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Nozzle replacement

3D printer nozzles wear out and occasionally need to be replaced. Nozzles can also be changed to use a nozzle with a different diameter or made of a different material.

Most 3D printers, including the Sovol SV06 Plus, come with a 0.4mm brass nozzle. Nozzles made of hardened steel cost a bit more but last longer. Larger nozzles allow faster printing at lower resolution (fewer layers).

Replacement steps

Nozzles should be replaced while the heat block is at the machine's maximum temperature. The nozzle will be hot when it is removed. Have a plate, silicone mat, or similar surface ready where the removed hot nozzle can be placed.

  • If the printer has not homed, home the printer using the Home () button in the movement controls on the LCD.

  • As replacing the nozzle involves accessing the underside of the extruder, the extruder should be positioned high enough to access the nozzle. Use the movement controls on the LCD to raise the extruder to 200mm or higher.

  • Remove the silicone sock from the heat block.

  • If filament is loaded, heat the nozzle to the filament's printing temperature and remove the filament.

  • Heat the nozzle to the 300°C (the maximum temperature) using the LCD temperature controls.

  • Using the nozzle wrench, gently unscrew the nozzle until it comes out of the heat block.

    Warning

    The nozzle is extremely hot! Be careful not to touch the nozzle in the wrench.

  • Without touching the nozzle, dump the nozzle out of the wrench somewhere safe where it can cool. (The nozzle should be cool enough to touch within a few minutes.)

  • Without touching the end of the nozzle wrench, place the new nozzle into the wrench with the screw threads facing upward.

    Warning

    The end of the nozzle wrench is still hot! Be careful not to touch it when inserting the new nozzle.

  • Gently screw the nozzle into the heat block until it no longer turns. Ensure the nozzle is snugly inserted but do not overtighten it.

  • Turn off the nozzle heater by setting the nozzle to 0°C using the LCD temperature controls.

  • After the nozzle and heat block have cooled enough to be safely touched, re-install the silicone sock. The bump-out part faces the rear of the extruder.

  • Verify or re-calibrate the printer's Z-offset as described in First Print Guide's Printer first-time calibration.

Additional resources