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  • The nozzle of my 3D printer is clogged

The nozzle of my 3D printer is clogged

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

The nozzle of my 3D printer is clogged

Does the print head of your 3D printer move over the print bed, but does not melt filament out of the nozzle? Then it may be that old filament residue is blocking the entrance or the exit of the nozzle.

How can you prevent the nozzle from getting clogged?

The nozzle usually gets clogged when you change filament type. This is especially the case when the melting temperature is different. Did you first print with PLA and have you recently switched to ABS filament? This filament has a higher melting temperature, which means that black specks can appear on the ABS during printing. These black specks are burnt PLA filament residues that stick to the ABS and can eventually clog the nozzle. However, if you print with ABS first, the filament residues do not become liquid during heating, so that it blocks the exit. You can easily prevent this by regularly cleaning your nozzle.

How do you clean the nozzle?

When your nozzle is clogged, cleaning this part can be a difficult job. We therefore recommend that you clean the nozzle preventively with every filament change so that blockages can be prevented. Below is an overview of the ways in which you can do this, including clear instructions.

  • Remove the filament with a needle

    Let the extruder cool down and remove the filament you are printing with. Then heat the nozzle. Once the nozzle has reached the melting temperature of the stuck filament, gently use a needle to push the filament through the nozzle. Be careful not to burn your fingers and make sure the needle is narrower than the diameter of your nozzle.

  • Use the 'Cold Pull' technique

    In this technique, you use a piece of Nylon filament to remove the old filament residue. Nylon filament is used for this technique because it has the hightest melting temperature and can therefore remove all other filament types from the nozzle.
    • Remove the filament and Bowden tube so you can push the Nylon through manually. 
    • Heat the nozzle to the melting temperature of the Nylon. Make sure the nozzle stays at this temperature for at least 5 minutes.
    • Push the Nylon filament through manually and move the filament up and down so that the residue will adhere to the Nylon.
    • Leave the Nylon filament in the nozzle and lower the temperature to 140 degrees. Make sure the nozzle stays at this temperature for at least 5 minutes.
    • Pull the filament completely out of the nozzle. The Nylon should now be covered with black char.
    • Repeat this process until the Nylon comes out of the nozzle clean!

  • Take apart the hot end

    Are you an experienced 3D expert and have you built or upgraded your 3D printer yourself? Then you can also choose to completely disassemble, clean and reassemble the hot end. This way your hot end will be like new again!
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