In this article, we’ll show you how to get better results by helping you fix your 3D filament prints gone awry. Check all our troubleshooting tips, apply them step-by-step, and above all, be patient. 3D FDMprinting can be frustrating at times, but it’s rewarding due to its countless real-world applications.
It’s Not Printing
If your 3D printer is not printing anything, it is most likely because there are a few problems that can prevent it from extruding any material. Here are the most common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
- The print head may not be moving correctly. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a clogged print head or a broken print arm. To troubleshoot this issue, take the printer to an authorized service center and have it checked out.
- The print bed may be too wet or too dry. This can cause the prints to fail or get distorted. To troubleshoot this issue, take the printer to an authorized service center and have it cleaned and dried out.
1. Check the Filament
You’ve tried printing with different filament types and settings, but the printer still doesn’t seem to be working.
Your printer has run out of filament and you may not be able to print your model. Make sure your 3D printer has plenty of filament so you can continue printing.
2. Check for a Clogged Nozzle
If you’re having trouble printing with your printer, it may be because there’s something stuck in the nozzle. Regular maintenance can help clear out any blockages and keep your printer running smoothly.
If you forget to clean the nozzle on your 3D printer, you can easily remove a clog with a needle or other thin object. Place the needle through the nozzle and remove as much of the filament as possible. You can heat the nozzle while doing this to make your job easier.
If you can’t get the new filament to push through the blockage, you might have to apply external pressure to force the old filament out. Be careful not to damage your printer. ..
3. Adjust the Nozzle
If your printer still doesn’t work, the nozzle might be too close to the print surface. When that happens, the filament can’t properly go through the nozzle to form layers. This issue can also lead to missing layers, clogs, or adhesion problems, so make sure to adjust the nozzle height.
To fix a filament issue on a 3D printer, go to the printer’s settings and change the Z-axis value. Increase the parameter to what the printer manufacturer recommends in the manual or make gradual adjustments to the nozzle height until the filament flows normally. ..
4. Look for Filament Fragmentation
filament fragmentation can be a problem with 3D printing if it goes unnoticed. If you’re having trouble printing with your filament, there are a few things you can check to see if the problem is with the filament itself or somewhere between the spool and the nozzle. ..
This is a highly depends on the type of material you’re using, whether it’s ABS or PLA, and how old it is. That said, the only solution is to remove the filament to look for any damaged sections. If the material is new but you confirmed that it’s breaking along the way, try a different spool or try reducing the temperature and flow.
5. Is the Print Head Missing the Print Bed?
Did you hear an awful noise while starting to print? The print head might be trying to go off its X- or Y-axis and it’s completely off the print bed. This makes printing impossible and it’s usually caused by a software configuration problem.
If you’re using a printer that doesn’t come with its own printer settings parameters, you’ll need to update them in order to get the best prints. The most common cause of this problem is when the printer’s firmware is outdated.
The Print Was a Complete Failure
- The print failed to stick
- The supports didn’t work as intended
6. Fixing Terrible Bed Adhesion
A common problem with prints is that the bed adhesion is not good. This causes the print to fail to stick to the print bed, and the entire project becomes a waste of time.
After leveling the print bed and cleaning it, use supports or a brim to help keep the filament from sticking to the surface. After printing using additional elements, make sure the print bed is leveled and clean again.
7. Did the Supports Fail and Ruin Your Print?
To ensure that your print projects are successful, it’s important to use supports. Supports help to keep your prints from warping and layer shifting, and can also help to improve the accuracy of your prints. However, using the wrong support type or not having enough supports can ruin your project. Make sure to research which supports are best for you before starting your print project!
If you’re using a slicer to create your 3D prints, be sure to add supports automatically. If your prints are likely to suffer from warping or other issues, you can add supports manually. However, there is no one-size-fits-all support strategy, so you’ll have to experiment to find what works best for your project. ..
8. Extrusion Gone Bad
If you notice your printer’s hot end stopping extrusion halfway through the printing process, take a look at the filament feeder. If it’s not properly sealed, the air pressure inside the printer can cause the filament to escape prematurely and cause your project to fail.
If you’re using a 3D printer, be sure to have enough filament to complete your project. Slicing software like Cura can give you a rough estimate of how much filament you’ll need, but don’t forget that material types also make a difference. For example, PLA requirements might not be the same as ABS requirements. Make sure you have enough before you start printing. ..
After printing, if your printer’s nozzle is clogged, refer to our solutions for clogged nozzles.
Your Print Looks Bad
- Make sure your printer is calibrated to your specific material and print settings.
- Use a quality print bedding material and avoid using low-quality filaments or substrates.
- Use a smooth nozzle and ensure that the layer height is correct.
- Use a heat gun to help cool the prints before they are printed, and use a coolant when necessary.
9. Fix Warping
- Use a heat gun to heat the filament until it’s hot enough to start warping.
- Use a coolant to keep the filament cool and prevent warping.
- Use a clamps or other means to hold the print head in place while you warp the filament.
To heat the print platform, bring the temperature of the print bed close to the melting point of the material. This will force the first layers to remain perfectly flat and can be adjusted through slicing software based on manufacturer’s recommendations. Recalibrate by going through calibration process and levelling printing bed. Finally, use rafts if there is an adhesion or contact problem. ..
10. Get the First Layer Right
If something goes wrong with the first layer of your print, chances are you’ll have an ugly print. Before you start printing, make sure the print bed is correctly leveled. An unlevel bed is a cause for most failed prints. Afterward, adjust the height of the nozzle and the flow rate.
11. Prevent Cracking
If you want to keep your print looking new, you need to cool it off quickly. Cracked prints will show through and make the print look less professional.
- Talk to your partner about the issue.
- Seek professional help. ..
Adjust the extruder temperature in small increments while not going beyond the filament manufacturer’s recommended values. ..
If your computer is overheating, you might want to adjust the fan speed. This will help to keep the computer cool and prevent warping or other deformations. ..
12. Prevent Stringing
When printing 3D FDM models, it is important to be aware of the stringy plastic issues that can occur. Stringy plastic can form on the model when the extruder moves from one point to another, making it difficult to print correctly.
- Check the power cord. Make sure it’s properly plugged in and that there’s no obstructions in the way of the electricity.
- Check the breaker box. Make sure it’s working and that there are no obstacles in its path.
- Check your air conditioning unit. Make sure it’s on and that the filters are clean.
The extruder is overloading and is leaking out too quickly. Lower the temperature by a few degrees so it doesn’t leak out so quickly.
If the printer doesn’t move quickly enough on its X or Y-axis, the extruder can leave thin strings of plastic behind. To increase the movement speed, adjust the slicing software’s settings.
To adjust the retraction speed setting on your 3D printer, you will need to know the material your printer uses. For PLA, a slow retraction speed will cause the filament to ooze through the nozzle before the extruder can reach its new position. This will spread the plastic from point A to point B like a spider web. If you are using ABS, a fast retraction speed will cause the filament to be pulled straight out of the nozzle and into your work area.
3D Printing Can Be Challenging
When creating a 3D model, it is highly satisfying. However, there are many variables that can go wrong and it is impossible to cover everything in one article. There are many things to keep in mind when printing a 3D model, so make sure your printer is properly calibrated and use high-quality filament. Once that’s out of the way, go through each troubleshooting step.
I had a 3D printing issue that I wanted to share with you. I printed a part that was not supposed to be printed and it ended up coming out crooked. I would like to know more about what happened and how I can fix it so that it doesn’t happen again in the future.
