How to Properly Remove Filament from a 3D Printer

Summary

When you want to switch colors or use a different material for your next project, changing the filament is a basic task in 3D printing.

However, you can't just pull the old strand out, as this can lead to clogs and other printing problems. Learning how to properly remove filament is a fundamental skill for any 3D printer user.

This procedure, often called unloading filament, is a critical part of 3D printer filament maintenance that keeps your machine healthy and your prints looking great. 

This guide will walk you through the correct filament unloading process to ensure a smooth transition every time.

Why Proper Filament Removal Matters After Printing

Just like a car needs regular oil changes to keep its engine running smoothly, a 3D printer requires proper care, and that includes correctly removing the filament.

You might wonder why you can't just pull the strand out once a print is done. The reason is because of the hotend.

When filament is heated and melted to be extruded, a small amount remains in a molten state within the nozzle. If you pull the filament out cold, this semi-hardened plug can break off and get stuck, leading to a clog.

This is one of the most common causes of print quality issues. A poorly executed filament-removing technique can lead to several problems: 

• Nozzle Clogs: Leftover filament residues can harden inside the nozzle, creating a blockage that prevents new filament from being extruded properly. 
• Extruder Damage: Forcing filament out without heating it can put immense strain on the extruder gears and motor, potentially causing damage. 
• Inconsistent Prints: If traces of the old filament remain, they can mix with the new material, causing color inconsistencies or imperfections in your next print. 
• Wasted Time and Material: A clogged nozzle or a damaged extruder means downtime for repairs and troubleshooting, a frustrating experience for any maker. 

Properly clearing the path ensures that your printer is ready for its next job without any lingering issues from the last one. 

When Should You Remove Filament from a 3D Printer? 

Knowing when to remove filament is just as important as knowing how. The need for removing the filament arises in several common scenarios that every 3D printing operator will encounter. 

• Changing Filament Types: Different materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU have unique printing temperatures and properties. When switching from one type to another, such as performing PLA filament removal to switch to PETG, you must completely purge the old material to prevent printing problems. For example, trying to print PLA at ABS temperatures can burn the PLA and cause a serious clog. 
• Switching Colors: The most frequent reason to change filament is to print in a different color. To ensure the new color is pure and not mixed with the previous one, the old filament must be fully removed. 
• Storing Your Printer: If you don't plan on using your 3D printer for an extended period, it's wise to unload the Filament. Leaving it in the extruder can expose it to moisture from the air, which degrades the quality of many 3D printer filaments and can lead to brittle material that snaps easily. 
• Troubleshooting Issues: If you're experiencing under-extrusion or other printing failures, one of the first troubleshooting steps is to remove filament to check for clogs or breakage within the system. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Filament 

The filament unloading from the 3D printing Machine is a straightforward process, but it requires care and attention to detail. This method, often called a "hot pull," is the standard and safest way to get the job done. 

Step 1: Heat the Nozzle

The first and most critical step is to heat your printer's nozzle to the appropriate temperature for the filament you are removing. Navigate to your printer's control menu and find the temperature settings. 

• For PLA filament removal, set the temperature to around 180°C-200°C. 
• For ABS filament removal, you'll need a higher temperature, typically between 220°C and 240°C.
• Wait for the printer to reach the target temperature. This melts the plastic inside the nozzle, making it fluid enough to be extracted cleanly. 

Step 2: Release the Extruder Tension

Once the hotend is at temperature, locate the tension release lever on your extruder. This is a spring-loaded arm that holds the filament tight against the drive gear.

Squeeze this lever to release the pressure, which disengages the gear and allows the filament to move freely. 

Step 3: Push, Then Pull

This is the key technique for a clean removal. Before you pull the filament out, gently push about 1-2 inches of it manually through the hotend until you see it extruding from the nozzle. Immediately after pushing, pull the filament out in one quick, smooth, continuous motion. 

