How To Change Nozzle Artillery X2

Maintaining the optimal performance of your Artillery X2 printer requires regular maintenance, including the occasional replacement of the nozzle. A worn or damaged nozzle can lead to printing issues such as inconsistent extrusion, poor surface quality, and even clogs. Fortunately, changing the nozzle on the Artillery X2 is a straightforward and relatively simple process that can be completed in a matter of minutes. By following these step-by-step instructions carefully, you can ensure that your printer continues to deliver high-quality prints for years to come.

To begin the nozzle replacement process, you will need to gather a few essential tools. These include a pair of needle-nose pliers, a hex key, and a new nozzle. Once you have your tools assembled, power down your printer and allow it to cool completely before proceeding. Next, locate the nozzle assembly on the hot end of the printer. The nozzle is typically held in place by a small screw or bolt. Using the hex key, carefully loosen the screw or bolt and remove the nozzle assembly from the printer.

With the nozzle assembly removed, you can now replace the old nozzle with the new one. To do this, simply thread the new nozzle onto the assembly and tighten it securely using the hex key. Be careful not to overtighten the nozzle, as this can damage the threads. Once the new nozzle is in place, you can reattach the assembly to the printer and tighten the screw or bolt. Finally, power on your printer and allow it to heat up to the appropriate temperature for your printing material. Once the printer has reached temperature, you can perform a test print to ensure that the new nozzle is working properly.

Identifying the Nozzle

The hotend nozzle is a crucial component of the Artillery X2 3D printer responsible for extruding molten filament to create 3D objects. Identifying the nozzle is essential to accurately adjust and maintain the printing process. Here are some key factors to consider:

Nozzle Type

The Artillery X2 typically utilizes a brass nozzle, but other materials, such as hardened steel or ruby, are also available in the market. Brass nozzles are widely used due to their low cost and good thermal conductivity, while other materials offer benefits like increased durability or wear resistance.

Nozzle Size

The nozzle size, measured in millimeters (mm), determines the thickness of the extruded filament lines. Common nozzle sizes for the Artillery X2 include 0.4mm, 0.6mm, and 0.8mm. A smaller nozzle size typically produces higher resolution prints with finer details, while a larger nozzle size results in faster printing speeds but may have reduced detail. Choosing the appropriate nozzle size depends on the specific printing requirements.

Nozzle Shape

Nozzles come in various shapes, including round, square, and triangular. The shape affects the shape of the extruded filament lines and can be optimized for different printing applications. For example, a round nozzle produces circular filament lines, while a square nozzle may create more angular shapes.

Nozzle Type	Material	Benefits
Brass	Brass	Low cost, good thermal conductivity
Hardened Steel	Hardened Steel	Increased durability, wear resistance
Ruby	Artificial Ruby	Exceptional wear resistance, high hardness

Preparing the Printer

Before embarking on the nozzle change process, it’s crucial to prepare your Artillery X2 printer meticulously. This preparation stage involves several steps, each of which is essential for ensuring a smooth and successful nozzle replacement:

1. Power Down and Unplug

Begin by powering down the printer using the designated power switch. Once it’s completely shut off, unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet to eliminate any potential electrical hazards.

2. Heat the Hotend

Next, re-establish the printer’s connection to the power supply but leave it turned off. Utilize the printer’s control panel or a dedicated software interface to preheat the hotend to a temperature of approximately 200 degrees Celsius. This step is critical for softening the filament remnants within the nozzle, making them easier to remove later.

3. Prepare the Replacement Nozzle

While the hotend is heating, take the time to prepare the replacement nozzle. Remove it from its packaging and carefully inspect it for any damage or defects. If the nozzle appears intact, apply a small amount of thermal paste to the threads to enhance heat transfer and prevent filament leakage.

Once the hotend has reached the desired temperature, proceed with the nozzle change procedure as described in the subsequent section.

