Have you ever been in the middle of a 3D printing project only to realize that you’re running out of filament? Don’t panic! It’s possible to change filament mid print and continue with your project without any issues.
Why You May Need to Change Filament Mid Print
It’s not uncommon for 3D printers to run out of filament before the printing project is completed. This can be due to a variety of reasons such as using the wrong spool size, printing for longer than expected, or simply not having enough filament to begin with. In some cases, you may also want to change filament mid print to add a different color or material to your project. Whatever the reason may be, it is important to know how to change filament mid print to avoid any printing mishaps.
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What You Will Need
- 3D printer with filament loaded
- New filament spool
- Tweezers or pliers
- Scissors
- Heat-resistant gloves (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Filament Mid Print
Step 1: Pause the Print
The first step is to pause the print so that you can safely change the filament. This can usually be done by pressing the pause button on your printer’s control panel. If your printer does not have a pause button, you can also manually pause the print by pausing the print job on your computer.
Step 2: Heat the Hotend
Next, you will need to heat the hotend to the temperature suitable for the filament you are currently using. Once the hotend is heated, carefully use tweezers or pliers to remove any excess filament from the extruder.
Step 3: Cut the Filament
Using scissors, cut the remaining filament at the end that is still attached to the spool. This will allow you to easily remove the filament from the hotend without it getting tangled.
Step 4: Insert New Filament
Take the new filament spool and insert the end of the filament into the extruder, making sure it is properly fed and secured. You may need to slightly adjust the extruder tension to ensure the new filament is being pulled in properly.
Step 5: Resuming the Print
Before resuming the print, double check that the new filament has been properly loaded and is feeding correctly through the extruder. You can now resume the print from where you left off. The printer should pick up where it left off and continue printing with the new filament.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of filament to change mid print?
Yes, you can use any type of filament for mid print changes as long as it is compatible with your printer’s hotend temperature.
Do I need to remove the old filament completely before inserting the new one?
It is not necessary, but you can use tweezers or pliers to remove any remaining pieces of old filament to avoid mixing colors or materials.
Can I pause a print if my printer does not have a pause button?
Yes, you can pause the print from your computer by pausing the print job.
