Are you facing a clogged nozzle problem in your 3d printer? Do you want to fix the issue using the cold pull method? Great, you have landed on the right page now!
From one of our previous articles, I explained all the ways to clean a clogged nozzle. But here I am going to explain one of the best methods which do not need more effort. Yes, without dismantling anything – you can fix this issue. Are you interested to know more about 3D Printer Cold Pull? Then keep on reading.
Note: If you are using the best ABS 3D printer for printing various 3D prints using this material, then you can use this cold pull method to clean the printer after use.
What is Cold Pull Method?
The safest and most efficient way to remove plastic from a nozzle and take out all contaminants is what I call “cold pull.” The idea behind cold pulling is to pull the filament out of a nozzle at a cold temperature.
The cold pulling technique was successfully performed with the below-given materials:
- ABS is the best material you can use for a long time, with a cold pulling temperature of 160-180 ° C.
- PLA (80-100 ° C) cold pull temperature is more difficult due to its thermal transition properties.
- Taulman nylon (140 ° C pull temperature) is much easier and more reliable due to its strength, flexibility, and low friction.
3D PRINTER COLD PULL: HOW TO DO IT WITH PLA AND OTHER FILAMENTS
Here’s how to perform a cold pull:
- First, you have to remove your Bowden tube from the 3d printer extruder head.
- Next, based on the printing temperature, heat the hot end and save your fur nozzle. (Choose your new cold pull filament and then remove your old filament)
- Fill the filament through the printer nozzle. After that, you will notice a little bit of oozing.
- Heat the nozzle to print temperature and manually pass about 10 cm of filament through the hot end (where the Bowden tube was).
- Try to keep the filament as straight as possible. Natural or light-colored filament works best so you can see the residue when you remove it.
- Suppose, if your hot end is too clogged. Then you must take a thin wire and a pair of tweezers and stick them to the tip of the nozzle to release the blockage.
- Notice whether the filament comes out of the nozzle at a lower temperature (120C for ABS, 100-140 for Nylon, and 90C for PLA).
- Try to use the lowest possible temperature for this step. It should be hot enough for the filament to be flexible but not so hot.
- Make sure to cut off any strands that are leaking from the nozzle before starting to pull.
- Then apply the continuous pressure on the filament and, on the other hand, cool the hot end. By doing this method, you can mold the shape of the interior nozzle.
- If the hot end reaches approximately 60 °C, then you should release the pressure. By doing this, printer nozzle dirt and clog can probably be stuck to the cold pull filament strand.
- Finally, once again, heat the nozzle to the printing temperature of your filament and start pulling it out.
If you are using PLA, you have to do this step more carefully. Because there is a high risk of snapping it instead of pulling it out in one piece.
If you have followed these steps carefully and correctly, then you would have removed the harmful mold out of the clogged nozzle. Also, it is recommended not to stop until you remove all the old filaments.
If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to comment below. Your feedback is very much essential for us.
