# Cold Pull (/docs/all/maintenance/cold-pull)



The Cold Pull is a specialized maintenance procedure used to effectively remove filament and contaminants from the Vision Miner 22 IDEX hotend and nozzle. It involves heating and then partially cooling filament within the hotend, then pulling it out in a semi-solid state to extract debris.

A Cold Pull is the recommended method when:

* **Changing Filament Types:** Especially when switching between materials with different temperature requirements or colors, a Cold Pull minimizes cross-contamination.
* **Cleaning the Nozzle:** Excellent for removing small particles, debris, or partially burnt filament residue that might cause partial clogs or affect print quality.

This procedure utilizes the filament itself as a cleaning tool, pulling out residue as it is removed.

<Callout type="error" title="Before you begin - safety and risk">
  Read the [Safety - Before You Begin](/docs/v4/reference/safety-before-you-begin) article to understand the hazards involved in working on the Vision Miner 22IDEX V4 - including electrical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical risks. All procedures in this wiki are provided as recommendations only. By choosing to follow any procedure, you do so at your own risk.
</Callout>

<Callout type="warn" title="Hot nozzle and heater block">
  The hotend will reach high temperatures during this procedure. Avoid touching the nozzle or heater block. Allow adequate cooling time before handling.
</Callout>

## Tools and Materials [#tools-and-materials]

* **Filament:**
  * **Recommended for Cleaning:** Nylon (`PA6` or `PA12`, without Carbon Fiber if possible) offers the best cleaning properties.
  * **For Simple Removal:** The filament currently loaded or the new filament type can also be used, but may be less effective at removing contaminants than Nylon.
* **Wire Cutters:** To create a clean tip on the filament for loading.

## 1. Purpose and Material Selection [#1-purpose-and-material-selection]

* **When to Use:** Use the Cold Pull procedure when switching between significantly different filament types (e.g., PLA to PEEK, PETG to Nylon) or as a first step in troubleshooting partial clogs or extrusion inconsistencies.
* **Material Choice:** For the most effective cleaning, using a spool of clean Nylon (like `PA6` or `PA12`, preferably without carbon fiber additives) is highly recommended. Its properties allow it to grab onto contaminants effectively. If simply removing the current filament is the goal, you can often use the same filament or the next type you plan to load. &#x2A;*You will need to know the approximate correct heating temperature for the filament you choose.**

## 2. Prepare and Load Filament [#2-prepare-and-load-filament]

1. **Prepare Tip:** Cut the end of the filament you will use for the Cold Pull at a clean angle using wire cutters.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/enclosure/filament_tip_cut_clean_angle.JPG" alt="Filament end cut at clean angle with wire cutters for cold pull loading" size="small" />

2. **Load Filament:** Manually load this filament into the specific toolhead (T0 or T1) you wish to clean. Feed it through the extruder until you feel it reach the gears.

<Callout type="info" title="Detailed loading instructions">
  The filament loading process is described in more detail in the [Load Filament](../printing/load-filament) guide.
</Callout>

3. **Heat up Toolhead:** In the tool's status area, enter the appropriate printing temperature for your filament (refer to manufacturer recommendations) and click **Set**, or select a pre-defined material. Wait for the nozzle to reach the target temperature.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/web_interface/cold_pull_temperature_setting.png" alt="Web Interface showing toolhead temperature setting for cold pull procedure" size="large" />

4. **Extrude Filament:** Go to `Dashboard` tab and scroll down to the `Extrusion Control`
   * Set &#x2A;*Amount (mm)** to `50`.
   * Set &#x2A;*Feedrate (mm/min)** equivalent to `7 mm/s` (which is `420 mm/min`).
   * Gently push the filament while simultaneously clicking the `Extrude` button.
   * Continue clicking `Extrude` until you see filament consistently extruding from the nozzle. Ensure the extruder gears are gripping and pulling the filament smoothly.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/enclosure/filament_extruding_from_nozzle.JPG" alt="Filament extruding from nozzle confirming successful loading" size="small" />

## 3. Execute the Cold Pull Macro [#3-execute-the-cold-pull-macro]

5. **Run Cold Pull Macro:** On the printer's web interface, navigate to `Macros > System > Filament > Cold Pull`.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/web_interface/cold_pull_macro_system_folder.png" alt="Web Interface Macros tab showing System folder and Cold Pull macro" size="large" />

6. **Configure via Pop-up:** A configuration window will appear on the screen. You must manually set the parameters for the Cold Pull:
   * **Select Toolhead:** Choose either T0 or T1, corresponding to the toolhead you loaded the filament into in Step 2.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/web_interface/cold_pull_macro_toolhead_selection.png" alt="Cold Pull macro toolhead selection popup showing T0 and T1 options" size="large" />

* **Enter Temperature:** Input the desired **initial heating temperature** for the selected toolhead.
  * **Guidance**: Enter the typical printing temperature for the filament you loaded, or slightly higher (e.g., `+10°C` to `+20°C`). This ensures the filament fully melts initially.
    * Example for PLA: `210-230°C`
    * Example for PETG: `240-260°C`
    * Example for Nylon (for cleaning): `250-270°C`
    * Example for higher temp materials (ABS, PC, etc.): Use their respective print temps or slightly above.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/web_interface/cold_pull_macro_temperature_input.png" alt="Cold Pull macro temperature input popup" size="large" />

7. **Automatic Process Begins:** The printer will now automatically:
   * Heat the selected toolhead to the temperature you specified.
   * Hold that temperature briefly to ensure the filament is fully molten.
   * Begin a controlled cooling sequence to bring the filament down to the optimal semi-solid state for removal.

