Troubleshooting; Preventing/Fixing A Clogged Extruder; Removing Nozzle - CraftBot Plus PRO User Manual

11. TROUBLESHOOTING

11.1. Preventing/Fixing a clogged extruder

The number one inconvenience that you will come across when 3D printing is clogging of the extruder. But we have
good news for you! This problem can be easily avoided by following a few simple rules of "3D printing etiquette".
•
First, always wait until the extruder and heated build plate are fully heated to their maximum intended print value
before inserting the filament. Inserting the filament at a lower temperature is just asking for a clog.
• When unloading or changing the filament: always heat up the extruder all the way first. Then "Extrude" for 5
seconds and then immediately press "Reverse" aiding the filament retrieval by pulling a little bit on the filament
end coming out of the extruder with your fingers.
•
If the extruder is clogged clean out the passageway of the extruder. You can use one of the small hex wrenches
that came with the craftbot. To do so. Heat up the extruder to 250 °C While the extruder is empty push down any
excess filament out by plunging the hex wrench down into the passageway: Make sure to do adequately but not
in a violent way which would damage the machine and always take precautions because the extruder is very hot!
• It is especially important to clean out as much old filament leftover between using different filaments, as the
different characteristics of the filaments' properties (even printing the same material in a different color) can
cause clogs from inconsistencies. For example: you must heat up to 250°C to clear out any extra ABS before using
PLA.
Clogging is the most common problem in every 3D printer and cannot be prevented 100%, but if you follow these
simple steps you will prevent 95% of occurrences. If you still cannot clear the passage with just this method, you may
want to move onto the next method by following these next steps to actually remove the nozzle itself...

11.2. Removing nozzle

To clean out the extruder properly by removing the nozzle you will need to remove the nozzle while heated up to
250°C using both a 7mm and 11mm wrench for the two nuts located on the nozzle itself and the channel end to the
top side of the extruder. Make sure to use an oven mitt (for example) to protect yourself from burns. You will also need
to disconnect the fan assembly and remove the entire piece by loosening the two bolts connecting it to the front of
the extruder assembly.
Most importantly, make sure to hold the red rubber part stationary at all times so that you do not damage the wires
running into it, you can use a wrench to do so. Please make sure that none of the wires are disconnected! The
removed nozzle can be unclogged with a pin or replaced with a new one.
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