Removing the Old Nozzle

1. **Heat the nozzle to 230-250°C:** Use the controls on the Artillery X2 to set the desired temperature. Wait for the nozzle to reach the target temperature.

2. **Prepare your tools:** Gather a pair of pliers or a nozzle wrench and a small brush or compressed air can for cleaning.

3. **Carefully unscrew the old nozzle:** Hold the nozzle wrench or pliers around the hexagonal base of the nozzle. Gently turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the nozzle. Avoid using excessive force, as this could damage the threads.

**Tips for Removing a Stubborn Nozzle:**

Situation	Solution
Nozzle is overheating and stuck	Disconnect the printer from power and let it cool completely. This will prevent damage to the printer or nozzle.
Nozzle threads are damaged	Use a heat gun or soldering iron to carefully heat the nozzle base. This will soften the plastic and make it easier to remove.
Nozzle is jammed in the heat block	Use compressed air or a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris stuck in the heat block. Gently tap the nozzle with a small hammer or tool to loosen it.

4. **Clean the nozzle and heat block:** Once the nozzle is removed, use a small brush or compressed air to clean any remaining plastic or debris from the nozzle and heat block. This will ensure a clean surface for the new nozzle.

Precautions:

Before you begin, ensure that the printer is turned off and the power cord is unplugged. Allow the printer to cool down completely before touching the nozzle.

Materials Required:

New nozzle
Hex key
[Optional] Nozzle cleaner

Installing the New Nozzle

Follow these steps to install the new nozzle:

1. Remove the Old Nozzle

Use the hex key to loosen the setscrew that holds the nozzle in place. Carefully unscrew and remove the old nozzle.

2. Clean the Heater Block

[Optional] If there is any residual filament or debris on the heater block, use a nozzle cleaner or a small brush to remove it.

3. Tighten the New Nozzle

Insert the new nozzle into the heater block and hand-tighten it as much as possible. Then, use the hex key to further tighten the setscrew until you feel resistance.

4. Heat the Nozzle and Tighten

Turn on the printer and navigate to the “Preheat” menu. Select the nozzle temperature that corresponds to the material you will be printing with (usually around 200-250°C for PLA). Once the nozzle reaches the target temperature, use the hex key to give it a final, slight tightening. This will ensure a secure connection and help prevent leaks.

Heating the Nozzle Before Tightening:

Material	Nozzle Temperature	Tightening Procedure
PLA	200-250°C	Tighten slightly while hot
ABS	260-280°C	Tighten slightly while hot
PETG	230-250°C	Tighten slightly while hot
TPU	220-240°C	Tighten slightly while hot

Tightening the Nozzle

To tighten the nozzle, you will need to use a 17mm wrench. First, loosen the two screws that hold the nozzle in place. Then, turn the nozzle clockwise until it is hand-tight. Finally, use the wrench to tighten the nozzle an additional 1/4 turn.

Note: Do not overtighten the nozzle, as this can damage it.

Here are some additional tips for tightening the nozzle:

Make sure that the nozzle is clean before you tighten it.

Use a calibrated torque wrench to ensure that the nozzle is tightened to the correct torque. (The recommended torque is 3.5-4.0 Nm)

If you are using a wrench to tighten the nozzle, be careful not to overtighten it.LI>
Once the nozzle is tightened, check to make sure that it is securely in place.

Checking the Nozzle Alignment

Once the nozzle is installed, it’s crucial to check its alignment to ensure optimal printing results. Here’s how to do it with extra detail:

1. Preheat the printer to the temperature recommended for the filament you will be using.

2. Load the filament into the printer and extrude a small amount of filament through the nozzle onto the build plate.

3. Use a ruler or calipers to measure the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate.

4. The optimal distance will vary depending on the printer and filament, but it’s typically around 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters.

5. If the distance is too large, the filament will not adhere properly to the build plate. If the distance is too small, the filament will be squished and may cause printing issues.