## 4. Perform the Pull [#4-perform-the-pull]

8. **Wait for Prompt/Temperature:** The printer's interface should indicate when it's ready for the filament to be pulled as it reaches the correct temperature during the controlled cooling phase. The optimal pull temperature varies by material but is often in the `100°C` to `160°C` range (Nylon might be slightly higher). Follow the printer's prompt.
9. **Grip Filament:** Once the printer indicates it's ready, firmly grip the filament just above the extruder assembly.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/enclosure/hand_gripping_filament_above_extruder.JPG" alt="Filament visible coming out of the extruder assembly" size="small" />

10. **Pull Firmly:** Pull the filament directly upwards out of the extruder and hotend path in **one smooth, continuous, and firm motion**. Do not yank violently, but apply consistent force.

## 5. Inspect the Result [#5-inspect-the-result]

11. **Examine Tip:** Look closely at the end of the filament you just removed. A successful Cold Pull will typically have a tip shaped like the inside of the nozzle cavity.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/enclosure/cold_pull_tip_with_debris.JPG" alt="Cold pull filament tip showing nozzle cavity shape with visible debris and contaminants" size="small" />

12. **Check for Debris:** Observe the color and texture of the tip. You may see dark specks, discolored streaks, or small chunks of debris embedded in the filament - this is the contamination that has been successfully removed from your hotend.

## 6. Repeat if Necessary [#6-repeat-if-necessary]

13. If the filament broke off inside the hotend during the pull, or if the removed tip still looks very dirty (indicating significant residue remains), repeat the Cold Pull procedure starting from Section 2 (Prepare and Load Filament). Continue performing Cold Pulls until the filament tip comes out clean and fully formed, indicating the melt path is clear.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/enclosure/cold_pull_tip_clean.JPG" alt="Clean filament tip after successful cold pull showing no contamination or debris - the key indicator of a successful procedure" size="small" />

## FAQ [#faq]

<Accordions>
  <Accordion title="Can I use PLA or PETG for a cold pull?" id="faq-pla-petg">
    Yes, you can use most filaments. However, Nylon is generally considered superior for cleaning purposes due to its properties. If just removing the current filament, using the same type often works fine.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What temperature should I enter in the Cold Pull pop-up?" id="faq-temperature">
    Use the normal printing temperature for the filament you are using for the pull, or about 10-20°C higher. Using too low a temperature might prevent the filament from melting properly initially; too high isn't usually necessary unless dealing with very high-temp materials. See the examples in Section 3.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How many times should I repeat the cold pull?" id="faq-repeat-count">
    Repeat until the filament tip comes out clean and fully formed. The first pull often shows significant contamination. Continue until you see a clean, nozzle-shaped tip with no debris or discoloration.
  </Accordion>
</Accordions>

## Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]

<Accordions>
  <Accordion title="The filament breaks off inside when I try to pull it" id="trouble-filament-breaks">
    **Cause:** Pulled too late (too cold), too early (too hot), or not with smooth, steady force.

    **Solution:**

    1. Run the macro again from the beginning.
    2. Ensure you pull firmly and continuously as soon as the printer indicates the correct temperature.
    3. Use one smooth, continuous motion - do not hesitate or pull in jerky movements.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The Cold Pull macro won't start or gives an error" id="trouble-macro-error">
    **Cause:** Filament not loaded, wrong toolhead selected, or printer configuration issue.

    **Solution:**

    1. Ensure filament is actually loaded into the hotend.
    2. Verify the correct toolhead (T0/T1) is active or selected in the macro popup.
    3. Check the printer interface for any specific error messages.
    4. Try homing all axes before running the macro.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The filament tip looks clean, but I still have extrusion problems" id="trouble-still-problems">
    **Cause:** A Cold Pull mainly clears the nozzle and melt path. Persistent issues may be elsewhere.

    **Solution:**

    * Check for a more severe clog higher up in the heatbreak.
    * Inspect extruder gears for wear or debris.
    * Verify filament diameter is correct (1.75mm).
    * Review slicer settings (flow rate, extrusion multiplier, temperature).
    * If problems persist, contact [support team](/support).
  </Accordion>
</Accordions>

## Support [#support]

If you could not find an answer here, reach out to our [support team](/support).