How to Clean 3D Printer Nozzle

The nozzle is the most critical component of your 3D printer. It's critical to clean it thoroughly! Learn how to clean 3d printer nozzle.

Many pieces contribute to the creation of an object on FDM 3D printers, but the nozzle is likely the most significant. It's the point at which melted material leaves the hot end. 

The nozzle is critical since it controls the extrusion of a printer. If not functioning properly, it can create a slew of printing issues. Furthermore, not all nozzles are created equal. Its performance and longevity are determined by the material, diameter, and other parameters.

In this article, we'll go over how to clean your 3D printer nozzle to avoid problems in the future. We will show you how to remedy any issues that may cause your printer to stop working. Let's get started.

  • Method 1: Pulling Clogs from the Nozzle

  • Method 2: Doing a Deep Clean with Acetone

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Follow these procedures to know how to clean 3D printer nozzle.

Method 1: Pulling Clogs from the Nozzle

Step 1: Unload the filament currently in your printer

Look for the "Unload" option on the menu of your 3D printer or in the program that runs it. Wait till the nozzle has heated up before pulling out the filament once you've selected it. To avoid damaging your machine, slowly pull out the filament. 

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If the filament won't come out, heat the nozzle until you can pull it out.

Step 2: Preheat the nozzle to 200 °C (392 °F)

The nozzle will begin to cool down on its own after the you remove the filament. Heat the nozzle to around 200 degrees Celsius in your printer's settings. Any residual filament that may be clogging the nozzle will be loosened with this method. Before continuing on, let the nozzle heat up entirely.

Step 3: Push a clear ABS or nylon filament into the nozzle and hold it for 10-15 seconds

ABS plastic-phantomfillers

Because ABS plastic and nylon have high melting temperatures, picking up blockages is easier. Feed the filament's end through the opening on the nozzle's top. Push the filament into the nozzle as far as you can until it stops. Keep the filament in place for around 10-15 seconds to allow it to melt. 

Step 4: Pull out the filament and check for dirt before cutting the end off

Pull the filament out of the nozzle immediately after 10-15 seconds. Because the ABS or nylon is clear and somewhat melted, any residue that was pulled out of your nozzle should be visible. With a pair of scissors or snips, cut around 5 cm (2.0 in) from the unclean end of the filament.

Step 5: Repeat the process until the filament comes out clean

Continue to feed the filament end into your nozzle for 15 seconds before pulling it out. The filament should pick up less dirt and crud as you continue to work. Continue cleaning the nozzle until the filament comes out clear. Always snip the filament's dirty end off so it doesn't get stuck in your nozzle.

Method 2: Doing a Deep Clean with Acetone

Step 1: Scrub any stuck-on material on the outside with a wire brush

Keep your nozzle attached to your printer. Scrape any filament residue off with your brush in motions using hard pressure. As you work, adjust the angle and direction of your brush.

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Step 2: Heat the nozzle to 150 °C (302 °F)

The threads are loosening and simpler to remove when you heat the nozzle. To allow the metal to expand, set the temperature to at least 150 °C (302 °F)

Step 3: Remove the nozzle with a wrench

Once the nozzle is hot, secure it with a wrench and remove it by rotating it counterclockwise. Place the nozzle on something that will not be destroyed by the heat.

Step 4: Submerge the nozzle in acetone for 15 minutes before drying it

Fill a bottle with enough acetone to submerge your nozzle. Allow 15 minutes for the acetone to break down by leaving the nozzle alone. After that, remove the nozzle from the acetone and wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.

Step 5: Heat the nozzle with a heat gun for 1 minute

Turn on a heat gun with the tip pointing straight up. Using pliers, grab the nozzle and hold it directly over the heating unit. Allow the nozzle to heat up entirely before spinning it to ensure even distribution. Any filament remnant should loosen up a little more at this point. Turn the heat gun off and set it away after 1 minute.

Step 6: Push any clog through the nozzle with a thin wire or needle

While poking a wire or needle into the nozzle, keep a firm grasp on the nozzle with your pliers. Scrape any residue from the interior of the nozzle's sidewalls. Continue cleaning the nozzle until you can see through it and the clog is gone.

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FAQs

1. How often should you clean 3D printer nozzle?

Filament that is of poor quality or that has been heated or burned can leave residue in your nozzle. Even PLA can solidify in the nozzle over time, so we recommend draining it out every 200 to 400 hours of printing. 

2. How long do hardened nozzles last?

Consider getting one made of steel. A hardened-steel nozzle can last a year or more, whereas a brass nozzle can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It depends on print volume and filament type. Although a ruby-tipped nozzle can last a few years, it is more expensive than standard nozzles.

3. Is a filament cleaner necessary?

Cleaning filaments are purging materials that are more utilized to clean out industrial machines. They assist in the removal of trapped particles and carbonized plastic.

Conclusion

We hope that you’ve learned how to clean 3D printer nozzle. Nozzle cleaning is a technique that allows you to preserve printing quality and produce great and consistent components with smooth surfaces that are free of cavities and imperfections. Regularly service your device or seek expert assistance.

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