6. To adjust the nozzle alignment, follow these steps:

Method	Description
Manual Adjustment	Using a wrench or hex key, loosen the screws that hold the nozzle assembly in place. Slightly move the nozzle up or down to achieve the desired distance. Tighten the screws securely.
Assisted Adjustment	Some printers have an assisted nozzle alignment feature. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to initiate the alignment process, which will automatically adjust the nozzle to the correct position.

7. After adjusting the nozzle alignment, extrude a small amount of filament again to check if the distance is correct.

8. Repeat the adjustment process if necessary until the nozzle is aligned precisely.

Calibrating the Nozzle

Once you have a new nozzle installed, it’s important to calibrate it so that it extrudes filament evenly and consistently. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your printer to the temperature that you will be printing at.

2. Load a small amount of filament into the extruder.

3. Extrude a small amount of filament onto a piece of paper.

4. Check the diameter of the extruded filament. It should be the same as the diameter of the nozzle.

5. If the diameter of the extruded filament is too small, decrease the nozzle temperature.

6. If the diameter of the extruded filament is too large, increase the nozzle temperature.

7. Repeat steps 3-6 until the diameter of the extruded filament is the same as the diameter of the nozzle.

Detailed steps for calibrating the nozzle temperature:

If the diameter of the extruded filament is too small	If the diameter of the extruded filament is too large
Decrease the nozzle temperature in 5-degree increments	Increase the nozzle temperature in 5-degree increments
Wait for the printer to reach the new temperature	Wait for the printer to reach the new temperature
Repeat steps 3-6 until the diameter of the extruded filament is the same as the diameter of the nozzle	Repeat steps 3-6 until the diameter of the extruded filament is the same as the diameter of the nozzle

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Filament Getting Stuck in the Nozzle

If filament is getting stuck in the nozzle, it could be due to a clogged nozzle or extruder. To fix this, you can try the following:

Clean the nozzle using a needle or pin.
Check the extruder gears for any debris or damage.
Increase the nozzle temperature to allow the filament to flow more easily.

Poor Layer Adhesion

If you are experiencing poor layer adhesion, it could be due to a dirty build plate or improper nozzle height. To fix this, you can try the following:

Clean the build plate with isopropyl alcohol.
Adjust the nozzle height to ensure that it is close enough to the build plate.
Use a brim or raft to improve adhesion.

Underextrusion

If you are experiencing underextrusion, it could be due to a clogged nozzle, extruder, or filament path. To fix this, you can try the following:

Clean the nozzle, extruder, and filament path.
Increase the extrusion multiplier in your slicer settings.
Check the filament for any tangles or knots.

Overextrusion

If you are experiencing overextrusion, it could be due to a loose nozzle or incorrect slicer settings. To fix this, you can try the following:

Tighten the nozzle.
Reduce the extrusion multiplier in your slicer settings.
Check the filament diameter and ensure that it matches the value entered in your slicer.

Stringing

If you are experiencing stringing, it could be due to a high nozzle temperature or incorrect retraction settings. To fix this, you can try the following:

Reduce the nozzle temperature.
Increase the retraction distance and speed in your slicer settings.
Use a wipe tower to collect excess filament.

Elephant’s Foot

If you are experiencing elephant’s foot, it could be due to a too low nozzle height or incorrect bed leveling. To fix this, you can try the following:

Increase the nozzle height.
Level the bed properly.
Use a brim or raft to reduce the spread of the first layer.

Maintaining the Nozzle

Maintaining the nozzle is crucial for optimal printing performance. By following these steps, you can ensure that your nozzle is functioning correctly and producing high-quality prints.

Inspecting and Cleaning the Nozzle

Before changing the nozzle, it’s important to first inspect and clean it. Accumulated filament residue or debris can cause clogs or printing issues. Use a brass brush or nylon cleaning needle to gently remove any visible debris or filament buildup. Avoid using sharp tools or metal brushes, as these could damage the nozzle.

