> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://crane.printm3d.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://crane.printm3d.com/crane-bowden-guide/loading-and-unloading-filament.md).

# Loading and Unloading Filament

## Loading and Unloading Filament:

Once your printer has been **homed** you will need to **heat the nozzle** in order to **load your filament** and start your print.

{% hint style="info" %}
The temperature of the nozzle will be dependent upon the type of filament you choose to use for your first print, for the included test print we ask that **PLA** be used. Recommendations vary on the best temperature to use for PLA, but for this test print we ask that you **heat the nozzle to 200C.**
{% endhint %}

Using your **Duet Web Control Interface** you can set your nozzle tool temperature in the **tools section** by clicking in the **Active** column in the **Tool 0** row.&#x20;

![Duet Web Control Tool section](/files/-LPSvs0BLaEz_kwFpBVh)

You can also set the nozzle temperature by using the **LCD Menu** on your M3D Crane Bowden. Simply use the knob to select the **temperature value** and turn the knob until you reach the desired setting:

![Setting the Nozzle temperature](/files/-LPTAL12NnAqf4oSIUVt)

&#x20;Once your nozzle is up to temperature you may insert your **PLA** filament. Send flush cut **filament** through the entrance of the **extruder** **located at left side of the printer**. While **depressing the leaver on the extruder, feed the filament through the bowden tube and into the hot end**.

![Loading the M3D Crane Bowden](/files/-LPT-bjdwxywXIS6Lg7Z)

&#x20;As the filament hits the hotend, it will heat up and start to liquefy. The filament may start to seep out of the nozzle.

![Loading the M3D Crane Bowden](/files/-LPT2nNgsWVHVxjyfmzG)

{% hint style="info" %}
It is recommended to **extrude 50 to 100 mm** of filament right away to ensure correct loading, heating, and that there are no blockages in the nozzle or bowden tube.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

Using the **Duet Web Control Interface** you can easily control the Extruder. In the **Extruder Control** section you can **extrude** (or retract) filament, select the **Feed amount** and set the **Feedrate** in mm per second. Once you have set the Feed amount and Feedrate simply click **Extrude** (or Retract should you need to).

![Duet Web Control Extruder Control](/files/-LPSwqqX0tmgU0lAfNUP)

Should you choose to use the **LCD Menu** on your M3D Crane Bowden when loading your filament, simply use the knob to select **Prepare** from the Main Menu Screen.&#x20;

![Main Menu](/files/-LP8Vc__lXKveclc8so-)

Then select **Move Axis**:

![Move Axis ](/files/-LPT4hTZ74VrYFG-Tn99)

Next select **Move E**:

![Move E](/files/-LPT59wg_LEXERqJS6-k)

Here you will find options to **extrude (+)** or **retract (-)** mm of filament, Selecting +10 will extrude 10mm, simply select **+10 multiple times** in a row to extrude 50 to 100mm:

![Extrude +10mm](/files/-LPT6XfkIsNFPEHI1I4R)

To **Unload the Filament** simply maintain your nozzle temperature **while depressing the leaver on the extruder. (This will disengage the extruder gears so the filament will be free to move)** Grab hold of the filament and pull it out with a sweeping, fluid motion. The filament will be slide up and out of the nozzle, out of the bowden tube and out the extruder. &#x20;

After mastering the art of Loading and Unloading Filament on your M3D Crane Bowden, you'll want to start looking for 3D models to print as well as a slicer to convert them into gcode. Follow the guide to the next section to learn where to find your 3D models as well as the programs to slice them.&#x20;