# Nozzle Replacement (/docs/all/maintenance/nozzle-replacement)



This guide covers nozzle replacement and basic troubleshooting for clogged nozzles on the Vision Miner 22IDEX V4. Replace the nozzle when it's worn, damaged, or when changing to a different nozzle size. If plastic won't extrude, this procedure helps identify whether the nozzle or heat break is clogged.

<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>

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

* [Nozzle Torque Wrench 7mm](https://visionminer.com/products/nozzle-wrench-7mm)
* 12 mm open-end wrench (to hold heater block)
* Replacement nozzle (see note below)
* Lint-free cloth or paper towel

<Callout type="info" title="Nozzle compatibility by printer version">
  **For Vision Miner 22IDEX V1:** Use [M6x1 Volcano Nozzle](https://visionminer.com/products/volcano-style-brass-nozzle).

  **For Vision Miner 22IDEX V2, V3, and V4:** Browse the full [nozzle collection](https://visionminer.com/collections/nozzles) to find the correct nozzle for your printer version. The Volcano-style nozzle is **not compatible** with V2, V3, or V4 models.
</Callout>

## 1. Heat the hotend [#1-heat-the-hotend]

<Callout type="warn" title="Hot nozzle and heater block">
  The nozzle and heater block will reach temperatures above 250°C. Do not touch them during or immediately after this procedure. Allow at least 10 minutes to cool before touching.
</Callout>

1. In the Web Interface, navigate to the **Dashboard** tab.
2. Select the tool you want to service (T0 or T1).
3. Set the hotend temperature to 20–50°C **below** your normal printing temperature. For example, if you print at 300°C, heat to 250°C. This softens the plastic enough to remove the nozzle without excess oozing.
4. Wait for the hotend to reach temperature.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/web_interface/web_interface_tool_temperature_control.png" alt="Web Interface Dashboard showing tool temperature control" size="large" ratio="16/9" />

## 2. Remove the old nozzle [#2-remove-the-old-nozzle]

5. Hold the heater block firmly with the 12 mm wrench to prevent it from rotating.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/toolhead/heater_block_12mm_wrench_holding.JPG" alt="12 mm wrench holding heater block while removing nozzle" size="small" />

6. Use the [Nozzle Torque Wrench 7mm](https://visionminer.com/products/nozzle-wrench-7mm) to unscrew the nozzle counterclockwise. Apply steady, even force – do not jerk or twist the heater block.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/toolhead/nozzle_removal_7mm_torque_wrench.JPG" alt="7mm torque wrench removing nozzle from heater block" size="small" />

7. Once the nozzle is loose, remove it completely by hand (use a cloth if it's still hot). Set it aside on a heat-resistant surface.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/toolhead/removed_nozzle_heat_resistant_surface.JPG" alt="Removed nozzle on heat-resistant surface" size="small" />

8. Wipe away any plastic residue from the heater block threads with a lint-free cloth while the block is still hot.
9. In the Web Interface, set the tool temperature to **0°C** (standby or off). Wait until the hotend cools to room temperature before proceeding. This prevents burns when threading the new nozzle by hand.

## 3. Install the new nozzle [#3-install-the-new-nozzle]

10. Thread the new nozzle into the heater block by hand. Turn it clockwise until it seats against the heat break – you'll feel slight resistance. Do not force it.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/toolhead/new_nozzle_threading_by_hand.JPG" alt="New nozzle being threaded into heater block by hand" size="small" />

11. Hold the heater block with the 12 mm wrench.
12. Use the [Nozzle Torque Wrench 7mm](https://visionminer.com/products/nozzle-wrench-7mm) to tighten the nozzle to **1.5 Nm**. The torque wrench will click when the correct torque is reached.

<Callout type="warn" title="Do not overtighten">
  Tightening beyond 1.5 Nm can damage the heat break or crack the nozzle. Stop immediately when the torque wrench clicks.
</Callout>

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/toolhead/nozzle_removal_7mm_torque_wrench.JPG" alt="Torque wrench tightening nozzle to 1.5 Nm" size="small" />

13. In the Web Interface, set the tool temperature back to standby or turn off the heater.

## 4. Test extrusion (optional – for clog diagnosis) [#4-test-extrusion-optional--for-clog-diagnosis]

If you removed the nozzle to diagnose a clog, test extrusion **without** the nozzle installed to determine whether the blockage is in the nozzle or the heat break.

<Callout type="warn" title="Plastic will extrude freely">
  Without the nozzle, plastic will extrude directly from the heater block. Place a cloth or container below the hotend to catch extruded material.
</Callout>

14. With the nozzle removed and the hotend still at temperature, navigate to **Dashboard** and select **Extrude** (e.g., 10 mm at 5 mm/s).
15. Observe the result:
    * **Plastic extrudes:** The nozzle was clogged. Install a new or cleaned nozzle and resume printing.
    * **Plastic does not extrude:** The heat break is clogged. Follow the [Unclogging](unclogging) procedure or the [Cold Pull](cold-pull) procedure to clear the heat break.

<DocImage src="https://pub-e9ada5735e184a34a55b5e8f01a2be68.r2.dev/uploads/v4/toolhead/plastic_extrusion_without_nozzle.JPG" alt="Plastic extruding from heater block without nozzle installed" size="small" />

16. If you performed this test, reinstall the nozzle following steps 10–12 before resuming normal operation.

## FAQ [#faq]

<Accordions>
  <Accordion title="How tight should the nozzle be?" id="faq-torque">
    Tighten to **1.5 Nm** using the torque wrench. This ensures a proper seal without damaging the heat break. Do not guess or "feel" the torque – always use the wrench.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I change the nozzle when it's cold?" id="faq-cold-change">
    No. The plastic inside the threads must be soft to remove the nozzle cleanly. Attempting to unscrew a cold nozzle can strip the threads or break the nozzle.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How often should I replace the nozzle?" id="faq-frequency">
    Replace the nozzle when you notice print quality degradation (inconsistent extrusion, stringing, poor layer adhesion) or when switching to a different nozzle size. For abrasive materials (carbon fiber, glass fiber), inspect the nozzle every 500–1000 print hours. See the [Maintenance Schedule](maintenance-schedule) for detailed intervals.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What do I do if plastic still won't extrude after installing a new nozzle?" id="faq-still-clogged">
    If a new nozzle doesn't resolve the issue, the heat break is likely clogged. Follow the [Unclogging](unclogging) or [Cold Pull](cold-pull) procedure to clear the heat break.
  </Accordion>
</Accordions>

## Support [#support]

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