Clogged Extruder

Over your 3D printer’s lifespan, it will need to melt and extrude a significant amount of plastic. Complicating this process is that all this plastic must pass through a nozzle as tiny as a grain of sand. Over time, you may encounter a situation where the extruder can no longer push filament through the nozzle, resulting in a jam or clog. This is usually caused by debris or blockages inside the nozzle that prevents the plastic from flowing properly. While this might initially seem intimidating, here are some straightforward steps to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Common Causes and Solutions:

Manually Push the Filament Into the Extruder

A simple initial step is to push the filament into the extruder manually. Start by heating the extruder to the correct temperature for your filament. Next, extrude a small amount of plastic (e.g., 10mm). While the extruder motor is running, gently apply pressure with your hand to help guide the filament into the extruder. This extra force can often push the filament past the blockage.

Reload the Filament

If the filament still won't move, try unloading and reloading it. Ensure the extruder is heated to the proper temperature, then use your machine’s control panel to retract the filament from the extruder. If it’s stuck, you may need to apply a bit of force to free it. Once the filament is out, trim the melted or damaged section with scissors. Reload the filament and check if the newly cut section extrudes properly.

Clean the Nozzle

The nozzle may need to be cleaned if the new filament section still won’t extrude. There are various ways to clean the nozzle, so it’s a good idea to consult your printer's manufacturer for the best approach suited to your model. One method involves heating the extruder to 100°C, then manually pulling out the filament and any debris. Another option is using a guitar string (specifically an E string) to push the blockage backward through the nozzle tip. Ensure you use a method that is appropriate for your printer.