Editing 3D Printers (section)

=== Extruders ===
This is the component that pushes the filament from the spool and out of the nozzle. There are two main categories of extruder, these being [https://manufactur3dmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Direct-Drive-Bowden-Extruder-Assembly.jpg bowden and direct drive], both coming with their pros and cons.

There are many different types of extruder that fall into the two categories; most extruders can actually fall in both, depending on their installation. The most common ones include but aren't limited to: [https://sc04.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1XUhgdWWs3KVjSZFxq6yWUXXaw.jpg MK8] (no gear reduction, single drive), [https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2180/6871/products/TitanExtruder-3_2000x.jpg?v=1601341999 Titan] (3:1 gear reduction, single drive), [https://cdn-3d.niceshops.com/upload/image/product/large/default/bondtech-supporto-in-alluminio-per-estrusore-bmg-1-pz-219928-it.jpg BMG] (3:1 gear reduction, dual drive). 
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Problem
!Solution
|-
|Clicking and skipping
|
* Check for [https://repair.wiki/w/3D_Printers#:~:text=for%20a%20replacement.-,Nozzle%20clog,-Overheating%20heatbreak%3A%20the clogs].
* Check extruder idler tension.
* Make sure the hotend is set at the correct temperature.
* Re-level your printing bed.
* Clean extruder drive gears and replace if worn out. 
* Check the filament path. If it's a bowden system, make sure there are no kinks on the tube. Some high-end bowden tubes with low tolerances could have issues with lower quality filament.
* Make sure extruder motor is getting the right amount of current. Too little and it might not have enough power to overcome the filament pressure, too much and it will overheat, drastically decreasing its torque. 
* Check if flow rate is set correctly in the slicer software. An abnormally high extrusion rate could also cause over-extrusion.
* If you are printing using a large diameter nozzle or particularly fast, the hotend might be having trouble keeping up heating all the material passing through. If that's the case, a better hotend or a higher temperature could be the solution.
|-
|System not extruding the correct

amount of filament
|
* Check your print settings. Everything flow related (wall flow, infill flow, top layer flow etc.) will cause issues if set to extreme values. These names are pretty standard, but they could change slightly from one slicer to another.
* [[Calibrate your esteps]]. If you're starting to have these issues long after owning the machine, this is unlikely to be it. Doesn't hurt to check though!
* Check the solutions stated above. Whether they cause skipping or under-extrusion depends on the severity of the issue. An untreated under-extruding system will eventually start skipping steps.
* The feeder's gear might be silently slipping. If the gears are turning but the filament is not moving, check for blockage or clog in the extruder. A "notch" might appear on the filament where the gear slipped.
|}