How To: Clean the V3b Barrel and Nozzle with a Propane Torch
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 6:38 pm
Had what I thought was a clogged barrel and nozzle, so I disassembled the hotend to clean out the brass parts. If you want to take a nozzle assembly apart, read the MakerGear instructions here first. http://makergear.wikidot.com/m2-hotend-assembly
(In addition to the tools listed, you might need to use an additional pair of flat heavy pliers (with no teeth) to break away the aluminum heater block - it was really tight on the one I was working on.)
To clean the barrel you also need a benchtop vise, propane torch, needlenose pliers, and a piece of uncoated coat hanger wire. (To push out the melted clog.) The diameter is just about right to clear the barrel. We did try a perfectly sized wooden skewer as well. (Don't recommend using that though, because it does tend to catch fire. Bit of excitement there! )
Hubs agreed to demonstrate the cleanout process so I could take pics.......Here's a pic of him heating the barrel. Heat the tube by moving the torch flame closer, then pull it away to lower the heat. It doesn't take much. Just a couple of seconds. (And obviously you don't want to touch it.)
Use the coat hanger wire to stabilize the barrel in the vise and after heating, use it to push the clog out the bottom of the barrel.
When you are done, use the needlenose pliers to remove the barrel from the vise and clear the clog off of the bottom of the barrel. (The white gob of goo in the photo.)
Finally, cool the barrel on an asbestos pad, or run it under some water and check it out - slick as a whistle!
To clear the nozzle, you are better off using an air compressor to blow the heated plastic out, instead of using some kind of tool on the orifice. That ensures that the diameter of the opening stays undamaged, so all the settings should remain consistent.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get in close enough to get a picture of that - aside from it being too small to get a good shot of, I have a healthy respect for blowtorches going off in my face! But the technique is the same as for the barrel. You heat it for a second or two, then quickly hit it with a blast of compressed air to blow the plastic out the back of the nozzle. It shoots out in a little stream that cools immediately from the air.
There are other ways to clear a clog that do not involve fire, (soaking for several hours in solvents, depending on what kind of plastic you are printing), so this technique isn't for everyone.
But it's fun....what more can I say?
(In addition to the tools listed, you might need to use an additional pair of flat heavy pliers (with no teeth) to break away the aluminum heater block - it was really tight on the one I was working on.)
To clean the barrel you also need a benchtop vise, propane torch, needlenose pliers, and a piece of uncoated coat hanger wire. (To push out the melted clog.) The diameter is just about right to clear the barrel. We did try a perfectly sized wooden skewer as well. (Don't recommend using that though, because it does tend to catch fire. Bit of excitement there! )
Hubs agreed to demonstrate the cleanout process so I could take pics.......Here's a pic of him heating the barrel. Heat the tube by moving the torch flame closer, then pull it away to lower the heat. It doesn't take much. Just a couple of seconds. (And obviously you don't want to touch it.)
Use the coat hanger wire to stabilize the barrel in the vise and after heating, use it to push the clog out the bottom of the barrel.
When you are done, use the needlenose pliers to remove the barrel from the vise and clear the clog off of the bottom of the barrel. (The white gob of goo in the photo.)
Finally, cool the barrel on an asbestos pad, or run it under some water and check it out - slick as a whistle!
To clear the nozzle, you are better off using an air compressor to blow the heated plastic out, instead of using some kind of tool on the orifice. That ensures that the diameter of the opening stays undamaged, so all the settings should remain consistent.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get in close enough to get a picture of that - aside from it being too small to get a good shot of, I have a healthy respect for blowtorches going off in my face! But the technique is the same as for the barrel. You heat it for a second or two, then quickly hit it with a blast of compressed air to blow the plastic out the back of the nozzle. It shoots out in a little stream that cools immediately from the air.
There are other ways to clear a clog that do not involve fire, (soaking for several hours in solvents, depending on what kind of plastic you are printing), so this technique isn't for everyone.
But it's fun....what more can I say?