Small gaps and popping noise when printing. K1 SE

Flagship K Series Creality Flagship K1 & K1C
1

I have recently been having a problem where my K1 SE leaves occassional tiny gaps in extruded lines. These gaps are accompanied by a little ‘popping’ noise from the nozzle area. I have Googled it and it has said the most likely causes are either damp filament or incorrect retraction settings.

I dont think it is damp filament has i always put my rolls in a filament dryer and run them from there so my rolls are always warm and ‘drying’ when being used. They then go back in a sealed bag with dessicant till they are needed again. Its PLA+ by the way.

I also dont think its a problem with retraction has it tends to happen on straight lines, rather then after a retraction.

I have added a picture with the tiny gaps circled so someone will hopefully, have some suggestions.

Fence holes
Fence holes1920×1440 309 KB

2

My first and best guess, having experienced EXACTLY those symptoms, your hot end is partially clogged.

Watch your extruder motor knob, and when you hear the pop, see if it didn’t jump backwards.

For me, this was after printing with PETG, and obviously I didn’t get it all out before switching back to PLA.

I ended up just replacing the hot end, as it’s gonna take a drill to open this one up again. YMMV

Best luck!

ֆȶǟɢɢ

3

How old is you nozzle? I’d try a new one. It’s probably worn out.

4

Funny enough, i only replaced the nozzle a fortnight ago so im pretty sure its not that. Has such, i can also fairly confidently rule out a partial clog. Also, i only print with PLA+ at present so no change of material type has occured.

5

Sorry, stupid American here, I don’t know how long a fortnight is. I assume you installed a new nozzle?

6

LOL, its two weeks mate. And yes, its a new nozzle