1. Remove the printhead from the printhead mount.
2. Remove the nozzle with the wrench while the printhead is warm.
3. Return the printhead to the mount and reheat the thermoplastic printhead.
4. Wait 15 mins to ensure the thermoplastic is completely melted.
5. Apply pressure to the printhead to extrude the excess thermoplastic until only air is expelled.
6. Remove the printhead from the printhead mount.
7. Unscrew top cap.
8. Gently insert the plunger retrieval tool into the cartridge and find the threaded hole in the plunger.
9. Turn the plunger retrieval tool clockwise at least 5 turns to screw in the plunger.
10. Firmly pull the plunger up to retrieve the plunger.
CAUTION: Plunger and melted thermoplastic residue may be very hot. Touching hot surfaces and objects can result in serious injury.
11. Use the wrench to loosen the cartridge.
12. Return the printhead to the mount. Disable the temperature using the Tools option on the Utilities menu.
13. Wait for the thermoplastic printhead to cool to room temperature.
14. Remove the cartridge once cooled.
15. Clean the nozzle, cartridge, and plunger using a solvent compatible with stainless steel. For example, high concentrations of ethanol, acetone and chloroform work as good solvents for this purpose.
Perform the following steps in a fume hood using protective equipment:
- FIll a container with a solvent that can dissolve thermoplastic material. Make sure the container is made of borosilicate glass or another material strong enough to endure corrosion.
- Insert metal parts you want to clean.
- Close the container tightly. Let it sit for 8-24 hours or until it looks clean.
- Use tweezers to carefully pull out the metal parts. Let the solvent evaporate and rinse with water. Be careful not to heat up the parts until the solvent has been cleared out.