How to clean the nozzle of the 3D printer (All options).

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The nozzle of the 3D printer usually accumulates a large amount of plastic that, if not cleaned, burns and turns black over time.

This poses a risk to the quality of the parts, since if burnt plastic comes off the nozzle it can leave black spots around the printed models.

One of the symptoms that the nozzle needs cleaning is that when extruding the filament it does not flow down consistently, but rather bends. to one side.

The correct thing is always that the filament extrudes smoothly downwards (without deviating to the side).

Today I want to do a list of the different ways to clean the 3D printer nozzle (inside and out), since keeping the extruder nozzle clean can save you money and also deliver high-quality 3D printed parts.

To clean the nozzle the Hotend must be hot.

1. Keep the mouthpiece clean

One of the best ways in the world to clean is to find the source of the dirt and eliminate that cause at the root.

In the case of 3D printer nozzles, the reason they get dirty is because you never clean them and you let the plastic accumulate.

You should clean the nozzle before and after using the 3D printer, always.

Use a rag or paper napkin to clean the nozzle (being very careful not to burn yourself), as you must do it while it is hot when the plastic is loose.

Get into the routine of always cleaning, before and after each print and you will see how the nozzle of your printer will not only always be clean, but it will last much longer, saving you money.

2. Use tweezers to remove the burnt plastic

When the molten filament has stuck to the nozzle and cannot be removed with a rag, then use tweezers or pliers to remove it.

In this case you can play with the temperature to soften it and make it easier to peel off.

Test between 150°C and 215°C and then carefully remove the plastic stuck to the nozzle.

3. Cold Pull

One of the options for clean the nozzle inside is to use cold pull, this method consists of lowering the nozzle temperature to 90 °C and then pulling the filament until it is completely removed.

To use this method it is necessary that the nozzle is hot (at the temperature at which the filament melts) and with the filament inside the nozzle, including extruding a bit manually.

Then you have to lower the temperature to 90 °C and then simply pull the filament until it comes out or “detaches” from the nozzle, coming out completely.

You may find some resistance when pulling, but the filament will come off with a small pop as you do so.

Some recommend doing it with PETG filament that melts at a higher temperature and sticks to the PLA, pulling everything together.

4. Cleaning 3D Filament

There are 3D filaments whose main function is to clean the nozzles. These filaments work like a normal filament, melting and cleaning the inside when extruded through the nozzle.

Heat the nozzle to the manufacturer's recommended temperature, then manually feed the filament to be extruded from the nozzle.

Let the filament sit for a few minutes, then extrude a little more.

After this process the nozzle should be clean. (The cold pull method can also be used with this filament.)

5. Use a soldering iron

One of the most important conditions when cleaning printer nozzles is that the nozzle is hot.

Doing a little research on YouTube I found that several people are using a trick with a soldering iron that seems to be efficient and comfortable.

The trick is to use the soldering iron to heat up a block of aluminum that you are going to screw the nozzle into.

Then you will use a metal brush to clean the outside and a transparent filament to clean the inside.

I found it an interesting method and that's why I wanted to share it with you.

Video on YouTube: bugeo 3d

6. Soak the nozzles in pure acetone

Another option for cleaning the nozzle is to chemically dissolve the stuck plastic with liquid acetone.

The way to do this is to submerge the nozzle in a container of pure acetone for several hours.

The plastic residue should come off.

7. Burn and immerse in water

I do not recommend this option for security reasons. and if it is done incorrectly, the mouthpiece can break or even suffer burns to your hands.

I leave the option only because it exists, and it is something that some people do.

I make it clear that everyone is responsible for what they do. (I No I recommend it).

Video on YouTube: Vision Miner

8. Use the needles

Normally when you buy a 3D printer, thin and long needles come in the form of accessories that are used to uncover blockages in the nozzles.

These needles can be used to unclog blockages that may be remains of melted plastic that are blocking the exit.

I recommend caution when using these needles because they can scratch the inside of the nozzle and this can cause problems.

9. Conclusions

Remember that the best way will always be to keep the nozzle clean.. You should clean it with a cloth or napkin before and after printing..

If there are remains of plastic use a tweezers or pliers, or any tool that will help you remove the molten plastic.

In the most difficult cases, use needles and cold pulling (as many times as necessary).

The option of dipping in pure acetone also seems good to me.

For the rest of the options (which are also valid) I highly recommend CAUTION, since it is necessary to work with hot parts and there may be Burning danger.

I would not recommend working with fire or blowtorches as I consider it very dangerous., before burning yourself I would prefer that you buy a new mouthpiece and that's it, they are cheap anyway.

I invite you to read a publication that may interest you: Skirt Border or Raft, Which to Use in Cura?