In the case of 3D printing, “How to Change 3D Printer Filament” is a common query. A smooth filament change is crucial for continuing 3D printing without compromising quality and bringing color variation.
Figure 1- How to Change 3D Printer Filament
If you are looking for the most dependable ways for this purpose, you are in the right place. This article covers the step-by-step outline, manual, code-based switching, most common errors, and other minute details on filament changing including filament mid print changing.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dig it deeper.
Why is Filament Change Necessary?
Usually, a filament spool lasts for a long period. But users intend to change filament for some reasons. Such as
- Change the color
- Change the print materials
- Swap the spool
In a nutshell, filament changing brings out a new vibe in the case of color in 3D printing. Besides, it ensures interruption-free and high-quality printing with a 3D printer like Crealty’s Ender 3 Pro, Prusa, Ender 3 V2, Ender 5, etc.
Have you enough idea about these 3D printers?
Here, is a detailed comparison between Prusa and Ender 3 3D printers for your convenience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change 3D Printer Filament
Adjust the Temperature Settings
After turning on the 3D printer, first, you need to set the desired temperature that is recommended for your 3D printer filament. The exact temperature ensures quick melting of the filament and coming out of the melted filament from the extruder.
To set the thermal state as per your requirement, go to “Menu>Control Setting>Temperature>Heat Nozzle”. Then, use the knob to adjust the recommended nozzle temperature. In the case of PLA filament, the required temperature is 200F.
You need to make sure that the heatbed doesn’t get heated too along with the nozzle. Though there are two separate control points for these two, sometimes users get confused.
So, you must be careful about this issue. Don’t ignore the temperature guidelines so that the nozzle gets heated properly.
Removal of the Old Filament
It is required to remove the old filament when the nozzle temperature reaches its desired value. You need to pull the melted filament from the nozzle smoothly.
During this operation, you can squeeze the lever tightly so that it can push the filament to come out. You can ensure an easy extraction of the filament from the extruder if it is pushed through the hot end.
Remember, any kind of forceful pulling is prohibited. It can damage the entire process.
Clipping off the Filament’s End
Now, push the coupling to detach the filament from the hot end of the extruder. Then, unplug it carefully and clip off the blob-shaped terminal of the filament to ensure sharpness.
Next, unclamp and wind the filament back to the spool holder gently. In the end, bind it with a filament clip or tape to make the spool holder usable for further use.
Installation of the New Filament
This is the most crucial part of changing the 3D printer filament. You need to heat the hot end of the extruder and cut the new filament at 45°angle so that you can easily enter it into the extruder at a sharp angle.
As the filament comes from a circular spool, You can’t enter it by keeping it straight. That’s why you have to bend it to a certain degree (around 4 inches) at the terminal portion.
Now, place the filament between the gear of the extruder and the pulley of the extruder lever. Then, give a gentle filament push manually until it reaches the nozzle without any firm resistance.
Otherwise, you can rotate the extruder knob counterclockwise to place the filament.
Sometimes, filaments come out accidentally. So, you must secure the coupling portion to avoid such unwanted incidents.
Purge the Nozzle
Now, you successfully insert a new filament. But your job isn’t done yet. You have to check whether the print model is right or not. Do you know how?
Purging the old filament out of the printer nozzle is the most viable way to ensure this issue. You can purge the model both manually and automatically.
Nowadays 3D printers come with an automated purging option for nozzles that is timesaving and flawless compared to manual processes.
So, have a look at the procedure of software-based purging of the nozzle-
- Open the “settings” menu by using the LCD knob.
- Scroll the knob to move “Axis>1 mm>Extruder“
- Move the extruder axis to 15-20mm by scrolling the knob
- Repeat this process until the entire old filament comes out of the nozzle.
- You can find a new color when the nozzle is purged fully.
- Cool the hot end carefully.
In the case of the manual process, you need to force down 5 cm of filament through the extruder hot end. Then, it will purge the old filament. You can erase the additional part of the filament remains through a tweezer. Then, you can continue printing.
How can you change Filament mid-Print through G-code?
Suppose, your printer filament runs out of materials when the printing isn’t complete yet. What should you do at that time?
You have just one option which is switching filament in the midway. You have to do this if you try to bring some variety in color and print materials.
In those situations, G-code-assisted filament switching is a trustworthy way. Some printers have manual switching options.
But, G-code assistance is a comparatively better option no doubt. It also cuts down the additional cost that is occurred in manual switching.
Let’s have a look at how much electricity a 3D printer use and its cost.
This is an automated and simple process for changing filaments in the middle of 3D printing. Do you know how to program a 3D printer?
You need to follow the procedure to add the G-code command-
- Go to “Extension>Post Processing>Modify G-Code“
- Then, you can find a box where you have to choose “Add Script>Filament Change Option“
- In this stage, you can see a pop-up screen. There, change the settings of the filament switch G-Code sequence and choose a layer as per your requirement.
Here is an option of adding multiple filament change commands at a time. Besides, you don’t need to stop printing or remove filament manually. So the operation becomes smoother and more perfect. That’s why users prefer this switching in most cases.
If you can do this job perfectly, 3D printing will pause at the layer, specified by you. Then, the printer retracts the filament and removes it properly.
During this process, the printer nozzle stops heating. When you intend to start switching, please rotate the control knob manually
Then, the nozzle will get heated again.
Then, you just need to follow the procedures of changing the filament mentioned above.
Things you need to Remember while Changing Filament mid Print-
- Don’t touch any printer component, especially the print head when removing or inserting the 3D printer’s new filament. It causes an offset between two consecutive prints.
- Keep the alignment of the printhead perfect on the X, Y, and Z axis. Misalignment of the print head causes changes in the initial layer number which is not quite a welcome issue for 3D printing.
- Switch the filament quickly and keep the nozzle temperature high. These can save your printing from wrapping.
- Take back the excess filament from the nozzle to avoid excess material at the transition points.
- Try to stop blobbing of plastics during the operation. It causes a bad print of 3D objects.
- Remove the last part of purged filament inside the nozzle before resuming the print. You can incorporate a filament sensor in this case.
- Control the hot end temperature carefully.
Feeling puzzled?
Don’t be so. You can manage all these issues if you follow the guidelines properly. Otherwise, you have to depend on resin-based 3D printers. Do you have any idea which one is better between filament and resin 3D printers?
You can check this article on “Filament Vs Resin 3D Printers” to get a solid understanding of this issue.
Final Thoughts
This is all about the discussion on “How to change 3D printer Filament”. We hope you are now clear about the manual and automated ways of changing filament at the beginning or mod print.
If you have more things to know, please leave a comment. Stay tuned.
Happy printing.
