Last Updated on June 10, 2024 by Alex Houben
Are you currently looking for help cleaning up your 3D Printer Nozzle?
If yes, you just have landed at the right place.
3D printing is a perfect way to look at things perfectly. It is the easiest way to understand the different concepts and to project the different models perfectly. However, if your 3D printer starts acting up and you discover that the nozzle needs cleaning, don’t worry! This guide provides all the information you need to clean your 3D printer nozzle perfectly.
Got worried?
Just get relaxed, as we are going to provide absolute solutions for the same here.
How to Clean Nozzle 3D Printer
Table of Contents
Cleaning the nozzle of a 3D printer can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know how to do it properly. This guide will walk you through the steps of cleaning your 3D printer nozzle so that you can get back to printing without any worries.
When it comes to 3D printing, the nozzle is the last thing that comes in contact with the 3D printed part. Only a perfect quality and well-maintained nozzle can ensure one has absolute 3D prints. And that’s why it gets quite important for a person to clean these nozzles perfectly.
When it comes to cleaning a 3D printer nozzle, many different methods can be used. These methods range from simply brushing the nozzle to using a needle or acetone to clear heavy clogs. The method that you choose will depend on the severity of the clog.
We’ll provide you with a list of different solutions that you can use for 3D printer nozzle cleaner perfectly.
Why do we need to clean the nozzle of 3D Printers?
Whenever we use the 3D printer, the filament of the printer melts down and comes out of the nozzle. Consistent usage can lead to the stuck down of this filament in the nozzle and can clog your machine badly. When the filament doesn’t go through the nozzle or comes out stringy, it’s a sign that the nozzle needs cleaning. You can clean the nozzle while it’s attached to the machine or remove it completely. The cleaning process depends upon the clogs your 3D printer nozzle is having.
Also Read: How Clean 3D Printer Bed
How To Clean 3D Printer Nozzle Perfectly?
Cleaning up the 3D printer nozzle is of utmost required for ensuring the smooth running of the 3D printer. If your 3D printer suddenly faces clogging issues, you can easily resolve them just by using the different methods we are going to provide you below:
Solution 1: Pull Out The Clogs From the Nozzle
It is one of the easiest and simplest ways to remove a clog from the nozzle perfectly. The best thing about this method is that you can easily implement it while keeping the nozzle in place. The only things you have to do to pull out the clogs from the nozzle are:
Unload The Filament
The very first thing you need to do in the league is to unload the filament available currently in your printer. You can easily do it by:
- Search for the Unload option available on your 3D printer’s menu. If you are using a program you can check it there as well.
- Now, select this Unload option and then wait till the nozzle heats up.
- Once done, now pull out the filament slowly and very carefully so that it does not cause any harm to your machine. If you are facing some issues, you can reheat the nozzle and try to pull it again.
- Bingo! You have successfully pulled the filament out of the machine.
Preheat Nozzle
After unloading the filament, the nozzle of the 3D printer will cool down. To ensure that the clog is removed, the nozzle must be reheated to 200°C or 392°F. Fortunately, most 3D printers allow users to adjust the heat settings, which makes the task much easier.
- Go to the printer settings option and then search for the heating option there.
- Start heating the nozzle to 200°C or 392°F.
- Once the nozzle has been perfectly heated up, it will perfectly loosen up the leftover filament that is clogging up the nozzle.
Push Clear ABS into the nozzle
The next thing you need to do in the league is push clear ABS or nylon filaments into the nozzle. Both of these options often come up with high melting points and that makes it easier for the users to control the pickup clogs efficiently.
- You can add the end of these filaments into the hole of your nozzle and have to push the filament through it.
- We would advise you to keep your ABS or nylon filament up there in the hole at least for about 10-15 seconds.
- Once you have done with it, take the filament out of the nozzle.
- A residue from the nozzle can be easily seen on the filament. Just cut the dirty end of the filament with scissors.
- We would advise you to repeat the same process multiple times until the dirt and grime on the nozzle get perfectly cleaned up. Make sure to cut down the dirty end of the filament every time you remove it from the nozzle. The same is quite important to avoid putting the grime back into your nozzle.
