First few layer squish and y-axis noise issues solved!

MikeG183

Solved the mysterious squish problem and the horrendous noises coming from my printer. I just noticed that the y-axis belt was pretty loose out-of-the box. My y-axis motor went out and I noticed it when I went to replace it. I replaced the y-axis motor with this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LF898KN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I had to trim the stem a few mm so it didn't hit the build plate. I also replaced the plastic pulley with this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077GNZK3J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I also replaced the tensioner bearing with this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H3FNZ4M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I noticed that the stock tensioner bearing did not have enough of a lip on it, and the y-axis belt would slip and rub on the plastic. I also made sure that the belts were all better aligned. Finally, I replaced the z-axis motor with the same unit that I replaced with the y-axis. Notably, these motors are completely plug and play (other than having to trim the stem down. Base layer prints perfectly now.

Samuel Pinches

Welcome @MikeG183 - thanks for sharing those links! Do you have any photos of the print results? Cheers, Sam

MikeG183

I'll have to reprint the calibration cube for the photos. Working on some long prints this week, but will reprint the test cube soon. 

MikeG183

Now I'm having issues with the hotend/extruder (probably related to the long print times). I've narrowed it down to either damaged feed tube, throat, or the heating elements. Going to have to order some parts and see If I can get it up and running again. 

MikeG183

Sadly, it's back again. Had to replace the hot end, throat, heating element, and tubing due to melt issues. After re-centering the bed to match the new extruder parts, the first few layer squish is back. I'm wondering if it may be related to the nozzle tip. I have been using Amazon replacements, but left the JG tip on that came with the new extruder. Also may need to try re-leveling the bed again. Apparently I didn't do as great of a job this time. But it really was pretty much completely resolved before I ran into the above issues. Back to the drawing board I guess

Samuel Pinches

The only other change I did that you haven't done yet, is remove the Entire roller idler assembly on the left side of the printer, so that the x axis on only supported on one side. I showed this in my review, and while it sounds crazy, I recommend it 100%.

MikeG183

Thanks for the info. Yes, I noticed that in the review, but given how counter-intuitive it seemed, I have been waiting to try it as a last resort. Sounds like I need to go ahead and do it. 

MikeG183

Okay. Almost one year and countless parts later, I think I have it resolved (while also keeping the roller idler assembly attached as intended). I ended up replacing most of the extruder parts with aftermarket pieces. Parts list is below. In addition to these part, I also concluded that bed leveling is especially critical with this printer (and also very difficult). You have to manually set the Z-axis stop to sync up to a position where the bed leveling screws are pretty much in the middle position when the bed is completely level. If they are too tight or too loose after the bed is level, it will cause the squish. So, in summary, this printer is a pain in the butt to get that first 1.5 or so mm layers completely dialed in. Good luck! 

Here is the parts list:

Throat: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X2HL91B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Block Heater: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073FCHJ6Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Nozzle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JFGXC5N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1