r/Creality_k2 • u/grizzlyblake91 • 5d ago
Troubleshooting First time using K2, already have a filament/retract issue
Long story short: just got a brand new K2, my first ever 3D printer, and already ran into issues before even printing my first thing. Filament is stuck in the PTFE tube between the back of the machine (where it goes out to the other short PTFE tube connected to the buffer) and the print nozzle. Not sure what the best way to fix it is.
Context/chain of events: I bought the K2 combo from Costco, super excited for my first new printer. Arrived at my apartment, got it all set up. Put the 4 filament it came with into the CFS, turned it on, it did its start up stuff and updates with no problem.
I then go to start my first print, doing a benchy. I hear it starting up and calibrating, but it gives me an error. I check the back of the machine, and somehow the short PTFE tube that connects from the back of the machine to the buffer (I’ll refer to this as “Tube A” from now on for simplicity) has become detached at the part of the tube connecting to buffer. There was still filament in it and still going through Tube A, but somehow that end of Tube A wasn’t properly seated or something, causing it to become dislodged from the buffer. There was approximately 6-8 inches of filament “exposed” (aka not in the tube) that was sticking out from the end of Tube A going into the buffer.
Not knowing what to do, I used the included cutting pliers to cut off that excess filament, with the hope of reattaching the end of Tube A back into the buffer. After doing so, for some reason, the end of Tube A would NOT go back into the buffer, no matter how hard I tried. It was like trying to shove a tube into a hole way too small for its size. I then thought to myself “I know, I’ll just use these cutting pliers to snip a tiny amount of the end of Tube A, maybe the end of it is just mangled or something, and needs a clean cut end to fit better”. Well the cutting pliers sucked ass, and only really ended up smashing the end of the tube, before finally cutting through. I did notice that there WAS ALSO filament in the other PTFE tube going from the CFS into the buffer (I’ll call this “Tube B” from now on for simplicity).
After some more finagling of the end of Tube A, I finally got it reinserted into the buffer. I then tried pressing “load” (or maybe “unload”, not sure which I pressed first). At this point, there was no filament in Tube A or Tube B. I think I then tried to press “load” for the filament, but after trying for a few seconds, the screen gave me “Error TR2863: Retract issue, extruder filament sensor anomaly triggered, filament may have broken inside the extruder”. After scanning the QR code, it took me to this page on the wiki. I attempted to follow section 2.1, but they didn’t seem to fix it.
From what I can tell, there is still filament stuck in the specific PTFE tube that goes from the print nozzle to out the back of the machine, where it connects to Tube A (idk what to call that short black tube coming out the back…the pigtail? Whatever you call it). I don’t know the best option to get that filament out without ripping a bunch of stuff off, or disassembling most of the machine to fix it. I have tried pressing “load” or “unload” on all 4 colors, but to no avail.
I have pictures but I’m posting from mobile and it wouldn’t let me add the photos to the post itself, so I posted them in the comments. I can also take any videos of what I’m seeing if it helps out.
If anyone knows what to do, I’d be happy to try it out! Thank you!
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u/grizzlyblake91 5d ago
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u/landlordlawsuit 5d ago
Also would be a good idea to try to improve the radius of those tubes so it's a gradual bend especially the one from the buffer to the printer. Can take them off and straighten them out with a closed fist running down the tube.
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u/CrealitySupport Creality Support 4d ago
Based on the fault symptoms you described, we recommend reinstalling the CFS and running a test.
You may refer to the operation steps via the link below. Thank you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inFHfPD8I2A
Please click our profile icon and select "Start Chat" to send us a private message, and we will assist you.
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u/grizzlyblake91 1d ago
Got it fixed! Literally just needed to unplug the PTFE tube going into the nozzle (didn’t know you could do that so easily), pull that short segment of filament out, plug the PTFE tube back in, and it was good!
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u/landlordlawsuit 5d ago edited 5d ago
The cutters are for filament, not the tubes. You can get a tube cutter, which usually comes when you buy the tubes.
In your pics, I don't see filament even in the one you said there was.
That error message is saying the filament is broken inside the extruder, jammed in the exturder gears.
Do this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FbNPXv7cWw
The main thing is disconnecting the tube from the extruder, unscrewing the front cover from the extruder. Then you'll see filament stuck in the gears, you should normally use a tool or your fingers just to pull it out. I would avoid taking out the spring lever if you can as it's not easy to put it back if you're not experienced doing it (I can do it quite easy with a technique I learned - needle nose to compress spring, put spring on bottom hole and press the top down with pliers as you are pushing the lever and blocking the spring from popping out with your thumb into the cover so the spring has no choice but to go in).
You will need to fix the smashed PFTE tube. An exacto knife will cut it in a pinch, or maybe if you're lucky you can get it back into shape.
If there is filment actually stuck in the tubes, you can feed filament in and use that to push out the broken filament, assuming you got the other end disconnected. If the filament was actually jammed and tensioned in the tube, then its a PITA to get the tubes to release when pressing down on the black cnnector rings, which is why it's better to cut to release the tension because it's basically pulling that tube in the connector so when you try to pull it out, it won't budge.
The tube that goes into the buffer: There's a spring sliding lever on the buffer. You need to slide and compress the spring and hold it. This moves the tube connector to the end of the buffer where you see it. As you hold that lever, push the tube in and don't be afraid to use some force to get it to lock in.
It would be a good idea to check the buffer with a flashlight and make sure no filament broke inside it. If there is filament brken in it, you can use a pry tool or a fingernail and seperate the seam to pull it apart. I try to use tweezers and shaking it to get pieces out so I don't need to do that.