Trouble Shooting; Firmware Update - CraftUnique CraftBot User Manual

22. Use an oiled rag to lubricate the X and Y axis rods. Do not spray from above! Move the extruder
back and forth by hand to both extremes of the axes. When the extruder moves absolutely
smoothly you are finished.

13. TROUBLE SHOOTING

PREVENTING/FIXING A CLOGGED EXTRUDER
The number one inconvenience that you will run across when 3D printing is clogging of the extruder.
But we have good news for you! This problem can be easily avoided by following a few simple rules of
"3D printing etiquette".
First, always wait until the extruder and heated build plate are fully heated to their maximum intended
print value before inserting the filament. Inserting the filament at a lower temperature is just asking for
a clog.
When unloading or changing the filament: always heat up all the way first and then "extrude" for 5
seconds and immediately "reverse" aiding the filament retrieval by pulling a little bit on the filament end
going into the extruder with your hand.
If the extruder is clogged, clean out the passage way of the extruder. You can use one of the small
hex wrenches coming with your CraftBot to do so. Heat up to 250°C while the extruder is empty and
push any excess filament out by plunging the hex wrench down into the passage way; make sure to
do adequately but not in a violent way which would damage the machine, and always take precautions
because the extruder is very hot!
It is especially important to clean out as much old filament leftover between using different filaments, as
the different characteristics of the filaments' properties (even printing the same material in a different
color) can cause clogs from inconsistencies. For example: you must heat up to 250°C to clear out any
extra ABS before using PLA.
Clogging is the most common problem in every 3D printer and cannot be prevented 100%, but if you
follow these simple steps you will prevent 95% of occurrences.
If you still cannot clear the passage with just this method, you may want to move onto the next method
by following these next steps to actually remove the nozzle itself...
Removing the nozzle
To clean out the extruder properly by removing the nozzle you will need to remove the nozzle while
heated up to 250°C using both a 7mm and 11mm wrench for the two nuts located on the nozzle itself
and the channel end to the top side of the extruder. Make sure to use an oven mitt (for example) to
protect yourself from burns. You will also need to disconnect the fan assembly and remove the entire
piece by unfastening two bolts connecting it to the top of the extruder.
Most importantly, make sure to hold the red rubber part stationary at all times so that you do not
damage the wires running into it, you can use a wrench to do so. Please make sure that none of the
wires are disconnected! The removed nozzle can be unclogged with a pin or replaced with a new one.

14. FIRMWARE UPDATE

From time to time you may want to look into updating your firmware (the special software which
provides control over the functions of your CraftBot). New versions are released periodically on our
website, and you can find them bundled with our CraftWare slicer software here:
www.craftunique.com/craftware
CraftBot
16