Just ran into 3D printer problems? Looking for ways to simplify 3D printing? Well, you have just come across the perfect 3D print quality troubleshooting guide! Through this guide, you will learn about the most common 3D printer problems and how to solve them in some quick, easy ways!
First Layer Issues
When learning how to 3D print, the most common printing issues stem from a poor foundational first layer. The most important layer is the first layer, as it provides the proper adhesion to the build plate. Some common issues when tackling the first layer are that the nozzle is too close to the print bed, or that the nozzle is too far away from the bed. You can adjust the nozzle to the bed by:
Try to tighten some of the leveling screws on your printer or use a thicker paper stock to manually level your printing bed.
Adjusting your z-offset value if using a print bed leveling sensor (avoid pressing down on the bed when leveling).
By using either of these two steps you can easily fix your initial printing problems before you get started on your quality 3D print!
Print's Not Sticking
Your print not sticking to the bed is hands down one of the most common 3D printing problems, but not to worry, this will help you prevent any 3D print fails you may have already faced! These are some of the various causes and solutions to your bed adhesion failing:
Platform is warped
○ You can fix this by printing a very thick first layer or printing with a raft.
You need to clean your bed
○ De-grease your bed surface using isopropyl alcohol or pure acetone regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Print temperature is off
○ Printing colder will decrease adhesion, while printing hotter (to an extent) will increase adhesion. Follow the recommended print temperatures for your specific printer.
These are the 3 main reasons as to why your print is not sticking to your bed. Try out these solutions to avoid any future 3d print errors you might encounter when your print isn't sticking!
Warping
Although warping is fairly easy to resolve, we know it is one of the most common 3D print problems that is the most frustrating during a print. Here are some different ways to fix your print from warping:
Balance the printing and room temperature. Try printing at a cooler temperature depending on the initial print temperature to improve your 3d print quality.
Print thinner layers to reduce stress on your part during the printing process.
Avoid setting your bed temperature in close proximity to the filament’s glass transition temperature.
If you take these tips to prevent warping into consideration and give them a try you should be able to fix your warping 3D print issues!
Overheating
One of the worst and ugliest forms of bad 3D prints is caused by overheating. When the filament becomes too hot and isn't cooling enough, overheating occurs. Here are ways to fix and prevent overheating as becoming one of your 3D printer issues:
Increase the part cooling fans.
Try printing at a cooler temperature to begin with.
Print slower to give the print time to cool down.
Set a timer per layer to ensure cooling if you have the ability to do so.