Howling Rostock Max?

[cassetti]

Ok, new one on me..... Printing some stuff yesterday, my rostock was howling. Seriously, it sounds like there's a low hum coming from the Z-rail, but I can't identify the source. It sounds like the skate is howling when it goes across some part of the Z-rail, but I can't see anything wrong!

It's not affecting print quality from what I can tell, but pretty amusing. I'll try to get a recording of it later.

[mhackney]

Well, my theory seems to be holding up. I theorize that there is a 1 in 3 chance of a delta printer tower morphing into a werewolf. Granted, I have collected limited data, but I'm encouraged that only ONE of your THREE towers are howling!

Seriously though, check for debris in the track where the bearings roll. A quick wipe with a clean dry cloth should remove it (and if it's a white cloth, like one of your significant other's white silk "things", you'll see the dirt too). I had a similar sound coming from mine and it turned out to be a little "fuzz".

[cambo3d]

now you can officially call it Wolverine

[JohnStack]

Definitely one for the troubleshooting spreadsheet. (See image)

[cassetti]

Lol, Thanks, I'll give that a shot. Waiting for Slic3r to export a new vase. Going to try using PLA again and see how it does

[mhackney]

One word - "fan".

[cpunches]

One word - "fan".

I've seen a couple of references to adding a fan (or more than one) when printing with PLA. Should the fan(s) blow on the tip where the plastic is coming out, or towards the print surface? I'm going to try and add a couple during my build, but I can't get a good feel for what they actually need to be blowing on.

Also, would I need to be able to turn them off when printing with ABS or another material?

Oh, and just to stay on topic in this thread I wonder if putting a piece of foam-rubber or sponge on a stiff wire attached to the cheapskates might help keep the slots in the rails clean?

[mhackney]

Please read this: http://forum.seemecnc.com/viewtopic.php ... 9725#p9725

[cpunches]

Please read this: http://forum.seemecnc.com/viewtopic.php ... 9725#p9725

Thanks. This forum is proving to be invaluable as I attempt my first printer build!

[mhackney]

I also just added a sticky post to the Troubleshooting forum: What's all this hoopla about fans?

[barnett]

on the noise, could it be a belt rubbing against the side of the idler bearing (either top or bottom)?

the other thing I've had was an overtightened screw on the belt clamp. It stuck so far through that it rubbed on the t-slot. That was more of a squeak.

[cassetti]

on the noise, could it be a belt rubbing against the side of the idler bearing (either top or bottom)?

the other thing I've had was an overtightened screw on the belt clamp. It stuck so far through that it rubbed on the t-slot. That was more of a squeak.

I have heard the sound from an idler bearing on the top of one rail, but that's not the cause of the howling - it seems to be only 1 area of the Z rail causing the howling. I've tried to clean it with rags multiple times. Would a spray-on powder lubricant help or hurt things?