Different Ways of Changing Filament in Different Printers
Changing filament is a crucial task for 3D printer owners, whether you're switching materials or colors or dealing with a filament break. Each printer model has its specified steps, making it essential to understand the process specific to your machine.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps for changing filaments in 5 popular 3D printers. By following these instructions, you’ll have smooth transitions and maintain print quality, keeping your projects on track with minimal hassle.
Ⅰ. Step-by-Step Method to Change Filament in Ender 3
1. Turn on the printer and navigate to the menu. Select Temperature -> Nozzle and set it to around 200 degrees to melt the PLA in the extruder. Confirm the temperature, and you'll see the extruder heating up on the main info screen. Note that the bed won’t heat up since we’ve only adjusted the temperature for the extruder nozzle.
2. Once the temperature reaches the set level, squeeze the extruder lever that holds the filament and gently pull it out. The end of the filament will be melted, allowing for easy removal. It's important to wait a few seconds for the extruder to heat up properly before pulling the filament out. At the right temperature, it should slide out easily. If you're not cautious, you could risk damaging the extruder nozzle.
3. Insert the end of the filament into one of the holes on the spool for storage. This filament can be useful for smaller prints later on.
4. Swap out the current white filament for gray. Filaments typically come vacuum-sealed to protect them from moisture. Use PLA because it's affordable, easy to handle, and doesn't emit toxic fumes like ABS. The temperature ranges are indicated on the spool, with an optimal nozzle temperature between 190 to 230 degrees Celsius and a bed temperature of 30 to 60 degrees for improved adhesion.
5. Next, we need to feed the filament into the extruder. Place the spool onto the spool holder. Press down on the extruder clip and guide the filament through, continuing through the Teflon Bowden tube until you feel some resistance as it approaches the nozzle.
6. The filament is now at the nozzle, but it won't start printing yet because there's still leftover filament inside. This old filament needs to be purged, which you can do using the “Change Filament” option under Prepare -> Change Filament. If you don't see this option in the menu, go to the settings menu and select Move Axis -> 1 mm -> Nozzle -> 15 to 20 instead.
7. The nozzle will heat up to 200 degrees, allowing the existing filament to be purged as the extruder feeds in the new filament. Monitor the color of the purged filament. When it changes, it means the new filament has replaced the old one. In my case, the change from white to gray isn’t very noticeable, but if you’re switching between distinct colors, it will be clearer. Continue purging until all the old filament is fully replaced, as there may be a significant amount left inside. Check out the video for more info:
Ⅱ. Step-by-Step Method to Change Filament in LulzBot Mini
To change the plastic, you'll need to adjust both your 3D printer and the Cura software. Start by cutting the current plastic about an inch or two from the print head assembly for easier access. Check the recommended print head temperature on the spool. In Cura, set the Hot End temperature to the appropriate level for the plastic and click Preheat. Once the nozzle is hot enough, you can detach the filament holder and remove the end of the old plastic. If the nozzle isn’t adequately heated, the old plastic won’t come out.
Place the new spool on the hanger and feed the filament into the notch under the wheel until it won’t go in any further. Re-secure the clamp holding the filament. In Cura’s Monitor view, click Extrude until some of the new filament comes out (this may take several attempts). If any old plastic is still visible, click Extrude a few more times until the new color appears. Finally, in Cura’s Prepare view, select the new plastic from the Materials menu to adjust the temperature, speed, and extrusion thickness settings.
Ⅲ. Step-by-Step Method to Change Filament in Creality K1
1) Manual Feeding
1. Unlock the extruder assembly and remove the PTFE tube.
2. Insert the new filament into the PTFE tube from the back, making sure it passes through the filament detection mechanism.
3. On the machine screen, heat the nozzle to the appropriate extrusion temperature for the filament.
4. Feed the filament from the top until it flows out of the nozzle.
5. Lock the extruder switch and reattach the PTFE tube.
2. Semi-Automatic Feeding (Recommended)
1). Open the motor cover and unlock the extruder.
2). Feed the filament from the outside until it can't be pushed any further, then lock the extruder.
3). In the filament Loading/Unloading function interface, click on "Extrude." Watch the nozzle. If the filament is extruded, wait for it to finish. If not, gently push the filament forward and then click "Extrude."
3. Automatic Filament Retraction
a). In the filament Loading/Unloading function interface, click "Retract."
b). Wait until the screen indicates that the material retraction is complete. Then, remove the filament from the external PTFE tube of the machine.
Ⅳ. Step-by-Step Method to Change Filament in BambuLab P1
1). Select the 'Unload' option on the screen. The printer will heat up the hot end and automatically cut the filament.
2). Once the first step is completed, manually pull out the filament to finish the unloading process. Refer to the tips on the app/studio and do this promptly. If the nozzle temperature remains at 142°C without dropping, it indicates there are still remnants of filament in the extruder and the unloading is incomplete.
3). If you didn’t pull out the filament, select ‘Retry’ to go through the process again.
4). That’s it. You can now start printing.
Please note that in firmware version 01.02.02.00, the "load" and "unload" buttons may cause layer shifts. This will be addressed in the next firmware update. For version 01.02.02.00, it’s best to avoid using the "load" and "unload" options during a paused print. Instead, use the extruder's "feed" and "retract" buttons on the printer screen or in the Handy app. Check out the video to learn more:
Ⅴ. Step-by-Step Method to Change Filament in Snapmaker
1. Tap Control > Extruder > slide to the target temperature > tap Heat. By default, the nozzle heats to 200°C (392°F). The Unload and Load buttons will only be active once the nozzle reaches this preset temperature.
2. Different filaments have varying heating requirements. If the temperature is incorrect, the filament may not extrude smoothly. It’s advisable to check the filament manufacturer's guidelines for specific temperature recommendations.
3. Remove the guide tube from the tube clip.
4. Press down on the idler latch at the front of the printhead to open it.
5. Avoid touching the hot nozzle to prevent burns. Wearing insulated gloves is recommended during this process.
6. Once the extruder reaches the target temperature, remove the filament from the extruder.
7. Pull the filament out of the guide tube and take it off the filament holder.
Having looked at how to change the filament in different 3D printers, it’s also important to have a look at the best 3D printing software. There are many that are available, but we recommend using SelfCAD. It is an easy-to-use 3D design that comes with all the necessary tools that you need to create your 3D models and even prepare them for 3D printing. The video below shows the overview of the software.
Seamless Filament Swaps for a Hassle-Free 3D Printing Experience
Changing filament is an essential skill for any 3D printer user. It allows for flexibility in materials and colors. Each printer model has specific procedures, as outlined in this guide for popular models like the Ender 3, LulzBot Mini, Creality K1, BambuLab P1, and Snapmaker. By following these steps, you can ensure efficient transitions between filaments, maintain print quality, and minimize the risk of jams or errors. With practice, you'll become proficient in filament changes, enhancing your overall 3D printing experience.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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