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
    • Makerbot Replicator

    Unscrew the nozzle

    First, warm up your printer to operating temperature. This will melt any plastic that is holding the nozzle in place. 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 block wires with the wrench. You may short them out and blow a fuse.

    Install the new nozzle

    When tightening down the new nozzle, warm the printer up to 260 C. 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.



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