Printing with PAHT-CF filament can yield high-strength, durable parts, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here, we’ll discuss common issues you might encounter and provide solutions to help you achieve optimal results.
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1. Warping
Issue: Warping occurs when the corners of the print lift from the bed, leading to a distorted part.
Solution:
- Bed Adhesion: Ensure the print bed is properly heated to 70-90°C. Use a PEI sheet or apply a PVP glue coating for better adhesion.
- Enclosure: Enclose your printer to maintain a stable temperature and reduce drafts that cause uneven cooling.
2. Moisture Absorption
Issue: PAHT-CF filament is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air, leading to print defects like oozing, bubbles, and rough surface finishes.
Solution:
- Storage: Store the filament in a dry box with relative humidity below 15%.
- Drying: If the filament becomes damp, dry it in an oven at 80-100°C for 4-6 hours before printing.
3. Nozzle Clogging
Issue: Carbon fiber reinforcement can cause nozzles to clog due to its abrasive nature.
Solution:
- Nozzle Type: Use a hardened steel nozzle to withstand abrasion.
- Temperature: Ensure the nozzle temperature is set between 300-320°C. Regularly inspect and clean the nozzle to prevent buildup.
4. Poor Layer Adhesion
Issue: Layers not bonding properly can lead to weak prints that delaminate easily.
Solution:
- Temperature Settings: Ensure the nozzle temperature is correctly set between 300-320°C and the bed temperature between 70-90°C.
- Cooling Fans: Keep cooling fans OFF during printing to maintain optimal layer adhesion.
- Bed Leveling: Ensure the print bed is level and the first layer adheres properly.
5. Surface Roughness
Issue: Prints may have a rough surface finish due to improper extrusion or filament moisture.
Solution:
- Print Speed: Reduce print speed and retraction settings to minimize oozing and stringing.
- Dry Filament: Ensure the filament is dry to prevent moisture-related roughness.
6. Stringing and Oozing
Issue: Excessive filament strings or oozes during printing, affecting print quality.
Solution:
- Retraction Settings: Adjust retraction distance to 1-3mm and retraction speed to 1800-3600 mm/min.
- Dry Filament: Ensure the filament is dry to reduce stringing.
7. Inconsistent Extrusion
Issue: The filament does not extrude evenly, resulting in an uneven print surface.
Solution:
- Extruder Maintenance: Check the extruder gears for wear and clean them if necessary.
- Filament Quality: Ensure consistent filament diameter and inspect for tangles or snags.
- Calibration: Calibrate the extruder steps to ensure accurate extrusion.
8. Overheating and Melting
Issue: Parts may overheat and deform during printing.
Solution:
- Temperature Control: Lower the nozzle temperature if overheating is observed.
- Cooling: Ensure adequate cooling during pauses or layer changes to prevent localized overheating.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can address common issues and achieve high-quality prints with PAHT-CF filament. With proper preparation and settings, you can make the most out of this high-performance material.