It is very important that 3D printers using filaments are only fed with a plastic wire that is clean from dirt and which is also lubricated. This article describes the importance of using a filament filter that cleans and lubricates the filament.


Causes of insufficient extrusion

  • Dust and dirt particles - As the filament rewound on coils, over time, accumulate dirt on the surface, these enters the 3D printhead (extruder). In the long run this causes an increasing and accumulating accumulation of particles in the extruder. As these particles do not melt, they will gradually block the extruder hole where the plastic comes out. They can also cause the inside of the tube to push the plastic down against the melt tip, wear out and get a higher friction against the filament.
  • Excessive friction - The engine that grips the filament wire is limited in its mechanical torque. If the filament does not run smoothly before and after the feed wheel, the power can exceed what the engine is capable of, and then that step drops - it buckles internally in a magnetic manner, which sounds and sounds like a ticking sound. Alternatively, the engine can start spinning and then the wheels of the lightweight feed wheel will dig into the plastic wire, which immediately causes the feed wheel to drop the grip on the filament.

The advantages of always using a filament filter

Leading the filament through a dust filter that also lubricates the surface of the wire for reduced friction, you achieve the optimal environment for the 3D printer to print more reliably and to extend the time between the times when you need to maintain the 3D print tip or replacing. Although the filament is clean and dry, high friction may occur if the thread is pulled or pushed furthest with long plastic pipes up to the 3D print head. The longer the distance, the more power the 3D print head engine needs. A clean and slightly lubricated plastic wire, runs a lot easier thru the filament tube.


Use the filament filter

We have created a basic filament filter container that is free to be downloaded from this link. After printing the filter container, cut a piece of ordinary sponges, which is then pushed into the container. Then you moisten the mushroom with a few drops of ordinary cooking oil, such as rapeseed oil. It is also good with regular sewing oil. If you do not have the opportunity to 3D print a custom filament filter holder, you can obtain it through this link.


The filament is then pushed through the filter. It is then fed into the filament feeder tube that the 3D printer has. If 3D printers lack a feed tube, it is usually good to bring the filament filter directly into the 3D print head. See the video below for more information.