Best way to clean the nozzle

[jeex 35]

Hi all,

 

Happy printing again, this time with CPE and fine results.

 

After printing a while, the nozzle gets cluttered up in filament. CPE is very stringy and produces some candy floss while printing. This becomes a problem after switching colour when it keeps making stains in the old colour through the new colour. So I need to clean the nozzle properly at the outside.

 

So, question: what is best practice for cleaning the nozzle easily when switching colours?

 

Thanks,

 

[GregValiant 1,142]

This is likely the best way https://youtu.be/lnH9Nze5cHM?t=43 .  It's certainly the most complicated way.  The thread is HERE but it doesn't go into any real detail on the motor mount or wiring.  I won't be doing it, but I like it.

[jeex 35]

Sorry Greg, thanks for the reply, but I do not see anything in the video or link about cleaning the nozzle at the outside.

[geert_2 557]

Do you mean cleaning the outside cone, or the inside, or both?

 

After each print I immediately wipe the outside with a thick tissue, while it is still hot, so it is clean immediately. If material is burnt onto it, and I can't wipe it off, I use a brass M3 screw thread to carefully file off the ashes. Use brass or copper, never steel, because steel would damage the sensitive cone. And always be very carefull and gentle.

 

Also, regularly applying teflon and/or PTFE to the outside helps reducing build-up of goo on the outside.

 

I clean the inside with atomic pulls during each material change, to remove all old color, and any burned-in material. See my method here:

https://www.uantwerpen.be/nl/personeel/geert-keteleer/manuals/

 

 

[jeex 35]

Thanks Geert, i like the approach with the brass M3 screw thread.