3D printers are high-precision machines that have become extremely successful due to their many applications. In order to function optimally and maintain excellent print quality, the various parts of these devices must be maintained regularly. Particular care must be taken with the nozzle, for example, which is often the cause of 3D printer malfunctions. Regular cleaning of the nozzle of your printer is essential. So how do you go about it? We suggest you find out in this tutorial.
The nozzle of your 3D printer needs to be cleaned regularly, because it tends to get clogged quickly. To find out, simply heat the nozzle to the right temperature for the filament and disengage the gear of the extruder. Then push the filament by hand through the bowden tube and into the nozzle. Your nozzle is clogged if the filament curls, deflects at the exit or fails to . Normally it is not necessary to apply a lot of force to get the film through if the nozzle is in good condition.
There are many reasons why a nozzle may be clogged and require cleaning. Most often, the age of the filament through the extruder leaves traces and bits of filament that settle in the nozzle and solidify. Traces of dust on the filament can also form a plug. Similarly, plugs can form in the 3D printer nozzle when the 3D filament is changed. This is especially the case when a difference in extrusion temperature is observed between the two filaments. ABS filament, for example, has a higher extrusion temperature than PLA filament. This is why it is advisable to heat the nozzle when switching from ABS to PLA filament.
There are other reasons why it is important to clean the 3D printer nozzle regularly. Among other things, the nozzle can become clogged due to a low printing temperature, the presence of foreign bodies in the nozzle or when it is too close to the platen. In the latter case, the filament gets caught in the nozzle.
Now that you know when your nozzle needs cleaning, it is important to learn how to clean it. In this regard, many cleaning methods have been developed. This will help you keep your nozzle clean and your 3D printer running smoothly.
The ColdPull is without a doubt one of the simplest methods of nozzle cleaning. It consists first of all of heating the extruder to the printing temperature of the filament that has clogged the nozzle. Then reduce the temperature until it approaches the glass transition temperature of the material. This will solidify the material with the impurities that caused the filament blockage. Pull the filament with one hand while holding the extruder with the other. These steps should be repeated until the filament is free of all impurities.
Cleaning the nozzle of the 3D printer with a precision needle is very effective for removing small or even medium-sized plugs. The process is quite simple. First, heat the 3D printer to the extrusion temperature of the last material, i.e. the one that caused the clog. Then gently insert the cleaning needle into the nozzle and move it back and forth.
There is no need to try to remove the dirt and particles. A simple detachment is all that is needed for them to extrude with the filament during your next print. Repeat this process if the flow is not continuous. To avoid the deposition of these impurities during your print, be sure to purge the filament before launching. Also, we recommend that you do this between each material change.
Cleaning the nozzle is very effective especially when it is clogged with ABS filament. To start, use pure acetone in your glass nozzle with a lid. Be sure to remove the nozzle from the HotEnd when it is hot to avoid damage to components and to facilitate the process. When the nozzle is removed from the 3D printer, place it in the acetone jar and leave it for 24 hours. After that, you can remove the nozzle and proceed to clean its inner wall with a needle or pin. Finally, put the nozzle back into the HotEnd and check that it is working properly.
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