Stops Extruding Mid Print
If your printer was extruding properly at the beginning of your print, but suddenly stopped extruding later on, there are typically only a few things that could have caused this problem. We will explain each common cause below and provide suggestions for fixing the issue. If your printer was having trouble extruding at the very beginning of the print, please see the Not Extruding at Start of Print section.
Common Solutions
Out of filament
This one is pretty obvious, but before checking the other issues, first verify that you still have filament leading into the nozzle. If the spool has run out, you will need to load a new spool before continuing the print.
The filament has stripped against the drive gear
During a print, the extruder motor is constantly spinning trying to push the filament into the nozzle so that your printer can keep extruding plastic. If you try to print too quickly or you try to extrude too much plastic, this motor may end up grinding away the filament until there is nothing left for the drive gear to grab onto. If your extruder motor is spinning, but the filament is not moving, then this is likely the cause. Please see the Grinding Filament section for more details on how to resolve the issue.
The extruder is clogged
If none of the above causes apply to you, then it is very likely that the extruder is clogged. If this happens in the middle of the print, you may want to check and make sure that the filament is clean and that there is no dust on the spool. If enough dust is attached to the filament, it can cause a clog as it builds up inside the nozzle. There are several other possible causes for a clogged extruder, so please see the clogged extruder description in the Not Extruding at Start of Print section for more details.
Overheated extruder motor driver
The extruder motor has to work incredibly hard during your print. It is constantly spinning back and forth, pushing and pulling plastic back and forth. This quick motion requires quite a bit of current, and if the printer’s electronics do not have sufficient cooling, it can cause the motor driver electronics to overheat. These motor drivers typically have a thermal cutoff that will cause the driver to stop working if the temperature gets too high. If this happens, the X and Y axis motors will be spinning and moving the extruder toolhead, but the extruder motor will not be moving at all. The only way to resolve this issue is to turn off the printer and allow the electronics to cool down. You may also want to add an extra cooling fan if the problem continues.
Related Topics
Compatibility
Is Your 3D Printer Compatible? Enter your printer name to check compatibility with the latest version of Simplify3D. My printer is custom built or not commercially available Hooray! Your [[printerName]] is supported! When you open Simplify3D for the first time, you’ll be prompted to select your printer from a drop-down list. This will automatically apply [...]
Simplify3D Version 4.1.0
Simplify3D® Version 4.1The latest release of Simplify3D's professional 3D printing software continues to drive innovation in the Additive Manufacturing industry. Version 4.1 provides more control over the printing process and unlocks new capabilities for the latest generation of 3D printers. Keep reading to learn more about these new features! Simplify3D® Version 4.1The latest release of Simplify3D's professional [...]
V4 Software Features
The last 3D printing software you’ll ever need! Simplify3D includes everything you need to work with your 3D printer. Model setup and plating, slicing and print file creation, pre-print simulations, customizable support structures, mesh analysis and repair, machine control and monitoring, and much more! With support for hundreds of 3D printers, Simplify3D is the last [...]
Home
Improve your print quality withpowerful 3D printing softwareExpand your 3D printer's capabilities for amazing resultsPURCHASESEE FEATURES Improve your print quality withpowerful 3D printing softwareExpand your 3D printer's capabilities for amazing resultsPurchaseSee Features The World Fights COVID-19 with 3D Printing Blog Series Read More THE EXPERTS AGREE: SOFTWARE MATTERS 3D printing slicing software controls every aspect [...]
Education
SIMPLIFY3D FOR EDUCATORS Schools, universities, and makerspaces around the world use Simplify3D to enhance their 3D printing curriculum. Learn more about how Simplify3D Software helps you and your students master 3D printing technology. One Software Does It All 3D printers come with many different software options, which can be confusing for students. Simplify3D provides everything you [...]
Careers
Join the team!Join the team!Join the team!Build the Future of 3D PrintingBuild the Future of 3D PrintingBuild the Future of 3D Printing Competitive Benefits Work with cutting-edge tech Simplify3D is the leading global provider of commercial 3D printing software. As part of our team, you will work with the newest technologies while developing your skills. [...]
Resellers
BECOME A SIMPLIFY3D RESELLER Simplify3D Software is looking for original equipment manufacturers and large online retailers who are passionate about improving the 3D printing experience for their customers. Read more about the Simplify3D Reseller Program below and complete your application today! Already a Simplify3D reseller? Login to your Simplify3D account Benefits of Being a Simplify3D Reseller [...]
Contact Us
Have a Question? Please select from the options below so that we can connect you with the right department…
