Grinding FilamentUpdated 7 months ago

The drive gear with sharp teeth is how the printer controls the movement of filament. When the filament is unable to move according to the direction and speed of the gear, grinding occurs. The filament gets chewed up, small filament shavings will be ground away, and the extruder cannot function properly. Typically the motor continues to spin, but the filament remains stationary. Please follow the instructions below to fix this:

Adjust Extruder Tension

One of the main causes of filament grinding is incorrect extruder tension. If the tension is too tight, it can grind away the filament. Adjust the tension screw on the extruder to reduce the pressure on the filament. Make small adjustments and test the extrusion until you find the optimal tension.

Clear the Nozzle

A clogged nozzle can cause increased resistance, leading the extruder gear to grind the filament. Heat the nozzle up and clear it. Refer to the [Nozzle Clogging]article for more detailed instructions.

Reduce Printing Speed

Printing at too high a speed can cause the extruder to struggle, leading to grinding. Reduce the printing speed in your slicer software. A slower speed can help the extruder handle the filament more effectively.

Adjust Retraction Settings

Aggressive retraction settings can cause filament grinding. If the retraction speed is too fast or the retraction distance is too long, it can put excessive stress on the extruder. 

Increase Extruder Temperature

If you continue to encounter filament grinding, try increasing the extruder temperature by 5-10 degrees to make the plastic flow easier. 

If you continue to encounter difficulties, please contact Overture Service for further assistance.