MAKERBOT SKETCH
Troubleshooting Makerbot Sketches + Fixing Clogged Heads
Turn machine on and allow to load onboard software.
Remove clear plastic filament spool window
Above filament spool, remove the MATERIAL cover, which will reveal filament feeding mechanism.
Use the touchscreen to run the "Load Filament" procedure. While the print head heats up, confirm that the filament is threaded fully from the spool, through the feeding mechanism, through the filament tube, and into the print head.
Once the Load Filament procedure starts, you should see molten filament being extruded out of the print head nozzle. If NOT, confirm that the feeding mechism is spinning and trying to push filament to the print head. If the print head is clogged, you can sometimes try to force filament through the feeding mechanism by pushing up on the feeding mechanism's springloaded arm and using your fingers to push the filament through, towards the print head.
If no filament extrudes during the Load Filament procedure, the print head is clogged. Remove the filament by using the "Unload Filament" procedure.
Follow the instructions in the video to unclog the print head.
Use the Load procedure again to load the filament.
If the print head nozzle is clear, filament should begin to flow out smoothly.
BEST PRACTICE: When done printing, unload the filament. When ready to print again, reload it AFTER checking that the end few inches are still soft and pliable as you would expect. If the end filament is hard, brittle, or stiff, snip it off before loading the machine. WHY? What has been noticed is that if the printer idles, it sometimes preheats itself, which results in the filament that is in the print head itself to warm up. When the printer finally is turned off or stops preheating, this warmed filament hardens and loses its ability to move and melt well... ultimately clogging the machine.
Makerbot Sketches + Replacing Extruder
MAKERBOT Replicator