¶ 💡 Compatibility
This guide applies to the following machine and software. Please note when referencing:
- Machine model: U1
- Software: Latest firmware and Snapmaker Orca software installed.
¶ ⏰ When to Use This Guide
When your printer has filament loaded and you was able to set its type and color using the screen. But you don't see any material coming out of the nozzle during printing.
Please read this guide till the end, before proceeding with extruder disassembly.
A video guide is also available if you prefer! U1 Video Guide: Abnormal Extrusion/Air Printing Troubleshooting
¶ 📋 Quick Info Card
- Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Easy)
- Estimated Time: 20 minutes
- Required Skills: no specific skills needed.
¶ 🔁 Troubleshooting Flowchart
¶ 🔍 Quick Diagnosis
Which situation are you experiencing?
¶ Partial clog
If you are experiencing under-extrusion (inconsistent flow/thin layers), try to unclog the hotend using one of the following method:
- Heat Creep/Flow Check - Use the touchscreen controls to raise the nozzle temperature slightly above the filament's standard print temp. Load/extrude filament. The purge line should fall straight and consistent. If it has curls, inconsistency or it comes out thin, use next step.
- Needle/Cold Pull - Use a nozzle cleaning needle (acupuncture needle) to break up the blockage inside the nozzle, then manually push filament through. Repeat this process until the extrusion comes out straight and stable. Please reach out to support if you need additional information about Cold Pull method.
¶ Full clog
Please start with Scenario 1 to troubleshoot and remove the clog.
¶ 🔧 Preparation
¶ Required Tools
You may need tools that came in the kit with the printer.
Such as:
- Hex key (H2.0)
- Hex key (H1.5)
¶ ⚠️ Important Notes
When disassembly of the extruder is required, exercise caution when handling its components, as the wiring may be delicate.
¶ 🛠️ Troubleshooting Steps
¶ Scenario 1: Drive gear is slipping
¶ Step 1. Visually inspect the extruder operation
¶ Step 2. Compare your observations with video examples
- If the drive gear does not rotate (but the large gear does), it is slipping. You need to replace the extruder gear assembly. Please refer to U1 active extruder gear assembly replacement guide.
- If it does rotate correctly, proceed to Scenario 2.
¶ Scenario 2: Debris at the heatbreak
¶ Step 1. Remove the hotend
Please refer to U1 hot end replacement guide for instructions.
¶ Step 2. Inspect the filament path
- If there is a clog at the hotend inlet, clear the debris.
- If there is no clog, proceed to Scenario 3.
¶ Scenario 3: Debris at the extruder bearing housing
¶ Step 1. Disassemble the extruder
You can follow the U1 filament runout sensor replacement guide (disassembly part, please ignore the sensor replacement part) to access the bearing housing.
¶ Step 2. Inspect the housing
Remove any debris stuck at the inlet. Inspect for damages.
- Assemble the extruder after cleaning.
- If no debris were found, and the inlet looks normal, proceed to Scenario 4.
¶ Scenario 4: Debris at the driven gear
¶ Step 1. Inspect the driven gear
At this point you should have access to the driven gear (assuming you disassembled the extruder in Scenario 3). Inspect the driven gear for any abnormalities or debris wraped around it.
¶ ✅ Verification
Assemble the extruder using relevant guide mentioned above. Load the filament and use controls on the screen to
- Load the filament.
- Attach extruder.
- Raise the nozzle temperature slightly above the filament recommended temperature.
- Extrude the filament and observe - extrusion shouold fall straight and consistent, without any curls.
¶ 📚 Related Resources
- U1 active extruder gear assembly replacement guide.
- U1 hot end replacement guide
- U1 filament runout sensor replacement guide
¶ 💬 Reach out to Snapmaker Support
After following the troubleshooting steps, if you find it difficult to resolve your issue, kindly submit a support ticket through https://snapmaker.formcrafts.com/u1-troubleshooting-request and share your troubleshooting results with some pictures/videos.
Our dedicated support team will be more than willing to assist you in resolving the issue.