3D Printer Nozzles, especially ones of smaller diameter, or ones used with lesser quality filament, clog
There are many methods, as well as things to take note of
This page, and the links it contains, covers this
Needed/Useful Materials
Any Saftey Equipment
Whatever wrentch or tool you use to remove the nozzle from the hotend (unless you have tooless removal)
Needles (Acupunture Needles are good source)
Possibly a small diameter pipe cleaner if you can find one small enougn
Cleaning Filament (Spare Filament Works well too (but don't waste anything too valuable if you choose to use non cleaning filament)) (also lighter colors allow for se eing how much stuff was inside the nozzle, much like an oil dipstick)
Clean Work Area
Waste Bin
Solvents (Water, and/or alchohol, and/or acetone)
Tweezers/Forceps/Pliers/"Helping Hands"/another person to hold the nozzle in place for mechanical cleaning methods
Fancy/Expensive , but nice to use if access to them is a non issue
Vapor Baths (Polysher etc)
Ultrasonic Cleaner Baths
Routine Cleaning
Schedualing
Nozzles Should Be Cleaned:
Every X Prints With Standard Materials
Every X Prints With Flexible Materials
Every X Prints With Composite Materials
How to do it
BE SAFE (ie have everything turned off etc)
Remove Nozzle
Either Place Nozzle in a container of solvent, or in an Ultrasonic Cleaner/Vapor Bath
Remove From Solvent, and Place in Distilled (or as pure/clean as you can get it) Water
Set somewhere to let it dry
Reinsert Nozzle (Making sure to not over/under tighten)
General Tips/Tricks
Special note for those who use abrasive filaments: After cleaning it is good to check the oraice for dmage/abrasion, as this can reduce preformance of nozzles (especially non ruby, or heavily hardened metal ones)
Declogging
When to Do it
When there is an obious jam, not caused by other issues. Also do if there is an issue of low filament extrusion that is not otherwise explainable as this could be a partial clog/jam
How to do it
BE SAFE (ie have everything turned off etc)
Remove Nozzle
Initial Mechanical Methods
Use needles, or adequatly sized cleaning brushes/pipe cleaners to push out, and brush away the debris
Cold Pull
Use Cleaning Filament, Or Spare Non-Valuable Lighter Colored Filament,
Heat ~120C (Although this can vary)
Push the filament through the extruder, then grap the other end and pull
Do this 2-3 Times, or until the filament comes out clean
Seccondary Chemical Methods
Essentiall do what is stated under this page's "Routine Cleaning" section
