Faq - FELIXrobotics FELIX 3.0 User Manual

10 FAQ

Q: Which hot-end nozzle temperature do you recommend?
A: For small detailed parts in PLA we recommend printing as cold as possible (180 to 190 degC), but for our
production prints we print with as high a temperature as possible (195-200 degC), because that increases the
strength of the parts.
The optimal temperature depends on the type of filament used. When using PLA check if the temperatures of
the hot-end and the heated bed are between 180-205 and 30-60 degrees C respectively. When using ABS these
temperatures should be somewhere around 210-250 and 70 – 100 degrees respectively. The heated bed
temperatures can be much lower with painters tape. Only use PLA or ABS as filament. If you wish to use any
other kind of material, consult FELIXprinters first.
NOTE: Each supplier provides PLA with slightly different properties: even different colors have
different properties. To find the optimal temperature for optimal extrusion, start with a low
temperature. Then go up slightly. When the temperature is too high, you might hear some pops and
sisses coming from the hot-end. When the temperature is too low the extruder motor will have a hard
time extruding. When printing at high speed, the extruder temperature should be a little higher.
Q: How would you recommend changing the filament?
It is possible to change filament in the following ways.
1. Retract/Replace. This is the safest way to change filament.
Retract the old filament at a high speed, 1000mm/min for 100mm. The high speed prevents development
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of a long string, which can potentially jam the hot-end.
- Now extrude the new filament 70mm at a time at low speed 200mm/min, until filament comes out of the
nozzle.
2. Feed through. In this method filament is cut off near the extruder.
- Cut the filament off as straight as possible. The new filament will push it down, if the cut is not straight,
the new filament will slip off the end of the remaining old filament, resulting in an extruder jam.
- Extrude the filament long enough at a low speed 200mm/min. When the filament is just cut off above the
extruder entrance, 50mm should be sufficient to push the new filament into the hot-end.
Exturde it another 50mm to flush out the old filament.
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Q: How can I extend the lifetime of the hot-end?
A: The hot-end is robust; seldomely have we experienced a jam or failed operation. But after 2-3 months of
24/7 printing, we did have a hot-end that stopped working. The reason was contamination
Ways to prevent this from happening.
- Make sure the filament enters the hot-end is clean from dust. You can do this by letting it run through a
piece of sponge before it enters the hot-end. You will be surprised how much dust will accumulate during
a 5 hour print. That would have all entered the hot-end and formed a layer of contaminants, which would
interfere with the heat going into the filament. A filament-cleaning accessory is provided, as described in
Chapter 9.
- Do not use too high temperatures. They will make the filament decompose and contaminate the inside of
the nozzle.
- Do not leave the hot-end heated for hours. The filament might decompose after leaving it at high
temperatures, leaving a layer of contaminants behind in the hot-end nozzle.
- Use good quality filament.
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User manual FELIX 3.0 3d printer