Nozzle Maintenance

When working with a 3D printer, as with any other equipment, problems and breakdowns can occur. The main issue when working with a 3D printer is nozzle clogging.

3D printing is the process of creating three-dimensional solid objects of virtually any shape from a digital model. The printing methods and donor materials may vary, but the principle is the same — layer-by-layer creation (growth) of a solid object. The object is formed by the layer-by-layer laying of molten plastic filament onto a platform, where it cools and solidifies.


3D Printer - Nozzle Cleaning

3D Printer-Nozzle Cleaning


A 3D printer can be either home-type or industrial. The difference between them is not only in size, price, and capabilities. A home 3D printer is much simpler to operate and maintain, as well as safer.

However, when working with a 3D printer, as with any other equipment, problems and breakdowns can occur. The main issue when working with a 3D printer is nozzle clogging.


Removing Plastic Residue in the Nozzle

3D Printer-Nozzle Cleaning


There are 2 areas when cleaning the nozzle:

  1. The area around the nozzle, which can be wiped with a paper towel,
  2. The nozzles located to the left above the PLA.

Although nozzle cleaning may not be required every time, if you are printing something important, you need to first print something unnecessary to remove the PLA (especially if multiple colors are used) and clean the nozzles. It is especially important to clean the nozzles if two different brands of PLA are used.