Filament Not Coming Out: 3D printing is a powerful tool that’s revolutionizing everything from prototyping to production. But nothing can halt your creative streak faster than pressing “print” and realizing — no filament is coming out of the nozzle. It’s a common problem that can affect both beginners and experienced makers. The good news? It’s usually fixable with a bit of know-how.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top reasons why filament isn’t coming out of your 3D printer, walk you through detailed troubleshooting steps, and help you get back to printing successfully. Whether you’re using an Ender 3, Prusa, Anycubic, or any other FDM printer, this guide will give you a solid path to resolution.
Common Causes of Filament Not Extruding
Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand the potential causes of the issue:
- Clogged Nozzle
- Cold Hotend (Not Heating Properly)
- Filament Not Loaded Correctly
- Extruder Gear Slipping or Grinding
- Jammed PTFE Tube or Heatbreak
- Too Low Printing Temperature
- Poor Quality or Brittle Filament
- Step Motor Not Working (Extruder Motor Issue)
- Firmware or G-code Problems
- Filament Sensor or Runout Detection Failure
Let’s troubleshoot each of these issues one by one.
🔧 Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Check the Nozzle Temperature
First, verify if your printer’s hotend is reaching the right temperature for your filament type:
- PLA: 180–210°C
- ABS: 220–250°C
- PETG: 220–245°C
- TPU: 200–230°C
Solution:
- Preheat the nozzle via the printer’s display menu.
- If the temperature is stuck or too low, check for a faulty thermistor or heating element.
- If using OctoPrint or Cura, ensure the temperature is set correctly in the slicer.
Check The Cooling Fan Speed for Heat Sink
Some times, heat dissipation through the heat sink is less, therefore the filament inside PTFE Tube and Heatbreak start to swell due to higher temperature and extrusion force as shown in image below:
This swelling of filament get jammed inside the tube therefore, material do not extrude through the nozzle.
Solution:
- Increase Cooling Fan Speed
- Reduce the Nozzle Temperature
- Replace the PTFE tube, if it is damaged.
2. Manually Push the Filament
Once the hotend is heated, try to manually feed the filament:
- Gently press the extruder lever and push filament into the hotend.
- If the filament doesn’t go in smoothly or resists, there may be a clog or misalignment.
3. Check for a Nozzle Clog
Nozzle clogs are the most frequent reason for extrusion failure.
Symptoms of a clog:
- Clicking or grinding noise from extruder
- No filament on the bed
- Very thin or inconsistent first layer
Solution:
- Try a cold pull: heat the nozzle to 200°C, push filament in, cool to 90°C, and pull it out sharply.
- Use a nozzle cleaning needle or acupuncture needle (usually 0.4mm).
- Unscrew the nozzle and inspect for carbonized filament inside.
- If all fails, replace the nozzle.
4. Inspect the Extruder Gear
Over time, the drive gear (hob gear) in the extruder can clog with filament dust or lose grip due to wear.
Check for:
- Grinding marks on filament
- Clicking sounds during retraction
- Extruder stepper motor turning but filament not moving
Solution:
- Clean the hob gear with a small brush or compressed air.
- Tighten the tension screw/spring on the extruder arm.
- Ensure the gear is aligned and gripping the filament properly.
- If gear is worn, consider replacing it.
5. Verify PTFE Tube and Heatbreak
A partially jammed PTFE tube can restrict filament movement, especially in Bowden systems.
Solution:
- Remove the PTFE tube from the hotend and inspect for debris or a melted end.
- Replace the tube if it’s scorched or deformed.
- In all-metal hotends, ensure the heatbreak is clean and properly seated.
6. Check Filament Path for Obstructions
Sometimes, filament doesn’t even make it to the extruder due to:
- Tangled spool
- Jammed filament in feeder path
- Broken or brittle filament snapped inside the tube
Solution:
- Cut and reload fresh filament.
- Ensure spool rotates freely.
- Inspect the Bowden tube for blockages or snapped pieces.
- Use filament guides or spool holders for smoother feeding.
7. Confirm Extruder Motor Operation
The extruder stepper motor may fail or miss steps due to:
- Motor overheating
- Loose wiring
- Stepper driver issue
- G-code or firmware problem
Solution:
- Use the control panel to extrude filament (e.g., 10mm) and observe motor movement.
- If it doesn’t move, check the stepper cable and connector.
- Test the driver or replace it if faulty.
- Check if the firmware allows extrusion at cold temperatures (some block extrusion below 180°C).
8. Evaluate the Slicer Settings
Incorrect slicer settings can cause the printer to skip filament extrusion commands.
Things to check:
- Retraction settings (too high retraction distance can cause jams)
- Initial layer speed and flow rate
- Skipped extrusion commands in the G-code
Solution:
- Try slicing a simple model again with default settings.
- Use a known good file like a calibration cube to test.
- Review G-code in a viewer for any extrusion commands.
9. Use Quality Filament
Old, low-quality, or brittle filament can break or grind too easily during printing.
Solution:
- Use fresh, dry filament (store spools in dry boxes with silica gel).
- Check for diameter consistency using calipers (1.75 ± 0.05 mm).
- Avoid recycled or overly cheap brands unless tested.
10. Look Into Sensor and Firmware Issues
Some printers have filament runout sensors or firmware protections.
Solution:
- Bypass the sensor if it’s malfunctioning (temporarily disconnect).
- Update or reflash firmware if known bugs exist.
- Reset EEPROM to default settings if changes were made.
🛠 Tools That Help Unclog and Maintain the Printer
Here are some tools that can make your maintenance easier:
- Nozzle cleaning needles (0.4mm)
- Cold pull filament (e.g., cleaning filament)
- Brass wire brush for nozzle exterior
- PTFE tube cutter and replacement tubes
- Thermal grease for heatbreaks
- Multimeter (for checking heater or thermistor)
- Compressed air or cleaning brush for extruder gear
Also read: Ender 3 Heating Failed – Reasons and Solutions
📌 Preventive Maintenance Tips
Regular care will prevent most extrusion issues before they start:
- Clean the nozzle after every few prints.
- Replace nozzles periodically (after ~500 printing hours).
- Lubricate extruder gears if applicable.
- Store filament in a dry, airtight container.
- Run test prints every few weeks if printer is unused.
🧠 Final Thoughts
When filament stops coming out of your 3D printer, it’s frustrating — but not the end of the world. In most cases, it’s a clog, temperature issue, or a minor mechanical problem. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll not only fix the current issue but also learn how to prevent it from happening in the future.
Whether you’re a hobbyist, professional, or educator, knowing how to resolve common 3D printer issues like extrusion failure is crucial for a smooth 3D printing experience.
✅ Summary Checklist
| Problem | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Clogged Nozzle | Cold pull, needle, or replace nozzle |
| Low Temperature | Check heater and thermistor |
| Filament Not Gripping | Tighten/clean extruder gear |
| Jammed PTFE Tube | Clean or replace tube |
| Faulty Extruder Motor | Check wiring and stepper driver |
| Bad Filament | Use new, quality filament |
| Tangled Spool | Untangle and reload |
| G-code/Firmware Error | Reslice model, check firmware |
Got a specific problem or printer model giving you trouble? Let me know in the comments or reach out — I’m happy to help troubleshoot!