Nozzle Cleaning Tips
Hi,
Can someone advise some general nozzle cleaning advice on the Mk IV?
I did have a Mk3 and sometimes dis a cold pull to clear out rubbish but not sure if this can be don eon Mk iV?
Also, have some "cleaning" filament if thats any good to just run through?
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
Truthfully I haven't had to do cold pulls on any of my printers for a couple of years. I just make sure that if I use lower temp filament such as PLA after using higher temp filament such as PETG or ASA, I load the PLA at the higher temperature and do 4 or 5 purge cycles. Also, after printing with PCCF, wood, etc, I run a length of cleaning filament for 4 or 5 purge cycles. I'm also quite anal about cleaning the outside of the nozzle after a print job with a brush.
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
Like @fuchsr I haven't had to cold pull, or had a blob of doom or significant layer shift for over two years - come to think of it I've had only two print fails this year, both on the same day, fixed with a drastic print-sheet wash. In time you pick up maintenance habits that leave you with trouble-free printing. @fuchsr's filament change system is one such, add regular maintenance and lubrication plus strict attention to the first layer, and you will wonder what all the fuss is.
Cheerio,
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
TBH I generally just use PLA as printing and want to ensure the nozzle is as good as I can keep it.
RE:
If you're just sticking with PLA, then just keep an eye out for any buildup on your nozzle. If it looks like it needs a clean, just raise the nozzle temperature to ~230, take a wire brush to it, and you're good.
Also, with the redesigned extruder, there's no longer any concern of potentially shorting heater wire cables together like on the MK3. It's great.
Most of the extra effort for cleaning (i.e. cold pulls, cleaning filament, extended purges, etc) comes from switches between material types, and use of abrasives. If you're not changing the type of material, then there's no mystery mixing inside the nozzle that can gunk things up.
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
Thanks for the advice. Also worth cleaning the nozzle with isopropyl?
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
I also generally just print PLA, but I also use a nozzle/heatblock sock.
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
I used to on Mk 3 but I don't think there is one for the 4 yet?
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
The socks for the MK4 heater block are available in the shop from time to time.
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
https://www.prusa3d.com/es/producto/prusa-nextruder-silicone-sock-set/
I used to on Mk 3 but I don't think there is one for the 4 yet?
Sorry for my poor English. I try to do my best.
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
Thanks for the advice. Also worth cleaning the nozzle with isopropyl?
Not really. IPA will immediately evaporate at any temperature where plastic will melt, so the only real use for IPA would be cold-cleans, which would need to happen after you scrub all plastic off.
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
I did remove it to do some maintenance. Before a clean it looked like the attached however I am trying to get it "as new" condition and the brass brush does not seem to get all the small bits.
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
I'd remove the nozzle from the heater block and take a heat gun and brass brush to the block and nozzle respectively
RE: Nozzle Cleaning Tips
Good idea - will try that