Preparing the hot end with ABS

[jcosmo 5]

I had to email UM support to find out what the short length of ABS that came in the kit was to be used for, and subsequently have noticed a couple of posts regarding initial extrusions with ABS as a mechanism for possibly reducing PLA plugs.

This isn't mentioned anywhere in the assembly instructions, and I've not yet done it because the printer is functioning well and I'm loathe to touch it.

What is the general consensus on doing this, and if its a good idea then shouldn't it at least be recommended in the wiki pages relating to "your first print"?

[Daid 306]

It's not against plugs, it's against leakage. The idea is that you fill up any tiny gaps between the heaterblock and the nozzle/PEEK with the ABS. But if your hotend is not leaking anywhere it's not needed.

[futurejames 0]

I ended up having leaks and putting ABS through ended up fixing it (and stinking up my office for awhile ).

It would be really nice if this was documented in the Ultimaker documentation. I had no idea what the ABS was for until I was told here.