How to Unclog the Hot End - Clear the Nozzle
How to Unclog the Hot End - Clear the
Nozzle
Clogged hot ends are unfortunately a normal part of 3d printing. Hot ends usually clog due
to impurities in the filament. This guide will explain how to clear a clogged hot end.
Written By: Printrbot Support
© 2015
help.printrbot.com
Page 1 of 4
How to Unclog the Hot End - Clear the Nozzle
Step 1 — How to Unclog the Hot End - Clear the Nozzle

Heat the hotend to 200 C.

After the hotend reaches 200 C, let
it stand for 3-5 minutes to ensure
that the temperature has had time
to stabilize.
 Although this guide is specifically
using PLA filament as an example,
some users prefer ABS for
unclogging the hot end. If you wish
to use ABS, heat the hot end to
240C instead of 200.
Step 2

Load the extruder with PLA filament
and attempt to extrude 5-10mm.

It probably won't work, but that's
okay, as we just want to "seat" the
filament in the end of the nozzle.
© 2015
help.printrbot.com
Page 2 of 4
How to Unclog the Hot End - Clear the Nozzle
Step 3

Change the temperature to 100 C.
 160C if you are using ABS.

When the temperature reaches 100
C, let stand for 3-5 minutes to
ensure that the nozzle temperature
has stabilized.
Step 4

Hold the extruder body with one hand, and the filament with the other.

Pull up on the filament firmly. After a little bit of give, the filament should come out of the
extruder with a loud "pop". The filament might stretch 6-12 inches as you firmly and
smoothly pull on it. Keep pulling until the filament pops out. It should bring out all of the
filament, right down to the bottom of the hot end.

Often when the filament pops out, you'll see a little cone at the end with a speck of dirt.
That is usually the dirt in the brass nozzle.
© 2015
help.printrbot.com
Page 3 of 4
How to Unclog the Hot End - Clear the Nozzle
Step 5

Bring the hot end to temp (apx 200-230C).

Pull a bristle from a wire brush and use a pair of pliers to insert the wire into the nozzle of
the hot end. This should dislodge the debris causing the clog.

Now that the debris is loose, repeat steps 1-5 to clear the hot end.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Bukobot has a great tutorial on nozzle cleaning, explaining the benefits of using nylon
filament for the "cold pull". Go to http://bukobot.com/nozzle-cleaning for that article.

Bear in mind that hot end tips are a consumable. Printrbot recommends changing tips
every 3-6 months if you print regularly. Order a new hot end tip at printrbot.com.

Go to printrbot.com/support for instructions on replacing the hot end tip.
This document was last generated on 2015-04-30 07:18:17 PM.
© 2015
help.printrbot.com
Page 4 of 4