How to change your nozzle
Changing your nozzle is a simple procedure, however if done incorrectly you can damage your hot end or cause it to leak. Here is how to do it properly.
Get the right nozzle
Most printers use M6x1 thread for the nozzle, which makes them compatible with our wide selection of E3D v6 nozzles. Here is a list of a few printers that use these type of nozzles. If you are unsure about your printer, ask it's manufacturer about the nozzle thread size.
- Ultimaker 2+ and older Ultimakers with the Olsson block.
- Lulzbot TAZ 5 and 6
- Lulzbot Mini
- Robo3D R1+
- SeeMeCNC Rostock MAX V3
- OpenBeam Kossel Pro
- Prusa i3 MK2
- MakeIT Pro
- Pulse
- Raise3D N2
- Makerbot Replicator
- Creality CR-10
Unscrew the nozzle
First, warm up your printer to operating temperature. This will melt any plastic that is holding the nozzle in place. Do not attempt to remove the nozzle when the hot end is cold or you might break it. Thermal contraction tightens the threads and holds the nozzle in place with great force.
Now use an adjustable wrench to hold the heater block while you unscrew the nozzle using another wrench. If you have a Hexagon hot end (Lulzbot and Robo printers) then the original nozzle will have flats on either side allowing you to grab it with a crescent wrench. If you have a standard nozzle, use a 7 mm socket wrench. Be careful not to touch any of the heater cartridge wires with the wrench. You may short them out and blow a fuse.
E3D v6 hot ends: When assembling your hot end for the first time, make sure there is a slight gap between the head of the nozzle and the heater block. The nozzle does not screw down flush against the block. This ensures that the nozzle is seated against the heat break and makes a good seal.
Install the new nozzle
When tightening down the new nozzle, warm the printer up to 260 °C (or 240 °C if you do not have an all metal hot end). This is very important. The nozzle must be hot when it is tightened otherwise thermal expansion will cause it to become loose when it warms up, and your hot end will leak. Be careful not to overtighten the nozzle. The threads on the block and the nozzle are made from soft metals (aluminium and brass) and will strip easily. Hold your wrench near the base, and turn it until it is snug. If you have a torque wrench, set it to 1.5 N*m. Ultimaker has also designed a 3D printable torque wrench you can use.