Extruder screw
The extruder screw (auger) is the core component of the G1 pellet extruder. It sits inside the barrel, driven by the Main extruder motor, and compresses pellets from the hopper downward through the three Multi-Heating Zones to the nozzle.
Function
Section titled “Function”- Pellets fall from the hopper into the top of the barrel
- The rotating screw grips and compresses the pellets
- As pellets travel down through the heating zones, they melt progressively
- Molten material is pushed through the nozzle at controlled pressure
New machine — first use
Section titled “New machine — first use”New machines may have machining oil residue on the screw from manufacturing. This is normal:
- The first 0.5–1 kg of material flushed through may appear slightly discolored or smell different
- Purge with the first material at normal printing temperature until output is clean and consistent
- No special action needed beyond this initial purge
Signs of screw / barrel problems
Section titled “Signs of screw / barrel problems”| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Dark or black particles in extrusion | Degraded or burnt material stuck in barrel |
| Material melted at screw entrance (visible from top) | Feeding Zone (T0) too hot |
| Motor clicks / skips steps | Material too viscous, clog forming, or temperature wrong |
| Output suddenly becomes more fluid then drops | Backpressure fluctuation from partial clog |
Clearing a clog from the top (feeding zone)
Section titled “Clearing a clog from the top (feeding zone)”If material has melted and solidified at the top of the screw (visible as a dark/translucent mass at the hopper outlet):
- Heat all zones to printing temperature (240°C for PETG)
- Using a long screwdriver or rod, push the clogged material down from the top
Requires a second person at the printer controls to extrude material out the bottom while you push from the top — coordinate carefully
- Once material flows freely, purge 100–200 g of clean material
- Lower the Feeding Zone temperature (T0) by 15–20°C to prevent recurrence
Deep cleaning (barrel flush)
Section titled “Deep cleaning (barrel flush)”For stubborn contamination (black specks in output, degraded material smell):
- Heat to 250°C across all zones
- Purge at high flow rate (250+ mm³/s) to mechanically push out contaminated material
- If needed, run clear PETG CF (cleaning filament) through — its fiber content acts as a mild abrasive flush
Technical specifications
Section titled “Technical specifications”| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Extruder assembly weight | 11 kg |
| Motor driver | DM860T (see Main extruder motor) |
| Operating voltage | 55V via step-up converter |
The weight is relevant for robotic arm integration or remote head mounting setups.
Removal for full cleaning
Section titled “Removal for full cleaning”The extruder assembly can be removed for deep cleaning:
- Heat to printing temperature, then turn off and let cool to ~80°C (soft but workable)
- Remove the 8 Allen key bolts (M5×18 CIL) holding the extruder to the frame
- The extruder assembly sits on an interlocking mount (incastro) — it will not fall when bolts are removed
- Lift the assembly clear and set on a stable surface
- Clean the screw and barrel with appropriate tools
- Reinstall in reverse order, torque bolts evenly
Preventing screw clogging
Section titled “Preventing screw clogging”- Keep Feeding Zone (T0) at the recommended temperature for the material — too hot causes pellets to melt before they enter the compression zone, forming plugs
- Use SmoothFlow to reduce friction and pellet sticking
- Do not leave the machine at printing temperature for extended periods without extruding — material degrades and can burn onto the screw