3d Printer Clog Detector

About the project

I designed this small device to be able to alert me in the unfortunate event the nozzle clogs.

Project info

Difficulty: Moderate

Platforms: ArduinoAtmelDigispark

Estimated time: 6 hours

License: GNU General Public License, version 3 or later (GPL3+)

Items used in this project

Hardware components

DigiSpark ATtiny85 DigiSpark ATtiny85 x 1
128 x 32'' OLED Display 128 x 32'' OLED Display x 1
5 x 10 x 4 mm Ball Bearings 5 x 10 x 4 mm Ball Bearings x 2
5 V Active Buzzer 5 V Active Buzzer x 1
5 mm White LED 5 mm White LED x 1
LDR, 5 Mohm LDR, 5 Mohm x 1
Resistor 1k ohm Resistor 1k ohm x 2
Resistor 4.7 kohm Resistor 4.7 kohm x 1
M2 x 6 mm Screws M2 x 6 mm Screws x 7
Tactile Push Button (6 x 6 x 9.5 mm) Tactile Push Button (6 x 6 x 9.5 mm) x 1

View all

Software apps and online services

Arduino IDE Arduino IDE

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Soldering iron (generic) Soldering iron (generic) x 1
3D Printer 3D Printer x 1

Story

This small device allows you to detect if the nozzle of your 3D printer clogs at any time while it's running. Jamming does not happen very often but when you are printing large parts it can really save you a lot of time to be alerted as quick as possible. It is attached to the top of the extruder using double-side tape and it is connected to the 12 V DC rail of the hotend fan. I printed mine in ABS to prevent deformation of some parts due to heat since my Prusa is enclosed.

Video of the build

Schematics, diagrams and documents

Schematic

CAD, enclosures and custom parts

3D Files

Go to download

Code

Code

Use the Arduino IDE in order to upload it to the microcontroller

Credits

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