Are you seeking a comprehensive guide on replacing the filament spool on your Raise3D Pro 3 printer? Look no further as we delve into the essential steps required for seamless filament management. From loading and unloading filament to replacing filament run-out sensors, this detailed walkthrough will equip you with the necessary knowledge to ensure uninterrupted 3D printing efficiency.
Replacing Filament Run-Out Sensor
Replacing the filament spool on your Raise3D Pro3 printer is essential for uninterrupted 3D printing. Let’s break down the process into loading, unloading, and replacing the filament.
Loading Filament:
Locate the Filament Spool Holder:
In the accessory kit box that came with your printer, you’ll find two filament spool holders. These are used to hold the filament spools during printing.
Open the side door of the printer and install the filament spool holder in the designated slot. If you’re using two holders, make sure they are interlaced.
Place the filament spools on the holders.
Thread the Filament:
Insert the two filaments through their respective filament run-out sensors. The left extruder’s sensor is labeled “L,” and the right extruder’s sensor is labeled “R.”
Pass the filament through the guide tube and insert it into the corresponding extruder. Ensure that the filament enters the correct extruder based on the sensor label.
Set the Loading Temperature:
On the printer screen, navigate to the “Utilities” tab.
Set the nozzle temperature to the proper loading temperature. For Raise3D PLA, the default loading temperature is 215°C. Adjust this temperature if you’re using different filament types.
Load the Filament:
Select the “Load” button. The corresponding nozzle will heat up.
When the target temperature is reached, the extruder gears will rotate to feed the filament toward the heated nozzle.
Gently push the filament down into the extruder until the machine consistently pulls it in.
Once the filament extrudes from the nozzle, press “OK” to complete the loading process.
Verify and Resume:
Confirm that the filament is extruding evenly.
Reinsert the guide tube into place.
Now you’re ready to start printing your model.
Unloading Filament:
Pause the Print:
When you’re ready to unload the filament, either finish your current print task or pause the ongoing print.
Navigate to the “Utilities” tab on the screen.
Set Unloading Temperature:
Set the nozzle temperature to the proper unloading temperature (e.g., 215°C for Raise3D PLA).
Press the “Unload” button to begin the unloading process.
Remove Filament:
After unloading, remove the filament from the extruder.
Depress and hold the top ring on the quick connector and pull out the guide tube from the side of the filament run-out sensor to be replaced.
Replacing Filament Run-Out Sensor:
Turn Off the Printer:
Turn off the printer using the rocker switch at the rear.
Locate the Filament Run-Out Sensor Assembly:
Open the filament-side door of the printer.
Find the filament run-out sensor assembly positioned above where the filament spools would be mounted.
Disconnect and Remove:
Unplug the connecting cable from the side filament run-out sensor assembly.
Remove the securing screw that holds the sensor assembly in place.
Push the filament run-out sensor assembly upwards to remove it from the printer.
Install the New Sensor:
Prepare a new filament run-out sensor assembly.
Position it into the vacant slot.
Secure it with the previously removed screw.
Reconnect the connecting cable.
Check the Indicator Light:
Turn on the printer and verify that the red LED of the filament run-out sensor assembly is illuminated.
Insert filament to check if the indicator light extinguishes when the filament passes through the newly installed sensor assembly.
Remember, changing filament mid-print can be tricky due to the short timeout window. If you need to replace the spool, consider cutting the old filament and inserting the new one directly into the extruder to avoid disrupting the print
Locating Filament Spool Holder on Raise3D Pro 3 Printer
To locate the filament spool holder on your Raise3D Pro 3 printer, follow these steps:
Access the Accessory Kit Box: In the accessory kit box that shipped with your printer, you’ll find two filament spool holders. These holders are essential for mounting the filament spools. Look for them in the kit box.
Install the Filament Spool Holder:
Open the side door of your printer.
Slot the filament spool holder into the designated location. If you’re installing two holders, make sure they are interlaced.
Place your filament spools on the holders.
Proper Filament Rotation:
Depending on where you install the spool (points A, B, C, or D), ensure the filament spool rotates in the correct direction:
If installed at points B and D, keep the filament spool rotating clockwise.
If installed at points A and C, keep the filament spool rotating counterclockwise.
Thread the Filament:
Insert the two filaments through their respective filament run-out sensors. The left extruder’s run-out sensor is labeled “L,” and the right extruder’s sensor is labeled “R” (see Figure 4 in the instructions).
Pass the filament through the guide tube and insert it into the corresponding extruder:
Filament passing through the R sensor should enter the right extruder.
Filament passing through the L sensor should enter the left extruder.
Temperature Settings:
Navigate to the “Utilities” tab on the printer screen.
Set the nozzle temperature to the proper loading temperature (e.g., 215°C for Raise3D PLA).
Select “Load”, and the corresponding nozzle will begin to heat.
When it reaches the target temperature, proceed with loading the filament.
Loading Filament:
The extruder gears will rotate to feed the filament toward the heated nozzle.
Gently push the filament down into the extruder until you feel the machine consistently pulling it in.
When the filament extrudes from the nozzle, press “OK” to complete the loading process.
Confirm and Start Printing:
Confirm that the filament is extruding evenly.
Insert the guide tube back into place.
Now you’re ready to start printing your model
Remember to follow safety precautions and refer to the official documentation for detailed instructions specific to your Raise3D Pro 3 printer.
