1 Topic by Photog

  • Photog
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  • Registered: 2013-11-26
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Topic: cleaning the extruder nozzle part

I tried searching didn't find much topics. How can I easily clean off the built-up burnt plastic that is a dark color from the outside of the extruder head? I tried acetone on a napkin and it gets a little off but not all. Would it hurt anything if I put acetone in a metal cup and carefully lower the z axis for it dips the extruder into the cup of acetone and let it soak for like an hour? Or will that damage things?

Any suggestions?

My SD3:  Clear plexiglass case, case heater, X axis stabilizer, Z axis stabilizer, thumb screws, filament guide, heatsinks on all motors, extruder fan, controller fan, heatsinks on motherboard, Y rod pillow block, USB and Power on/off switch, fully calibrated including trimpot tuning. Am I missing anything?

2 Reply by COASTER19 (edited by COASTER19 2013-12-15 04:31:40)

  • COASTER19
  • COASTER19
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Re: cleaning the extruder nozzle part

Acetone is not as effective on burnt plastic, so that probably won't do much good for removing it.  I can usually scrape it off with my nails when taking apart the extruder, however the built up plastic doesn't affect print quality, so I've only done it twice (the second time was today actually!).

3 Reply by Photog

  • Photog
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Re: cleaning the extruder nozzle part

COASTER19 wrote:

Acetone is not as effective on burnt plastic, so that probably won't do much good for removing it.  I can usually scrape it off with my nails when taking apart the extruder, however the built up plastic doesn't affect print quality, so I've only done it twice (the second time was today actually!).

I find it does affect print quality. When it heats up, some rubs off and gets into the print sometimes leaving darrk spots.

My SD3:  Clear plexiglass case, case heater, X axis stabilizer, Z axis stabilizer, thumb screws, filament guide, heatsinks on all motors, extruder fan, controller fan, heatsinks on motherboard, Y rod pillow block, USB and Power on/off switch, fully calibrated including trimpot tuning. Am I missing anything?