In the world of 3D printing, nozzle blockage is undoubtedly one of the most headache-inducing problems. It not only affects printing efficiency, but may also lead to printing failure and even damage to expensive printing equipment. This article will provide you with a detailed guide to the causes and solutions of nozzle blockage for different types of 3D printers, helping you quickly resume printing work.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Possible reasons:
- The material is dry or contains impurities.
- Improper setting of nozzle temperature.
- Long-term non-use causes the material to solidify in the nozzle.
Solution:
- Use dry, clean materials and replace them regularly.
- Adjust the nozzle temperature to the recommended temperature for the material.
- Regularly clean the nozzle and heat it to a certain temperature when not in use for a long time to prevent material solidification.
Desktop FDM 3D Printer
Cause of blockage:
- Cold drawing: The material left in the nozzle from the last print cools and hardens.
- Material selection error: Some materials are not suitable for 3D printing and can cause blockages.
- Nozzle dirt: Dust or debris accumulated on the nozzle may cause blockage.
- Incorrect extrusion temperature: The optimal extrusion temperature depends on the type of filament you use and the nozzle size and design of the 3D printer.
- Improper calibration of the extruder: If the extruder is not accurately calibrated, the filaments may come out faster or slower than expected, which may cause blockages.
- The nozzle diameter is too small: The nozzle diameter of the 3D printer should match the size of the filament you are using, otherwise, it may cause blockage due to low flow rate.
Processing method:
- Manually push the wire into the extruder: Try manually pushing the wire into the extruder. Manually increase the nozzle temperature in the machine control, set the temperature to 230 degrees, and then select Move Shaft – Move 1mm – Extruder in the preparation to extrude a small amount of plastic.
- Reinstall the wire: If the wire is still not moved, the next thing you need to do is to remove it. Make sure the extruder temperature is correct, then remove the consumables from the extruder. After the wire is removed, use scissors to cut off the melted or damaged parts of the wire. Then reinstall the wire.
- Clean the nozzle: Use a wire brush, which has greater friction, to easily remove charred material from the metal nozzle and heating block surface.
Stereolithography (SLA)
Possible reasons:
- The resin is cured in a photocurable nozzle (Vat).
- The photosensitive material of the light-cured nozzle is aging or damaged.
Solution:
- Regularly replace the resin in the resin tank to avoid residual cured resin.
- Clean the light-cured nozzle and remove the cured resin.
- Check the photosensitive material and replace it if necessary.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Possible reasons:
- The resin solidifies on the projection window.
- The optical components of the projector accumulate resin or dirt.
Solution:
- Regularly clean the projection window to avoid resin curing.
- Clean the optical components of the projector with a special cleaner.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Possible reasons:
- Powder accumulates near the laser sintering nozzle.
- The laser power of the laser sintering nozzle decreases or the focusing is inaccurate.
Solution:
- Regularly clean the powder accumulation near the nozzle.
- Check the laser power and focus, and calibrate if necessary.
Powder Bed Fusion (PBF)
Possible reasons:
- Powder accumulates near the laser melting nozzle.
- The laser power of the laser melting nozzle decreases or the focusing is inaccurate.
Solution:
- Regularly clean the powder accumulation near the nozzle.
- Check the laser power and focus, and calibrate if necessary.
General Solution:
- Regular maintenance: Regularly maintain and clean the 3D printer, especially the nozzle part.
- Use Recommended Materials: Use print materials recommended by the printer manufacturer to reduce the risk of nozzle clogging.
- Proper Storage: Printing materials should be stored properly to avoid moisture and contamination.
- Step-by-step investigation: If the nozzle is blocked, step by step investigate the possible causes, from simple material replacement to complex hardware inspection.
- Check whether the temperature is in place: if the temperature is not a problem, it is still blocked, and the temperature is raised to 240 degrees.
- Manually pinch the consumables and push the material: remove the nozzle end guide pipe, press the extruder button, manually pinch the consumables and push the material to see if the nozzle is filament.
- Try whether to return: If you can return the material, then after exiting the consumables, wait a few minutes, use the smallest internal hexagonal wrench equipped, and poke it inward from the pneumatic interface end.
Processing for Specific Materials
Using Acetone Solution: In the case of 3D printing using ABS, remove the nozzle from the 3D printer head and place it in acetone for a few hours. Acetone will melt the material in the nozzle and allow it to be removed with a needle.
Preventive Measures
- Clean the nozzle after daily printing: please be sure to empty the nozzle at the first time to avoid residual material clogging the nozzle.
- Use high-quality consumables: to avoid damaging the machine, it is recommended to use high-quality consumables.
Conclusion
3D printer nozzle blockage is a complex problem that requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. Through the above methods, most 3D printer nozzle blockage problems can be effectively solved. If the problem still exists, it is recommended to contact professional technicians for further inspection and repair. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Regular maintenance and cleaning can greatly reduce the risk of nozzle blockage and ensure the smooth progress of your 3D printing work.
