MakerGear M3-ID: Troubleshooting

These are a collection of the most common issues for the MakerGear M3-ID

A buildup of filament inhibiting the printer from extruding filament properly. This is especially prevalent in printers that run almost everyday.

Signs of a clogged extruder:

• A clicking noise when attempting to extrude filament
• No filament being extruded
• Improper extrusion of filament

If you hear a clicking noise, it is most likely that the filament drive is clogged and needs to be cleaned.

The filament drive is what guides the filament trough the nozzle.

To solve follow these steps:

1. Carefully remove the extruder fan
2. Remove the two screws connected to the filament drive
3. The drive should be loose and can be replaced or re-oriented if need be

Go to this page for more information.

If there is visible buildup of filament on the extruder follow these steps:

1. Raise temperature of nozzle to 25 degrees Celsius above the print temperature
2. Extrude small amount of filament (About 25 mm)
3. Let the nozzle cool down to room temperature
4. Reheat nozzle to 10 degrees Celsius above the transition temperature for the filament
5. Retract filament (About 150 mm)
6. You may have to pull hard in order to retract the filament

Go to this page for more information.

Faulty filament can cause issues such as improper extrusion, and even poor print quality.

A build up of dust from filament picking up and then dragging through the filament drive can cause the gears to lock up.

Having wet or damp filament can cause weak and low quality parts. The extruded filament will not be smooth and bubbles inlayed throughout the material.

Solutions:

• Create a DIY dust trap with lint free cloth that wipes the filament as it is being pulled into the filament drive
• You can get vacuum bags to seal of moisture from the filament or purchase a dehumidifier
• You can get a dehydrator to remove the moisture from the filament. Make sure to get the small cylindrical ones

Go to this page for more information.

When your printer’s extruder does not run smoothly along the linear rails.

Stunted movement of the extruder can be identified by incorrectly printed parts, typically shifted too far or little on the x-y axis, and jerk like movements when printing.

Sometimes the linear rails need to be lubricated in order to more at their optimal performance :

To solve follow these steps:

1. Wipe off the rails with a lint free cloth to remove any debris
2. Sparingly apply lubricant in the groove on each side of the linear rail
3. It is suggested to use ISO 32 oil, 3-in-1 oil, or Lithium Grease
4. Move the printer along the linear rails until it slides smoothly without any noise
5. Repeat the process on the z-axis

Go to this page for more information.

If none of these issues correspond with your issue contact the manufacturer or follow one of these links:

• MakerGear Forum
• Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Misc.