This push-pull action does two things: it forces any degraded material out and creates a clean break at the tip, reducing the risk of leaving a plug of semi-melted plastic behind.

When you inspect the end of the removed filament, it should have a slightly thickened, tapered tip, which is a good sign that you've pulled out all the molten plastic from the nozzle's melt zone. 

How to Remove Stuck or Jammed Filament 

Even with the best practices, you might occasionally face a stubborn filament that refuses to budge. This is where you'll need to know how to remove stuck filament. 

The most common reason for a jam is a piece of broken filament in nozzle or a "heat creep" issue where the filament softens too high up in the extruder. The best 3D printer filament jam fix is often a "cold pull." 

Performing a Cold Pull: 

1. Heat the nozzle to the filament's normal printing temperature to melt the blockage. 
2. Manually push a piece of light-colored or nylon filament into the hotend as far as it will go. 
3. Disable the nozzle heater and let it cool down significantly. For PLA, let it cool to about 70-90°C. 
4. Once cooled, grip the filament firmly with pliers and give it a strong, quick pull. 

The goal is for the partially solidified filament to bond to the clog and pull everything out in one piece. The tip of the filament should come out with a perfect impression of the inside of your nozzle, taking all the burnt filament residues and debris with it. You may need to repeat this a few times to fully clean the nozzle. 

Tips for Avoiding Filament Breakage During Removal 

Filament snapping during removal is a frustrating problem that can lead to a difficult-to-clear jam. Here are some tips to prevent it: 

• Ensure Proper Temperature: Never try to remove filament from a cold nozzle. Make sure the hotend is fully heated to the correct temperature for the material. 
• Be Quick and Smooth: When you pull the filament out, do it in a single, fluid motion. Hesitating or pulling too slowly can allow the filament to cool and stretch into a thin, weak string that is prone to snapping. Don't yank it, but be decisive. 
• Check Your Filament's Condition: An Old, brittle filament is more likely to break. If your filament snaps easily when you bend it, it has likely absorbed too much moisture and should be dried or replaced. 

How to Store Removed Filament Properly 

Once you have successfully unloaded the filament, your job isn't done. Proper storage is essential for maintaining its quality.

Most 3D printer filaments are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the air, which leads to poor print quality. 

After unloading filament, immediately secure the loose end of the filament to the spool using the provided holes or notches. This prevents the spool from unraveling and creating a tangled mess that will ruin your next print.

Store your Leftover filaments in a sealed, airtight container or a resealable bag with a desiccant packet (the small silica gel packs that come with new spools) to keep them dry. 

How to Replace and Load New Filament After Removal 

With the old filament out, you're ready to load the new one. 

• Prepare the New Filament: Snip the end of the new filament at a 45-degree angle with a pair of cutters. This sharp point makes it easier to feed into the extruder. 
• Feed the Filament: Insert the filament into the extruder's intake port, squeezing the tension lever if necessary, and feed it through until you feel it stop at the hotend. 
• Purge the Nozzle: With the nozzle still heated, use your printer's controls to extrude the new filament. If you are changing colors, keep extruding until you no longer see any traces of the old color coming out of the nozzle. This purging process ensures that all filament residues are cleared, and your new print will have a clean start. 

Buy Premium 3D Printing Filaments from Robocraze 

For the best printing results, the quality of your filament matters. Robocraze offers a wide range of premium 3D printer filaments to suit any project, including high-quality and reliable filaments from leading brands like eSUN.

Investing in good filament is an investment in your printer's health and the quality of your creations. 

Conclusion 

Mastering how to remove filament properly is a foundational skill in the world of 3D printing.

It may seem like a simple maintenance chore, but it is deeply connected to the quality of your prints, the longevity of your machine, and the overall enjoyment of your hobby. 

By following these steps, you transition from simply being a user to being a skilled operator who understands how to care for your equipment.

This careful attention to detail turns the craft of 3D printing from a process of trial and error into an art form, allowing you to reliably turn your digital imagination into physical reality, one successful print at a time.