So, Why does my 3d printer make a clicking noise?
Did you ever think about that?
I have done quite a good research on that. This article may need 5 minutes to read and will help you to identify the reasons why a 3d printer makes clicking noises.
So, let’s start!
Usually, the clicking noise comes from a 3d printer when the extruder is delivering the filaments faster. It might happen when there is insufficient space between the 3d printer extruder and the printing object on the printing bed.
However, there might be some other reasons like extruder missing steps or outdated belts.
Whatever, here are the 9 best common causes of 3 printer clicking noises coming from the extruder. If you are considering to buy a new Quiet 3d printer, check that out!
Destructor in the extruder
The extruder is one of the key parts of a 3d printer that draws by the filaments inside.
if you look closely, the extruder consists of two functions. The cold side feeds the raw filament inside the machine. The hot part melts the filaments and draws a 3d print as per the design.
There’s a high chance that there might be some destructor such as dust or any other outdoor things stuck inside the extruder. Such a situation will make the extruder less functional and produce unusual noises.
On the other side, the residuals can be a good reason for such clicking noises.
There are some people who do not clean the extruder after each usage. Such maintenance issues will make the filament and the dust stick together inside the 3d printer and produce noise.
We highly recommend you clean the extruder after each print so that nothing gets inside.
Learn whether you can keep a 3d printer in the garage.
Filament Dust can also cause noise
Well, the dust coming through the filament can also create such clicking noise while 3d printing is in progress.
In that case, your regular maintenance of the extruder will not solve the noise issue. We recommend you keep the filaments somewhere neat and clean. However, some filaments are highly attracted by the outdoor dust.
If that happens, you can use a filament dust cleaner to stop sending the extruder destructors through the filaments.
here’s an example of such a filament dust cleaner that you may need to buy separately.
Noise can come from the stepper driver
Clicking noise during 3d printing can also come from the stepper driver.
The stepper driver is the electric circuit mainly responsible to circulate appropriate power to the stepper motor. There’s a high chance that the stepper motor is not getting the right power to function accurately and creating noise.
But, how would you know that the stepper driver may have been damaged?
Solution for stepper driver
the first option for you is to check the stepper motor’s temperature.
If the stepper motor gets too hot, this is the first indication that the stepper driver may have been damaged. However, the stepper motor may work slowly or, even gets off due to damaged stepper drivers.
We do not recommend you fix these on your own. You should always take the help of a professional technician in case of such issues.
Stepper motor can be the reason for clicking noise
The Stepper motor, also known as the stepping motor can also contribute to creating noise during 3d printing.
The Stepper motor mainly works closely with the extruder. It feeds the filaments to the extruder for further 3d printing works.
In case of damage to the stepper motor, the filament will not feed properly in the extruder. Such a situation can also create disrupting noise coming from the 3d printer.
However, the stepper motor not working does not mean that it is dead.
Maybe, it needs a little adjustment and will work fine once again.
In most cases, adjustment is not sufficient to fix the feeder motor. You may need to buy another one instead.
Wiring errors can also be a reason for the noise
There is a chance that both the stepper motor and the stepper driver are fine except for some of the wires. But, how would you find this?
again, you need the help of a technician.
However, you can find this easily by checking the wires one by one.
Vibration can create noise
The most common source of a 3d printer noise is the vibration. We have seen that while most of the components are accurate, the 3d printer may still bother you with annoying sounds at even more than 50 db.
But, what should you do to stop such noise from vibration?
The first thing to consider is keeping the printer in a stable surface. Appying soft matt underneath can also offer you great result.
However, a recent study showed that Anti Vibration Mounts are usefull in reducing vibration. Infact the the anti vibration mount market itself grows at an 1.3% CAGR.
Another recent investigation has shown that 3D-printed lattice structure can act as a sound absorber. The system can absorb sounds up to 1 kHz. However, such re-engineering may not be possible for single user who hardly can afford the basic 3d printing equipment.
