How to unblock a 3D printer nozzle
By Phil Cotton, learnbylayers founder and High School Technology teacher (3 minute read).
How to unblock a 3D printer nozzle can be a challenge. Ensuring you have a clean nozzle will be the difference between a high-quality print and one which will probably fail. Blocked nozzles can happen for a variety of reasons, such as using the wrong type of filament or using the wrong temperature settings for the materials you are printing with. Sometimes if can be down to residue building up in the nozzle from multiple 3D prints. Below we have outlined several methods for unblocking a 3D printer nozzle.
1. Push/Pull Method: This method involves heating the nozzle to its operating temperature and then using a piece of filament to pull out any debris that may be blocking the nozzle.
On your 3D printer control panel, there will be setting that allows you to heat the nozzle, you then you need to push the filament manually through the extruder. This usually involves squeezing the small lever on the stepper motor as you push and pull the filament through to try and unblock it. Sometimes its wise to heat the nozzle 20 – 30 degrees above the material printing temperature then with some real brute force you can push hard and any debris will be forced out.
A clean 3D printer nozzle is vital to successful prints.
2. Needle Method: This method involves using a small needle to gently poke and clear out any debris that may be blocking the nozzle. Again heat the nozzle up when trying the method.
If I couldn’t fix the blockage with the push/pull method, this would be my next step. Most 3D printers now come with a small tool kit that includes a fine needle. Heat the nozzle up and carefully push and pull the needle in the tip of the nozzle. This should dislodge any debris and sort out the blockage. Just be careful with the needle as these are very sharp and need to be handled with care.
3. Wire Method: This method involves using a small wire, such as a guitar string or a straightened paperclip, to gently push through any debris that may be blocking the nozzle. This is a ‘hack’ method in my opinion and useful if you don’t have a fine needle.
If you use this method, then the only guitar string you can really use, is the high ‘E’ string as this is the thinnest. With this method remember to heat the nozzle.
4. Chemical Method: This method involves using a cleaning solution, such as acetone or ethanol, to dissolve any debris that may be blocking the nozzle. I rarely use this method.
5. Replacing the Nozzle: If all else fails, you can replace the nozzle with a new one. Remember to remove the filament before trying to remove the nozzle, otherwise it can be a real challenge.
Replacing he nozzle is usually a last resort as it can be costly depending on your machine. However, if you are using a Creality ender brand printer then nozzles are extremely cheap. You can purchase a set of 15 nozzles on amazon for under $10. This includes a range of different nozzle sizes along with a nozzle unblocker kit.
If the cold push/pull and needle method don’t work, then I would replace the nozzle. This is the quickest and easiest way to solve the problem
Safety - Never touch the 3D printer nozzle when hot.
It is important to note that before attempting to unblock the nozzle, never touch the hot nozzle with your fingers, otherwise you will get a severe burn.
In summary, unblocking a 3D printer nozzle can be done by using cold pull method, needle method, wire method, chemical method, or by replacing the nozzle. It’s important to take precautions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations before attempting to unblock the nozzle.
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