Replacing the Nozzle

If cleaning the nozzle doesn’t resolve the printing issues, it may need to be replaced. Follow these steps to change the nozzle:

1. Heat up the hotend to the printing temperature of the filament in use.
2. Use the included wrench to loosen the nozzle.
3. Carefully remove the old nozzle and discard it.
4. Insert the new nozzle into the hotend.
5. Tighten the nozzle using the wrench, but avoid overtightening.
6. Calibrate the Z-offset to ensure the nozzle is at the correct height from the print bed.

Maintaining the Nozzle Over Time

To maintain the longevity of your nozzle, consider the following practices:

Clean the nozzle regularly after each print job.
Store the printer in a dry and dust-free environment.
Avoid printing abrasive materials that could wear down the nozzle.
If printing with filaments that require higher printing temperatures, such as ABS or PC, consider using a hardened steel nozzle.

Nozzle Type	Pros	Cons
Brass Nozzle	Affordable	Easy to replace	Can wear out quickly
Hardened Steel Nozzle	Durable	Suitable for abrasive materials	More expensive
Copper Nozzle	High thermal conductivity	Resistant to oxidation	Softer than other nozzle materials
Titanium Nozzle	Extremely durable	Corrosion-resistant	Very expensive
Ruby Nozzle	Ultra-hard and long-lasting	Exceptional wear resistance	Prohibitively expensive

Safety Precautions

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source. This will prevent any accidents from happening while you are working on the printer.

2. Allow the printer to cool down. The nozzle can be very hot after printing, so it’s important to let it cool down before you start working on it.

3. Wear gloves. The nozzle can be sharp, so it’s important to wear gloves to protect your hands.

4. Use caution when handling the nozzle. The nozzle is a delicate part of the printer, so it’s important to handle it with care.

5. Do not overtighten the nozzle. Overtightening the nozzle can damage the printer.

6. Do not use excessive force when removing the nozzle. This can damage the printer.

7. If you are having trouble removing the nozzle, consult the printer’s manual or contact customer support.

8. Once you have removed the nozzle, clean it with a soft cloth. This will help to remove any debris that may have accumulated on the nozzle.

9. Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the threads of the new nozzle. This will help to improve heat transfer between the nozzle and the printer.

10. Screw the new nozzle into the printer. Be sure to tighten the nozzle securely, but do not overtighten it.

11. Reconnect the printer to the power source and turn it on.

12. Run a test print to make sure that the new nozzle is working properly.

Safety Precautions
Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
Allow the printer to cool down.
Wear gloves.
Use caution when handling the nozzle.
Do not overtighten the nozzle.
Do not use excessive force when removing the nozzle.
If you are having trouble removing the nozzle, consult the printer’s manual or contact customer support.
Once you have removed the nozzle, clean it with a soft cloth.
Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the threads of the new nozzle.
Screw the new nozzle into the printer.
Reconnect the printer to the power source and turn it on.
Run a test print to make sure that the new nozzle is working properly.

How to Change Nozzle on Artillery X2

Changing the nozzle on an Artillery X2 is a straightforward and relatively simple task that can be completed in a matter of minutes. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can ensure that your nozzle is replaced correctly and efficiently.

Prepare the printer: Turn off the printer and allow it to cool down completely. Ensure that the print bed is clean and clear of any debris.
Identify and remove the nozzle: Locate the nozzle at the end of the hot end assembly. Use a 6mm open-end wrench or a 7mm socket wrench to loosen the nozzle by turning it counterclockwise. Be careful not to overtighten or damage the nozzle.
Insert the new nozzle: Take the new nozzle and insert it into the hot end assembly. Hand-tighten the nozzle clockwise until it is snug. Do not use excessive force.
Tighten the nozzle: Use the wrench or socket to further tighten the nozzle by 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Ensure that the nozzle is securely fastened, but avoid overtightening.
Calibrate the printer: Once the nozzle is replaced, it is essential to calibrate the printer to ensure accurate printing. Follow the printer’s calibration instructions to set the correct Z-offset and other necessary adjustments.