Solutions to Common Printing Problems

Since the inception of 3D Platform, our engineers have attained valuable expertise in understanding the nuances and potential issues associated with 3D printing. Below are some brief descriptions of the most common printing problems, their causes, and how you can avoid them. To see more in-depth information on each, click on the link at the end of each problem-solution section.

Oozing Filament and Poor Print Quality

Print Quality:

  • Thick, wide beads of filament
  • Bulging, oozing beads of filament
  • Oversized, not to specification

Problem included a combination of settings:

  • Nozzle temperature too high
  • Print speed too slow
  • Flow rate (extrusion multiplier) too high resulting in too much material pushing through the nozzle
Failed image for Oozing Filament & Poor Print Quality
Fixed image for Oozing Filament & Poor Print Quality.

See the steps for corrective action by downloading the entire Oozing Filament and Poor Print Quality Problem-Solution Case Study.

Blobs and Zits

Print Quality:

  • The print has several blobs or zits on the outside of the print.
  • Surface finish does not look good

Problem included a combination of settings:

  • Retraction settings are not set correctly. These settings should be adjusted to avoid over-extrusion at a starting or stopping point of the extruder.
  • Retraction Distance: Bad Print: .10mm
  • Start Points: Bad Print: Use random start points for all perimeters

See the steps for corrective action by downloading the entire Blobs and Zits Problem-Solution Case Study.

Common Model Errors

Print Quality:

  • The model has self intersecting faces.  
  • These faces result in the slicer printing surfaces in areas that will ultimately cause print failure.

Problem:

The model was created using several different solid models that intersected one another. These models can exist in the virtual world but not in the physical world. This causes major issues for the slicing software.

Problem solution case study for Common Model Errors.
Problem solution case study for Fixed Common Model Errors.

See the steps for corrective action by downloading the entire Common Model Errors Problem-Solution Case Study.

De-laminating Layers

Print Quality:

The thin object cracks. Other terms for this cracking are layer de-lamination, layer separation, and splitting.

Problem:

Poor quality material. Print temperature too low. Printer environment and cooling too quickly can cause layer splitting as well.

Failed image for De-Laminating Layers

See the steps for corrective action by downloading the entire De-laminating Layers Problem-Solution Case Study.

Separation Layers

Print Quality:

The support material is adhered too strongly to the desired part. It took about 20 minutes of work to aggressively remove it with a screw driver and needle nose pliers, the print is scarred badly and may not be usable.

Problem:

The separation layers are not set correctly. The support material will print directly in contact with the solid layers.
  • Horizontal Offset from Part: 0.00mm
  • Upper Vertical Separation Layers: 0
  • Lower Vertical Separation Layers: 0

See the steps for corrective action by downloading the entire Separation Layers Problem-Solution Case Study.

Stringing

Print Quality:

The nozzle leaves spider-web-like strings between prints or portions of the same print. The printer stops printing to perform a travel move but the nozzle still leaks and slightly strings from one print to the other.

Problem:

The retraction settings must be set properly. Lowering the print temperature slightly in some cases may help, this should not be the first option. Verify that the retraction settings are properly set before adjusting print temperature. Retraction Distance: 0.00mm

See the steps for corrective action by downloading the entire Stringing Problem-Solution Case Study.

Support Material Adhesion

Print Quality:

  • The original model failed because the support material did not adhere to the print bed.
  • By using a Brim or Raft that is wide enough to give the support a base to build from, the problem is eliminated.

Problem:

The support material did not stick to the print surface. Minimal surface contact did not allow the material to adhere properly.

  • Use Skirt/ Brim: Yes
  • Skirt Offset from Part: 0.00mm
  • Skirt Outlines: 10

See the steps for corrective action by downloading the entire Support Material Adhesion Problem-Solution Case Study.

Thin Walls and Damaging Support

Print Quality:

  • Thin walls of the model
  • Steep overhangs require supports
  • Support structure settings did not allow for clean removal–damaging the part in some areas

Problem:

  • Outside perimeters and infill settings created a weak, thin part
  • Support structure settings were too dense, without enough separation from the part

See the steps for corrective action by downloading the entire Thin Walls and Damaging Support Problem-Solution Case Study.

Underextrusion

Print Quality:

  • Walls of the print are not adhering to the solid layers of the printed part.
  • Outlines will have slight gaps between each of the outer wall layers printed.

Problem:

Extrusion multiplier set too low. Underextrusion occurs when the extruder does not supply enough material as fast as it is needed to complete the print. In this case, the amount of material was limited by the extrusion multiplier to 85%.

See the steps for corrective action by downloading the entire Underextrusion Problem-Solution Case Study.

Warping

Print Quality:

Thin features on the print warp off of the bed after several layers of printing.

Problem:

The material creates tension on the thin features of the part as it cools and begins to pull away from the print surface. Use Skirt/Brim: No 

See the steps for corrective action by downloading the entire Warping Problem-Solution Case Study.