Grinding Filament: Causes and Fixes

Filament grinding occurs when the extruder drive gear bites into the filament instead of pushing it through smoothly. This happens when the filament fails to move at the correct speed or direction, causing shavings to accumulate and preventing proper extrusion. In most cases, the extruder motor continues spinning, but the filament remains stuck.

(All images included in this article are sourced from Reddit's r/3Dprinting community)

If you're experiencing filament grinding, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

1️⃣  Adjust Extruder Tension

One of the most common causes of filament grinding is incorrect extruder tension. If the tension is too tight, the gear digs into the filament, wearing it down. Try loosening the tension screw on the extruder slightly and testing the extrusion. Make small, gradual adjustments until you find the optimal tension.

2️⃣  Check for a Clogged Nozzle

A partially clogged nozzle can cause increased resistance, making it harder for the extruder to push filament through, leading to filament grinding. Heat the nozzle to the recommended temperature and perform a cold pull or nozzle cleaning to remove any obstructions. Refer to our [Nozzle Clogging] article for detailed instructions.

3️⃣  Reduce Printing Speed

Printing at excessively high speeds can overwork the extruder, causing it to struggle to feed filament consistently. Try lowering the print speed in your slicer settings. Slower speeds reduce strain on the extruder, ensuring smoother filament flow.

4️⃣  Adjust Retraction Settings

Over-aggressive retraction settings can cause filament grinding. If the retraction speed is too high or the retraction distance is too long, the filament gets pulled back and forth excessively, increasing stress on the extruder. Try reducing the retraction speed and shortening the retraction distance in your slicer.

5️⃣  Increase Extruder Temperature

If grinding persists, try raising the extruder temperature by 5-10°C. A higher temperature improves filament flow, reducing resistance and making it easier for the extruder to push material through smoothly. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommended temperature range for your filament type.

If you continue to encounter difficulties, please contact Overture Service for further assistance.