But, this is again a good sign that the researchers are pointing on these.
Someday, may be any upgraded standalone version will have such sound absorbtion features.
Extruder temperature may be low
A 3d printer may create noise when the extruder temperature is too low to melt the filament.
Usually, the minimum temperature for the extrusion type 3d printer is 50°F (10 °C). But, the filament cannot produce high-quality 3d prints at such extremely cold temperatures.
PLA filament can give you quality 3d print at as low as 59 °F (15 °C).
However, HIPS, PETG, and ABS will require least likely 77°F (25 °C) or higher to produce a good quality print.
Lastly, no rd printers can produce prints higher than 104°F (40 °C) temperature.
But, why the extruder temperature gets low?
Sometimes, extruder temperature becomes low due to fast speed settings. In that case, the extruder may find it tough to melt the filament efficiently.
If that happens to you, just increase the 3d printer temperature and it will serve the purpose I believe.
There might be insufficient space between extruder nozzle and bed
This is the most common reason why a 3d printer produces noise.
If the 3d printing nozzle is too close to the printing object on the bed, there will be a clicking noise. The main reason is here that the extruder will not efficiently deliver the filaments into the printing bed due to the short distance.
In that case, You may need to level the bed manually.
However, you can also try adjusting the Z-axis from the G code settings. Such manipulation of the Z-axis can slightly fix such issues and reduce noise.
Be careful with the slicer settings
The slicer is the main communicator of the printing data with the printing machine.
if the design is not according to the 3d printer’s requirement, there can be some efficiency issues and noise due to improper production.
We recommend you check the slicer settings before initiating the printing job. If needed, correct accordingly with the printer’s requirement.
Check the control board
he Control board is responsible to handle all the logic & programming of a 3D printer.
There is a possibility that your 3D printer might come with unchangeable stepper drivers. In that case, you may need to change the control board to make a quiet 3D printer.
If your 3D printer is a low-budget one, we suggest you upgrade the control board that uses Trinamic’s TMC2225 stepper drivers. It helps to reduce vibration and noise.
Blocked nozzle can also create noise
The nozzle is the part that is responsible to build the melted plastics on the printing bed. Sometimes the hot end part of the nozzle gets stuck with the filaments from an earlier job which may create a clicking noise while printing.
infact, this is the most common problem of a 3d printer.
Firstly, you should notice the nooks and crannies whether there are melted filaments.
While cleaning the nozzle, do not jump over that.
Yor 3d printer may vary from the others. So, remember the assembly order so that it does not give you any further trouble when cleaning process is completed.
However, if you see your 3d printer nozzle is loose then consider changing that as soon as possible.
Try these when nozzle is clogged
- Try pushing the clogged area with a brush or pin
- Manually push some filaments to clean the stuck nozzle after disassabling
- Try heating the nozzle at 250 degree Celcius to experince the debris / filaments melting out
- If the above steps doesn;t work, let the printer re-solidiy at toom temperature and again try heating it with 120 degree celcius or apply cold-pull method
- Try rempving the nozzle at the very last step when every step is done with due care
Updates | Boston University Researchers found a 3D printer Noise Blocker
After a heavy research, the researchers of Boston University have finally found an amazing way to block 3d printer noise.
This Doughnut shape noise blocker was able to eliminate 3d printing noise of up to 94%.
Here’s a quick summery of how the system works?
The researchers have attached a metamaterial (doughnut shaped pipe) with the the 3d printer enclosure.
So, the printer started sending the noise through the pipe.
However, this noise blockers sent back the sound to its original source.
The amazing this is that this mathematical marvel actually transformed the sound into labyrinth that resulted a significant reduction of noise.
This sound blocker can also wortk with any other engine or fans that produce heavy vibration.
It seems like the pipe is a PVC material. It actually usage the outbound air passage to keep floated and blockes the vibration passing to another source. This is actually a great mechanism of tossing back the noise.