- If you are planning to use some other material instead of ABs or nylon filaments make sure to use the one that has higher melting points only.
Solution 2: Deep Clean with Acetone
If the nozzle of your 3D printer is clogged, you can try cleaning it with acetone. This process is easier and will only take a few minutes. The detailed process you have to follow up on here is:
Scrub the Stuck on Material
To clean the nozzle of your 3D printer, you need to scrub the stuck-on material on and outside of the nozzle. You can use a wire brush to scrub it, but be sure to check the nozzle packaging first to make sure the brush you choose won’t damage it.
- We would advise you to leave the nozzle on your printer only. The nozzle at the printer will be held securely throughout the process.
- You should have to work in back-and-forth motions consistently for scrubbing the nozzle. Don’t forget to apply some pressure while brushing so that it can scrape out every filament residue effectively.
- When you’re scrubbing the nozzle, don’t forget to change the angle and direction of your brush after completing one direction. Repeat the process until the nozzle is clean.
Heat the Nozzle
The next thing you have to do in the league is to heat the nozzle for about 150°C or 302°F. If you heat the nozzle before trying to clean it, it will be easier to remove the dirt and grime. You can use the temperature setting options to set the temperature to 150°C or 302°F so that the metal expands and is easier to clean.
When cleaning a 3D printer nozzle, it is important to remove the grime and dirt while the nozzle is heated. If you do not do this, you could damage the threads and nozzle.
Remove The Nozzle
The next thing you have to do in the league is to remove the nozzle from the 3D printer. When the nozzle is heated, use a wrench to turn it counterclockwise and remove it. You just have to rotate the wrench in an anti-clockwise direction to remove it perfectly.
Make sure not to touch the nozzle with bare hands as it can cause serious harm to your hands. Also, set up the nozzle on a surface that is not affected by heat after the removal.
Submerge Nozzle into Acetone
Once you have removed the nozzle from your 3D printer perfectly, the next thing you have to do is submerge it into the acetone solution for about 15 minutes to ensure deep cleaning of the nozzle.
- Fill the container with acetone to submerge the nozzle.
- Once you have added the nozzle to the acetone solution, just leave it there for about 15 minutes. The acetone solution will break down the grime and dirt perfectly and will clean up the nozzle perfectly.
- After 15 minutes, just take out the nozzle from the acetone solution and dry it with a paper towel or a lint-free cloth.
- If you are finding it hard to get the acetone solution, just let me make things easier for you. The nail polish remover that we commonly use is the acetone solution and can be easily purchased from nearby stores.
Heating the Nozzle
- After you clean the nozzle with acetone, you need to remove the residue. To do this, heat the nozzle first.
- You can make use of a heat gun for the same. Set up a heat gun in such a way that it is pointing straight up.
- Now turn the heat gun on and then grab the nozzle with a pair of pliers. Just make sure to hold it directly above the heating unit.
- Let the nozzle heat up completely and keep on rotating consistently so the heat is distributed evenly.
- It is the perfect timing for the filament residue if any is loosened up more.
- Make sure to do the process for about one minute and once you are done with it, just turn off your heat gun and set it aside.
- The heat gun can cause serious harm to anyone so make sure not to point it at anyone.
Push Clog Through The Nozzle
The last thing you have to do in the league is to push any clog through the nozzle. We would advise you to use a thin wire or a needle to ensure the safe pushing of clogs. You can easily do the same by:
- Pick up the nozzle with your pliers. Be careful not to drop it.
- Scrape the sides of the nozzle with a wire or needle until the clog is gone.
- Check to see if the clog is gone by looking through the nozzle of your 3D printer.
- If you’ve tried cleaning your 3D printer nozzle and it’s still not clean after 2-3 minutes, you may need to heat it again. This will prevent the filament from solidifying, making it easier to remove the clog.
Also See: Delta 3D Printers Review
Conclusion
Cleaning a 3D printer nozzle can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible with the right tools and patience. Follow the steps in this guide to unclog your printer nozzle and restore its functionality.