• 3D Printing Curriculum
  • Python Coding
  • Online Courses
    • 3D printing BOOTCAMP
    • Learn Onshape
    • Learn Fusion 360
    • Coding and 3D printing
  • Reviews
  • Purchase
    • Online courses
    • Home school plans
    • Buy the files
    • Classroom essentials
  • Blog
    • Blog
    • Curriculum Standards
      • Curriculum Standards USA
      • Curriculum Standards Australia
      • Curriculum Standards UK
      • Curriculum Standards IGCSE
  • Log in
    • Basic plan
    • Essentials plan
    • Pro plan
    • Ultimate plan
Have any questions?
info@learnbylayers.com
learnbylayers
  • 3D Printing Curriculum
  • Python Coding
  • Online Courses
    • 3D printing BOOTCAMP
    • Learn Onshape
    • Learn Fusion 360
    • Coding and 3D printing
  • Reviews
  • Purchase
    • Online courses
    • Home school plans
    • Buy the files
    • Classroom essentials
  • Blog
    • Blog
    • Curriculum Standards
      • Curriculum Standards USA
      • Curriculum Standards Australia
      • Curriculum Standards UK
      • Curriculum Standards IGCSE
  • Log in
    • Basic plan
    • Essentials plan
    • Pro plan
    • Ultimate plan
    • Cart

      0

3D Printers

  • Home
  • Blog
  • 3D Printers
  • How to unblock a 3D printer nozzle

How to unblock a 3D printer nozzle

  • Posted by learnbylayers
  • Categories 3D Printers
  • Date February 12, 2023
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.

 

Lever being squeezed on a 3D printer stepper motor

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.

3d printing needle

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.

  • Share:
author avatar
learnbylayers

Previous post

How to level a 3D printer bed!
February 12, 2023

Next post

Tips for 3D printing with flexible filaments
February 19, 2023

You may also like

3D printing grant application
3D printer Grant Proposal – Download Free editable template
11 March, 2023
tips for 3d printing with flexible filaments
Tips for 3D printing with flexible filaments
19 February, 2023
How to level a 3D printer bed
How to level a 3D printer bed!
2 February, 2023

Products

  • mega bundle fusion 360
    The MEGA curriculum Fusion 360 bundle – over 280 resources £359.99 Add to cart
  • The full curriculum Fusion 360 – Over 190 resources! £299.99 Add to cart
  • Beginners curriculum and Coding curriculum bundle £199.99 Add to cart
  • coding for kids lessons
    Coding for Kids 3D printing curriculum £129.99 Add to cart

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. (You agree to the handling and processing of your data by us to send you the latest blogs)

logo-eduma-the-best-lms-wordpress-theme

info@learnbylayers.com

Company

  • About Us
  • GDPR information
  • Training workshops

Links

  • FAQs

Contact

  • Contact us
This site uses cookies. We use technologies that collect information from your computer on your use of this site called 'cookies' to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookie settings at any time. Our Cookie and Privacy Policy

Learnbylayers has been created by teachers for teachers.

©Learnbylayers Ltd 2022