Properly disposing of empty filament spools is essential for environmental responsibility. Here are some ideas for what you can do with those empty spools:
Recycle Filament Spools:
You can reuse empty filament spools for various purposes, such as making drawers, lamps, toys, or even small buildings.
Some filament brands offer spools made of cardboard or other recyclable materials, which are more eco-friendly than plastic spools.
Additionally, consider returning spools to manufacturers if they accept them for recycling. Keep in mind that you may need to pay for shipping or return a minimum number of spools.
Drawer Organizers:
Need to keep small items, like electronics parts or jewelry, organized? Consider creating an expandable drawer system using partially cut-up spools. You can store tools and other small items in these working drawers.
Spool Up Christmas Lights:
Use empty spools to spool up rope or fairy lights. It’s an effortless way to organize your lights for the festive season. Plus, it saves you from the tedious untangling process each year.
Make a Go-kart:
While using empty filament spools as wheels might not provide the smoothest ride, it’s a fun example of creativity. You’ll need four old filament spools (plastic ones work well) to create a go-kart. Check out online guides for turning used spools into this quirky project.
Paint Organizer:
Transform an empty spool into a handy paint organizer. You can wind different colors of thread or yarn around it, making it easy to access your favorite shades during art projects.
IMG Source: filamentive.com
Step-by-Step Guide to Threading Filament Through a 3D Printer
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to thread filament through a 3D printer using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique:
Turn Off and Unplug the Printer:
Before starting, ensure that your 3D printer is turned off and unplugged for safety.
Locate the Filament Spool:
Find the filament spool that you’ll be using. It’s usually stored on a spool holder attached to the printer.
Insert the Filament into the Filament Chamber:
Place the filament spool in the designated filament chamber or holder. Make sure it’s securely positioned.
Thread the Filament Through the Guide Tube:
Locate the guide tube (also known as the Bowden tube) that leads from the filament chamber to the extruder. The guide tube ensures smooth filament movement. Insert one end of the filament into the guide tube.
Feed the Filament into the Extruder:
Now, move to the extruder assembly. The extruder is the part responsible for pushing the filament into the hotend. Insert the other end of the filament into the extruder.
Turn On the Printer:
Power up your 3D printer. As it initializes, the extruder motor will start pulling the filament through the guide tube.
Watch for Extrusion:
Keep an eye on the extruder. Once the filament reaches the extruder, it will start to extrude from the nozzle. You’ll see a steady flow of melted filament.
Monitor the Filament Flow:
As the filament extrudes, ensure that it flows smoothly without any kinks or tangles. If you encounter any issues, pause the process and address them.
Wait for the Filament to Reach the Melting Chamber:
Continue feeding the filament until it reaches the melting chamber (hotend). The hotend is where the filament melts and gets deposited layer by layer during printing.
Calibrate and Start Printing:
Once the filament is in the hotend, you’re ready to start printing! Calibrate your printer if necessary, load your 3D model, and begin the printing process.
For more detailed information, you can also check out this guide on 3D printing with filament using fused deposition modeling.
IMG Source: ytimg.com
Calibrating 3D Printer Filament and Flow Rate
Calibrating the filament diameter and flow rate on your 3D printer is essential for achieving accurate and high-quality prints. Let’s break down the process step by step:
Measure the Filament Diameter:
Before you begin the flow rate calibration, ensure that the filament size value is correctly set in your slicer (such as Cura or PrusaSlicer).
The most common filament used in 3D printing has a thickness of 1.75 mm, but there can be small variations due to the manufacturing process.
Grab your filament and measure 5 sections of it at a distance of around 10 cm between measurements using a caliper.
Make sure not to apply too much pressure while measuring. Use the thicker part of the caliper and keep the filament straight for accurate results.
Enter the average value of your measured filament diameter (rounded to two decimal places) into your slicer’s filament diameter setting.
Calibrate Extruder E Steps:
Before performing flow rate calibration, ensure that your extruder’s E steps (steps per millimeter) are accurately calibrated. If not, follow the extruder calibration process.
Accurate E steps are crucial for precise flow rate calculations.
Flow Rate Calibration:
The flow rate calibration fine-tunes the amount of plastic extruded by your printer. It’s also known as the Extrusion Multiplier.
Proper flow rate calibration helps fix issues caused by under-extrusion or over-extrusion.
It can also improve retraction values and address bulging corners and layer seams.
Here’s how to perform flow rate calibration:
Print a simple test cube (a hollow box) with the following settings:
Line Width: 1.2 times the nozzle diameter (e.g., if you have a 0.4 mm nozzle, set the line width to 0.48 mm).
Layer Height: Set to your normal printer layer height (e.g., 0.2 mm).
Enable Vase (Spiralize) Mode (this should set infill to 0%).
Measure each side of the printed cube using your caliper, focusing on the corners rather than the center.
Enter the width of each side into a flow rate calculator.
Adjust the flow rate (extrusion multiplier) in your slicer based on the calculated value.
Repeat the process as needed to achieve the best flow rate for your printer.
For more detailed instructions and additional resources, you can refer to the following articles:
In conclusion, mastering the art of filament spool replacement on your Raise3D Pro 3 printer is crucial for optimizing your printing experience. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can confidently navigate through loading, unloading, and replacing filament with ease. Remember, efficient filament management is key to achieving consistent print quality and minimizing interruptions during your creative projects.
Stay informed, stay proactive, and elevate your 3D printing journey with the knowledge gained from the Raise3D Pro 3 Filament Spool Replacement guide.
