By fixing the issue of insufficient extrusion, we prevent gaps and loss of details in finished product printing.

If your 3D printer does not deposit enough wire during the printing process, there may be an issue of insufficient extrusion. When the printer should squeeze out a specific amount of consumables, it cannot reach that amount, resulting in various printing quality issues such as poor adhesion, wire drawing and leakage, and even surface defects. Insufficient squeezing may be caused by multiple factors, and you need to take the time to understand the root cause and address it. Below, we will focus on introducing different methods to solve the problem of insufficient extrusion.

Method 1: Clean the nozzle of the 3D printer
Firstly, check if there are any blockages in the nozzle and clean it. You can use a sharp needle or wire to see if the nozzle can be unblocked.

If not, you can try the cold drawing method. Please follow the steps below to use this method.

1. Remove the Bowden tube from the extruder.

2. Heat the hot end to a temperature suitable for the type of filament you are using. For example, if you use PLA filament, it is 200-220C.

3. Cut a small piece of filament for cold drawing. Make sure it comes from the filament you will be using.

4. Insert the small filament into the hot end and wait until it starts to leak out.

5. Cool the hot end until it reaches around 60-90C.

6. Apply some pressure and quickly pull the filament out of the hot end. The goal is to ensure that the filament is in full contact with the nozzle wall in order to remove any debris when pulling out the filament.

7. Check the filament and inspect for any signs of debris. If there is residue at the tip of the nozzle, the cold pull has successfully cleaned the nozzle, but if there are more blockages, you can still repeat the process.

The above method should solve the problem, but if it cannot, you should consider removing it and soaking it in a cleaning substance. Please follow the steps below.

1. As we did above, heat the thermal head to the normal printing temperature of the wire.

2. Soak the nozzle in a container containing a cleaning solution such as acetone. Then let it soak for a few minutes to loosen any blockages or residues that may have accumulated.

3. Wipe and dry the nozzle with a soft cloth, then reassemble it back to the hot end, ensuring it is properly seated and tightened.

4. Load the consumables into the extruder again and check if the extrusion is consistent.

Method 2: Check the filament

Check for any tangles or knots in the filaments, which may cause resistance and affect the smooth flow of the material. It is also important to ensure that the diameter of the filament you are using matches that of the nozzle. You can use a caliper or a fine wire gauge for measurement. Additionally, please ensure that the filament axis of the lamp is installed correctly to facilitate the smooth unfolding of the filament.

In addition, you should ensure that the filament you are using is of high quality, as low-quality filaments may have irregular diameters and even inconsistent material compositions. Impurities can also lead to insufficient extrusion, so it is crucial to use clean filaments.

In addition, please store the filament properly in a dry and dust-free environment, as moisture absorption can affect the performance of the filament. Consider using sealed containers or filament drying ovens to maintain optimal filament conditions.

Method 3: Check if the Bowden tube is severely worn and delaminated
Any wear or damage to the Bowden tube can affect the flow of the impact wire, leading to insufficient extrusion. Although this is not a common cause of insufficient compression, it is important to take the time to check for any issues.

You can check the entire length of the Bowden tube for any obvious signs of wear or cracks, while also paying attention to areas where the tube bends or enters the fittings.

If possible, you can remove it and inspect it more carefully, ensuring that the inner diameter of the tube is smooth and free of any obstacles such as melted filaments or fragments. Any blockage will hinder the smooth flow of the filament. If you discover any serious issues, you should consider replacing them with new ones.

If you try all the above techniques, you should be able to solve the problem. If not, you should consider replacing the entire extruder to see if the problem has been resolved and if the print quality has improved.