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Reliability

Nozzle cleaning and droop catcher

PrototypeP1 - High - Urgency 4/5First accessory candidate

Roadmap item, not a released accessory yet. Files, pricing, checkout links, and compatibility claims wait until the validation gate passes.

Requirement

Problem
Visible drooping filament and purge strings create trust and cleanup concerns.
Why now
This directly answers customer confusion around stringing, purge waste, and whether drooping filament affects larger prints.
Exact requirement
Create a front or side catcher/wipe accessory that captures strings without interfering with Y travel or the print volume.
Compatibility
MechAMS A1 reference release; must be rechecked for A1 Mini because wipe/catcher clearance and bed travel differ.

Release Gate

Tested with default and reduced extra-load settings across multiple materials.

Acceptance criteria

  • Captures visible strings or droop without colliding with the bed, cutter, toolhead, or rear slot row.
  • Works with the current generator purge and extra-load controls.
  • Has clear cleaning/removal instructions for users.

Launch assets

  • Before/after droop photos from the same generator settings.
  • A short proof clip showing no collision during a real change.
  • A generator setting note explaining extra-load tradeoffs.

Prototype Plan

Prototype a clip-on or frame-mounted catcher around the existing wipe/purge area, then validate with default and reduced extra-load settings.

Next build steps

  • Prototype a clip-on catcher outside the cutter force path and rear slot engagement zone.
  • Run default generator settings first, then repeat with reduced extra-load length.
  • Record string capture, cleanup effort, and any new failure modes by material.

Measurements needed

  • Safe X/Y/Z envelope around the current wipe and purge area.
  • Maximum string/droop length at default and reduced extra-load settings.
  • Clearance to bed clips, cutter travel, and full rear Y262.5 work area.

Safety Boundaries

  • Must not collide with the bed, toolhead, cutter stroke, rear slot row, or X/Y soft-endstop recovery path.
  • Must not catch the active filament path or make the printer drag a purge string into the model.
  • Must remain removable for cleaning without disturbing slot calibration.

Evidence source

Instagram comments ask about drooping filament, side purge mess, and poop-bucket style wiping.

Validation Tests

Collision envelope check

Run motion-only load, unload, change, start-load, and end-unload validation files with the accessory installed.

Pass: No contact with bed, toolhead, cutter stroke, slot row, PTFE tubes, or purge path.

String capture test

Run three real load/change cycles each for PLA, PETG, and TPU-style purge settings.

Pass: Visible strings are captured or moved away from the model area without causing jams.

Cleaning workflow test

Remove collected purge/string material after repeated swaps without tools.

Pass: Accessory can be cleaned without shifting calibrated MechAMS parts.