K1C filament misfeed and extruder clicking: guide to fixing

Filament misfeed and extruder clicking: guide to fixing

One of the most common problems in 3D printing is filament misfeed or the annoying clicking of the extruder. This can cause the filament to not be properly fed through the nozzle, severely affecting print quality or stopping the print entirely. Especially with a printer like the Creality K1C, which is equipped with a Direct Drive Extruder, these problems are easily solvable if the right measures are taken.

In this article, we explain the main causes of filament misfeed and extruder clicking, and provide you with step-by-step instructions to fix these problems.

Causes of filament misfeed and extruder clicking

Filament misfeed occurs when the filament does not flow smoothly through the extruder and nozzle. The clicking of the extruder, a sound that resembles a gear skipping or a motor stalling, is often a sign that the extruder is struggling to properly feed the filament. The main causes of these issues include:

1. Clogged nozzle

A partially or fully clogged nozzle can obstruct material flow, leading to under-extrusion. If the filament is not extruded correctly, this can cause print failures or significantly reduced print quality.

2. Too low extrusion temperature

If the hotend temperature is too low, the filament cannot melt properly. This causes the extruder to struggle to push the filament through the nozzle, resulting in the typical clicking.

3. Incorrect retraction settings

Too high retraction values can cause the filament to be pulled too far into the cooler part of the hotend, where it partially solidifies. This makes it difficult to push the filament forward again and causes under-extrusion.

4. Too tight or loose feed

If the filament feed mechanism of the extruder (the gear that drives the filament) is set too loose or too tight, the filament cannot be fed properly. Too tight gripping can damage the filament, while too loose gripping interrupts the feed.

5. Blockage in the filament path

A clogged or blocked filament path in the extruder can prevent the filament from flowing through the extruder. This causes the filament to not feed evenly into the nozzle and results in under-extrusion.

6. Unsuitable or moist filament

Filament that has absorbed moisture or is of poor quality can form bubbles and disrupt the extrusion process. Moist filament expands at high temperatures and creates resistance in the extruder.

Step-by-step guide to fixing filament under-extrusion and extruder clicking

To fix the issue of under-extrusion or clicking, you need to systematically check the various possible causes. Here is a detailed guide on how to solve these problems without damaging the components.

1. Clean or replace the nozzle

A clogged nozzle is one of the most common causes of under-extrusion. If the material flow is blocked, the filament cannot be properly extruded.

Heat the Hotend: Heat the hotend to the recommended printing temperature of the filament used (e.g., 220 °C for PLA).
Cold Pull Method: If the clog is minor, you can use the Cold Pull method to remove residue (see previous section on extruder clogging). This should clear smaller clogs and restore extrusion flow.
Use cleaning needle: For more stubborn clogs, you can use a cleaning needle to manually clean the nozzle. Be careful not to damage the nozzle.

If the nozzle is heavily clogged and cannot be cleaned, it is advisable to replace the nozzle.

2. Check hotend temperature

A print temperature that is too low can cause the filament not to melt properly, leading to misfeeds and clicking of the extruder.

Adjust temperature: Increase the print temperature by about 5–10 °C and test if the extrusion flow improves. For PLA, for example, you can increase the temperature from 200 °C to 210–220 °C.
Start test print: Print a test object to ensure the new temperature improves material flow.

3. Optimize retraction settings

Too high retraction values can pull the filament into cooler areas of the extruder where it hardens and causes clogs.

Check retract values: Open your slicing software (e.g., Cura or PrusaSlicer) and check the retraction settings. A typical retraction value for direct-drive extruders like the Creality K1C is between 1 and 2 mm. Reduce this value if you notice clicking or material jams.
Adjust retract speed: Set the retraction speed to about 30–40 mm/s. A retraction speed that is too high can overload the feed mechanism and cause misfeeds.

4. Check and adjust extruder feed

The filament feed mechanism (the small gear that drives the filament through the extruder) must be properly adjusted to prevent misfeeds.

Check tension: Make sure the feed tension is neither too tight nor too loose. If the gear grips the filament too strongly, it can damage the filament, causing blockages. If the grip is too loose, the filament slips through.
Adjust feed: Adjust the tension by turning the corresponding adjustment screw on the extruder. The correct pressure is reached when the filament is fed evenly and without damage.

5. Remove blockage in the filament path

It can happen that the filament path is blocked by dirt or filament residues that hinder the flow of the filament.

Remove filament: Pull the filament out of the printer when the print head is heated.
Check filament path: Use a small brush or a thin wire to clean the filament path in the extruder and nozzle.
Reload filament: Reload the filament and test if the problem is resolved.

6. Check and ensure filament quality

Low-quality or moist filament can disrupt the extrusion process by causing bubbles or material jams.

Inspect filament: If the filament has bubbles, uneven diameters, or other visible defects, replace it.
Dry filament: Moist filament can be dried in an oven or with a special drying box. Always store filament in airtight containers with desiccants to prevent moisture absorption.
Change filament: Try using a high-quality filament from a reliable brand to ensure the material does not cause clogs or under-extrusion.

7. Check and maintain the extruder

If the clicking in the extruder persists, there may be a mechanical issue within the extruder itself. The Creality K1C uses a direct drive extruder that should be maintained regularly.

Clean gear: Check if the gear is clean and free of filament debris. Clean it with a brush if necessary.
Lubricate mechanism: Use appropriate lubricants to ensure the moving parts of the extruder move smoothly.

Preventing under-extrusion and extruder clicking

Regular maintenance

Regular maintenance of the extruder, including cleaning the gear and nozzle, is crucial to avoid issues like under-extrusion and clicking.

Proper filament storage

Make sure your filament is stored dry and dust-free. Use airtight containers with desiccants to protect the filament from moisture.

Adjusting print settings

Regularly checking and adjusting print settings, especially temperature and retraction settings, helps prevent under-extrusion.

Perform test prints

Perform regular test prints to ensure the extruder and nozzle are working properly. Test objects like small cubes or calibration grids help you detect potential issues early.

Conclusion

Under-extrusion and extruder clicking are common issues in 3D printing caused by various factors such as clogged nozzles, incorrect settings, or low-quality filament. However, through systematic troubleshooting and regular maintenance, you can successfully resolve these problems and ensure your Creality K1C prints smoothly and efficiently again.