Stratasys - How to Clear a Blocked Head on Your F-Series 3D Printer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Stratasys - How to Clear a Blocked Head on Your F-Series 3D Printer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Encountering a material loading error or a blocked print head can be frustrating when working with your F-series 3D printer. Whether you're facing an "auto changeover" hiccup or the dreaded "material not in the head" error, a straightforward fix might save your print. This guide will walk you through the process of clearing a blocked head, a method effective across F-series models like the F120,F170,270, F370.

Step 1: Identify the Issue Begin by checking the material screen on your printer’s interface. If the screen indicates that the material is prepped but not loaded into the head, or if you receive a "material not in head" error during a print job, proceed with the following steps to attempt a fix.

Step 2: Access the Maintenance Menu

  • Navigate to the printer's control panel.
  • Tap into the print head settings.
  • Go to the maintenance options.

Step 3: Initiate a Purge

  • Select the purge command within the maintenance menu.
  • Keep an eye on the temperature readings on the left side of the display. These show the current temperature of the printhead.
  • The numbers on the right represent the target purge temperature, typically set at 265 degrees Celsius.

Step 4: Assist the Purge Process

  • As the printer heats up and approaches the set purge temperature, prepare to assist the material feeding manually.
  • Once the printer reaches the target temperature and begins the purge process, gently push the filament into the feeder to help initiate the flow.
  • Continue to apply light pressure until the printer successfully grabs the material and purges it through the printhead.

Conclusion While this technique can effectively resolve minor blockages and loading errors, it might not work in every situation, especially if the printhead is fully clogged. If you continue to experience problems after attempting this procedure, do not hesitate to reach out to customer support for further assistance.