Dealing with a filament jam in your E2 3D printer can be frustrating, but with the right tools and a clear process, you can resolve the issue quickly and get back to printing. What’s even better? You can reduce the risk of future jams entirely with the Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT—a game-changing accessory for E2 printers that optimizes filament cooling and minimizes clogs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of removing a jam from the E2 printer, plus show you how the Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT can prevent future issues.
What You’ll Need
Before starting the jam removal process, gather these tools from your printer’s accessory kit and basic toolset:
- 2mm hex wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Pair of pliers
- Nozzle clean rod
- Heat-resistant gloves (included with the E2 printer, for handling hot components)
- Optional but highly recommended: Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT (for jam prevention)
Step 1: Initiate the Unload Process
Start by accessing the printer’s software to begin the filament unload sequence:
- Navigate to the Utilities page on the E2 printer’s screen.
- Select Filament Loader and then click Unload.
- Wait for the hot end to reach the recommended temperature for the loaded filament, then click Unload again to start the process.
Step 2: Locate the Jam
To pinpoint where the filament is stuck, use the nozzle clearing rod:
- Insert the nozzle clearing rod into the feeding entrance of the printer.
- If you can push the filament out of the nozzle, the jam is minor and you can continue with the standard unload process. If the rod stops partway, the jam is either in the extruder assembly or the hot end—proceed to the next steps.
Pro Tip: Jams are often caused by uneven filament cooling in the extruder area. The Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT delivers targeted, consistent airflow to the filament path, preventing heat-related clogs that lead to jams. Installing it after resolving your current jam can drastically reduce future issues.
Step 3: Disassemble the Extruder Components
Power off the printer before beginning disassembly to avoid electrical hazards. Then follow these steps:
- Remove the front fan cover: Use the 2mm hex wrench to unscrew one screw on the side and one on the front of the cover.
- Remove the front fan: Unscrew the two top screws with the 2mm hex wrench and lift the fan away.
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Remove the gear cover: Use the 2mm hex wrench to take off the gear cover.
- Remove the big gear: Carefully pull the big gear off the shaft, taking care not to loosen the bearing around the shaft. If filament is melted in this area, the gear may be harder to remove—gently work it free with pliers if needed.
Step 4: Clear Filament from the Extruder
After removing the big gear, inspect the extruder assembly:
- If you see accumulated or melted filament, use a pair of pliers to pull it out and clear the area.
- If no filament is present here, or if the filament isn’t melted, the jam is likely in the hot end—move to the next step.
Prevention Note: Melted filament buildup in the extruder is a common jam trigger. The Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT’s precision cooling system keeps the extruder and filament path at an optimal temperature, stopping plastic from melting prematurely and building up in the gears or feeding tube.
Step 5: Remove and Clear the Hot End
If the jam is in the hot end, follow these steps to resolve it:
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Loosen the hot end screw: Use the 2mm hex wrench to loosen the screw that secures the hot end to the printer.
- Remove the hot end: Grab the hot end with pliers and pull it straight down to detach it.
- Access the Teflon tube: Manually unscrew the cap on the Teflon tube, then remove the cap and the tube itself. Try to pull the stuck filament out by hand—if it’s still stuck, heat the hot end to clear it.
- Heat the hot end: Set the hot end to a temperature slightly below the melting point of the jammed filament (e.g., 220°C for filament that melts at 250°C). Wait for it to reach the set temperature.
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Extract the filament: Use pliers to pull the softened filament out of the hot end, then insert the nozzle cleaning rod to clean the nozzle and tube thoroughly.
Warning: The hot end is extremely hot—wear heat-resistant gloves to avoid burns.
Step 6: Reassemble the Printer + Install Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT (for Prevention)
Once the jam is cleared, reinstall all components in reverse order, and take this opportunity to install the Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT to prevent future jams:
- Reattach the Teflon tube and cap to the hot end.
- Slide the hot end back into place and tighten the securing screw with the 2mm hex wrench.
- Replace the big gear (ensuring the bearing stays in place), gear cover, front fan, and fan cover, tightening all screws with the appropriate tools.
- Install the Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT: Follow the kit’s included instructions to mount the cooling system to the E2 printer’s extruder area. The kit’s compact design fits seamlessly with the E2’s existing components, and its adjustable airflow settings let you tailor cooling to different filament types (PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.).
Step 7: Recalibrate the Printer
After reassembly and any accessory installation (like the Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT), recalibrate the nozzle-to-print surface distance to ensure proper printing:
- Click the setting icon in the upper right corner of the printer’s screen.
- Navigate to Machine Maintenance > Offset Calibration to run the calibration process.
Why the Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT is a Must-Have for E2 Printers
The Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT isn’t just a quick fix—it’s a long-term solution for E2 printer users tired of dealing with filament jams:
- Targeted cooling: Directs airflow to the critical filament feeding path, preventing heat creep and premature melting.
- Filament versatility: Works with all common 3D printing materials, from PLA to high-temperature filaments like ABS and Nylon.
- Easy installation: No complex modifications needed—fits directly onto the E2 printer’s extruder assembly.
- Reduced maintenance: Less jammed filament means less time disassembling the printer and more time printing.
Wrapping Up
That’s all for removing a filament jam from your E2 printer! By following these steps and installing the Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT, you can resolve current clogs and keep your printer running jam-free for future projects. If you encounter any difficulties during the process (or with installing the Cooldry Pro Aircooling KIT), don’t hesitate to contact the printer’s support team for further assistance.
