the release arm feed hole(see picture of mine) this will need to be replaced. The groove catches the filament causing friction and under extrusion.
I have only had my Ender's (plural) for about a month now and have had to perform the next steps to resolve.
I replaced mine with a bantamfeeder (printed it before the issue arose). The tension on the extruder from the arm may not be great enough watch the bearing as the extruder feeds. A washer or 2 maybe until you can either print a fix or buy a replacement extruder assembly.
Does it move continuously as the filament feeds through, or are there moments of no movement? If so not enough tension on the filament to feed it properly.
This is one of the reasons I recommend putting the spool holder on the side of the unit. there are a couple of files that give the needed support and angle so your not grinding filament as it's feeding. space may not allow for some so the other option is to print a guide I like the 608zz bearing one to at least minimize the strain on your feed.I use both in conjunction even thoughI have a full metal one on my main and a seemecnc setup on my other.
Angled side spool: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3360013 608ZZ Filament guide: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3352467
@SgtTaz, I completely agree with you, but not only does it reduce the grinding of the filament on the extruder assembly, but also relieves stress from the roll. IMO the stock spool holder is badly designed, IMO, for the default size of most spools, not allowing that "smooth" roll off. I am one of those that do not have the space for all his printers to use the side bracket. But that is why I printed the Bantamfeeder > https://bantam.design/feeder back when I first got the printers.
Also in the name of science, I wanted to see this issue for myself, as it is one of the biggest issues. My filament sits at the top of my desk and feeds down to the printer from 2 feet above, as I use this for my spool holder https://www.thingiverse.com/make:623919.
Honestly it still caught me off guard when it happened, although I knew it would happen just didn't think I had been printing that much to have that impact already. Also happened to be the last thing I checked as I troubleshoot from the nozzle to the extruder checking everything in order and testing after each check.
I may turn this into a thing as well to get those not in the group a way to see it and take info from it as well. As I am sure not everyone who owns an Ender 3 and uses thingiverse are in the group.... or the "right" group
A good idea. You poked me with this topic - I've always been good at writing so I've started drafting a guide to assembly, upgrade and troubleshooting for the Ender 3. We'll se if it gets off the ground.
the guide is blowing up already, guess ppl really wanted something like this for the Ender 3. My dashboard is on fire with adds and likes
check it out guys https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3574369
Haha I'm trying to make a pdf. We'll see, maybe I'll turn it into an epub if I finish it.
Hate it when that happens.
Post it as a thingi then link it here and post a separate thread to get the full exposure
BIG THANKS TO @TekMason
FOR PINNING US TO THE GROUP PAGE. hOPEFULLY THIS GROWS TO WHAT WE NEED AND WANT IT TO BE.
Yes! I had contacted him and he said the administrative options were limited but he'd look into it. Well, I guess it worked!
i did the same indirectly tagged and followed him/her last night
Personally I probably had one of the worst Enders ever sold. I spent months trying to figure out why the bed wouldn't level when it was already flat. The front right and rear left corners were perpetually too high Finally, DerWaldschrat (I think that's how you spell his username) pointed out that it had to be a warped Y axis extrusion. Sure enough, it leveled perfectly after replacing the extrusion.
That's the kinda of info we need. I have not seen that issue mentioned anywhere and I would have overlooked that too
Wow, this is good. I hope this topic gets pinned.
WOO WE HAVE BEEN PINNED IN THE GROUP TOPICS!!!!!!!!!
@TekMason do us a favor and give us a pin in this mofo
X Axis Drive Belt Not Parallel to Extrusion
Shenkoe, I had an issue on my Ender 3 Pro where the X Axis drive belt was not running parallel to the extrusion. After a lot of investigation in turned out that the tensioner assembly plate was slightly bent. Using a shim between the plate and the extrusion rectified this issue (see attached images).
the guide is blowing up already, guess ppl really wanted something like this for the Ender 3. My dashboard is on fire with adds and likes
check it out guys https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3574369
THANKS FOR THE CONTRIBUTION!!! As that is a definite issue that should be fixed. I also heard printing some of the x axis tensioners will also rectify that same issue. Same goes for the Y axis belt alignment
I have looked at x belt tensioners but to be honest none of the ones I have looked at (they be some I have missed )appeared to tick enough boxes regarding engineering resilience and longevity of belt tension, pardon the mouthful. My Ender Pro prints great at the moment so have no urgent need to fiddle. I spent six months of last year upgrading a Zonestar heap of crap. To be honest its just nice sometimes to design and print results rather than spending all the time tinkering upgrading and repetitive testing of said upgrade.
Yea I fully understand your desire not to fidlle anymore. I spent from november to mid march upgrading, unfk'ng, and adjusting with an A8. said screw it after the last thing that went wrong with it and bought 2 ender 3s and I have an aluminium 2020 from built for a 470x 470x470mm custom printer I am still currently designing parts for. I could not print prototypes, and upgrade, fix, and print other project with the A8 constantly down for something hardware related. I put more money in the A8 than I had wished to be the time I decommissioned it
For those having issues right out of the box with under extrusion. I would recommend removing the stock zip ties on the wires for the x hotend and the bowden tube. They usually come too tight and constrict the the filament in the tube causing under extrusion. I decided to not add zip ties on the wiring and bowden tube. But that is my personal choice.
Good contribution Shenkoe, well done
Thanks! Any info is always good to have for reference! it's very detailed and might help a few people here with their issues
the guide is blowing up already, guess ppl really wanted something like this for the Ender 3. My dashboard is on fire with adds and likes
check it out guys https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3574369
Glad it could be of help. I'm gonna try to keep this thread active with frequent updates on troubleshooting tips. The community is welcome to add solutions to issues they had had. I would appreciate only real permanent solutions, not temporary, be posted but that can be dealt with over time.
So I skimmed through that PDF and I don't totally agree with some of the information, as it conflicts with what I have read and what I have done. So stay tuned. Is there a way to get post pinned to always be at the top of group sections???
Well unfortunately the product isn't constant across the same models so what works for a few might not work for all, took me a few weeks to dial in both my ender 3 pro's to being the exact same, then the mosfet blew out on one and I upgraded the board to 1.1.4 as well as added external mosfets. now more fun with trying to flash firmware on that one-it's not playing nice with arduino.
Exactly the reason why all should post their own fixes that worked for their machine. I would prefer all known mainstream and unknown fixes.