Step-by-step guide to changing filament

1. Bring printer to operating temperature

Before you can remove the old filament, the printer must be brought to the correct extrusion temperature for the filament used. This ensures the old filament is soft enough to be easily removed.

  • Go to the printer menu or the slicer software and access the temperature control.
  • Set the extruder temperature for the current filament (e.g., 200°C for PLA, 230-250°C for ABS).
  • Let the printer heat up to this temperature before proceeding to the next step.

2. Unload old filament

Once the nozzle has reached the correct temperature, you can remove the old filament.

  • Manual unloading:

    1. Press the extruder lever and carefully pull the filament upwards out of the extruder.
    2. Make sure to remove the filament evenly and without too much force to avoid clogs.

  • Automatic unloading (optional, if available):

    1. Some printers, including the Creality K1 Max, have an automatic filament unloading function. To do this, go to the menu and select "Unload Filament".
    2. The printer heats up and automatically retracts the filament.

  • Cut filament end: When the filament is removed, cut the end of the old filament at an angle to make threading easier next time.

3. Clean nozzle (optional, when changing material)

If you switch to a different filament type (e.g., from PLA to ABS or PETG), it may be useful to clean the nozzle to remove residues of the old filament.

  • Cold-pull method:
    • Insert a cleaning filament or a piece of nylon to pull out remaining filament from the nozzle. Heat the nozzle and let the filament harden before pulling it out.
  • Cleaning needle:
    • Use a cleaning needle to ensure no clogs or residues remain in the nozzle.

4. Prepare new filament

Before inserting the new filament, make sure the end of the filament is cleanly cut. A clean, angled cut makes feeding easier and prevents the filament from getting stuck in the extruder.

  • Angled cut: Cut the filament at an angle of about 45 degrees. This helps to easily feed the filament into the extruder.

5. Insert new filament

Now you can insert the new filament into the printer:

  • Manual loading:

    1. Press the extruder lever and feed the filament through the Bowden tube into the nozzle.
    2. Gently push the filament until you feel resistance. This indicates that the filament has reached the extruder.

  • Automatic loading (optional):

    1. If your printer has an automatic loading device, select "Load Filament" from the menu.
    2. The printer automatically pulls in the filament and begins heating and extrusion.

6. Extrude until the new filament is visible

To ensure that the new filament has fully reached the nozzle and all residues of the old filament are removed, you should extrude some filament.

  • Manual extrusion:

    1. Go to the menu or slicing software and extrude a small amount of filament (approx. 10-20 mm).
    2. Watch how the filament exits the nozzle. Once the color of the new filament is fully visible, the change is complete.

  • Automatic extrusion (if available):

    1. The printer automatically starts extruding when the "Load Filament" function is activated.
    2. Wait until the new filament is fully visible.

7. Check filament flow

After the change, you should check the filament flow to ensure the new material is extruded evenly and there are no clogs or flow issues.

  • Start a test print: Perform a small test print to ensure the extrusion works correctly and the new filament flows cleanly.
  • Test feed and retraction: Ensure that the retraction settings in your slicing software are adjusted for the new filament to achieve optimal print results.

Tips for a clean filament change

  • Use cleaning filament: When frequently switching between different materials, cleaning filament can help keep the nozzle clean and remove residues.
  • Temperature adjustments: Make sure the temperature is correctly set for the new filament, especially when switching from low melting materials like PLA to higher temperatures like ABS or PETG.
  • Store filament dry: Keep the new filament in a dry box or use desiccants to avoid moisture that could affect print quality.
  • Regular nozzle cleaning: Perform nozzle cleaning regularly, especially when switching to a significantly different material or color.

Conclusion

A clean filament change is crucial to ensure consistent print quality and avoid clogs. By following the steps described above, you can ensure that the change on the Creality K1 Max goes smoothly and the new filament is perfectly fed into the printer. Regular maintenance and care of the nozzle and filament system will help you enjoy your printer for a long time and achieve consistently high-quality prints.