How to solve clogged nozzles?

April 03,2023

3D printing nozzle clogging is a common issue in 3D printing. Nozzle clogging refers to when filaments becomes blocked inside the 3D printer nozzle, preventing the material from flowing through properly and affecting print quality. Here are some possible reasons for nozzle clogging:

Low-quality filaments: Using low-quality 3D printing consumables may cause nozzle clogging. These filaments may contain impurities or uneven shapes, which can cause the filaments to accumulate and clog the nozzle.

Incorrect printing temperature: Printing temperature that is too low or too high can cause nozzle clogging. If the temperature is too low, the filaments may be too viscous to flow through the nozzle. If the temperature is too high, the material may be too thin to adhere to the print bed.

Nozzle blockage: When there is a blockage inside the nozzle, the material cannot flow through the nozzle properly, causing clogging. This may be caused by impurities, filaments residues, oxides, metal debris, or other materials.

Printing speed too fast: Printing speed that is too fast may cause the filaments to flow through the nozzle improperly, leading to clogging.

Incorrect hot bed levelling: The print bed that is too high or too low may also cause nozzle clogging. If the print bed is too low, the filaments may be too viscous to flow through the nozzle. If the print bed is too high, the filaments may be too thin to adhere to the print bed.

To prevent nozzle clogging, here are some measures that can be taken:

  • Use high-quality 3D printing filaments and check their shelf life and quality.

  • Set the correct printing parameters and temperature according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

  • Regularly clean and maintain the 3D printer, including the nozzle and extruder.

  • Adjust the printing speed to ensure the material flows smoothly.