Common 3D printing issues and how to solve them

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Common issues a beginner will face when 3D printing

3D printing is becoming more and more popular, with most industries becoming familiar with it to design and create objects. 3D printing is suitable for all levels, but it can be overwhelming for a beginner when they run into issues they are not familiar with. In this blog post, we will explore some common issues a beginner might face when 3D printing with a filament 3D printer (FFF/FDM printer) and some tips on how to troubleshoot these.

3D print is not sticking to the print bed

In order for your object to be printed successfully, the first layer must be firmly attached to the bed of the printer. The first layer of your print will give you a good indication of whether your print will be successful or not. If the object becomes loose whilst printing the first layer, your print will fail. There are a couple of reasons why your filament might not be sticking to the bed, but they are easily fixed. The first thing you should do is check if your print bed is clean as this can affect your bed adhesion.

Check if your print bed is level

A vast majority of 3D printing issues are caused by bad print bed levelling, so it is alway important to check if your print bed is completely level. The best way for a beginner to manually level their 3D printer’s print bed, is by using a sheet of paper. This will gauge the distance between the nozzle and print bed of your 3D printer.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to level your print bed using paper:

First you must lower the springs of your print bed and select ‘Auto Home’ on your printer.
You will then need to disable the stepper motors on your 3D printer, as this will allow you to move the print head by hand.
Starting in the front left corner, place a sheet of paper on the print bed and then raise the print bed until the nozzle barely touches the paper.
Slowly move the print head to the front right corner and repeat.
Repeat this process on the remaining corners, and complete the levelling process in the centre of the print bed.
To achieve the best results, you should repeat this whole process two or three times.
Once you have completed these steps, you can start a test print and adjust your Z-offset to achieve the best 3D print.

Once you become more confident at 3D printing, you can purchase an auto bed levelling sensor, but it is best for beginners to learn how to do it manually.

Auto bed levelling

Adjust the temperature of your print bed

Sometimes you may have to adjust the temperature of your print bed. As different types of filament usually have a different printing temperature, it is worth noting the preferred temperature for the material before you print. This way, your object should attach to the bed immediately.

Use adhesive spray

Using an adhesive spray is also another way to improve your bed adhesion. This can provide excellent adhesion for PLA, ABS, PETG and other materials as the spray or glue becomes sticky when it warms up. These sprays are also water soluble, so you can easily clean your print bed afterwards.

Layer adhesion issues are leaving gaps in your print

A 3D print is made up of numerous layers adhering to each other to form a whole. A common issue beginners will experience is the layers of the print separating from one another. This will create gaps between the layers of your print. We have outlined a few ways you can fix this problem below.

Layer height is too large

When your layer height is too large, your layers do not adhere properly. The best way to adjust your layer height is by printing a ‘stress test’, such as “Benchy”. While printing this small model, you can lower the height by 0.2 points until you have achieved the most suitable height. Once you have done this, you should notice the layers adhering again.

Print temperature is incorrect

If layer height is not the issue, then it’s worth looking at the print temperature. If the filament is not hot enough, the layers cannot adhere correctly and therefore separate. You may have to double-check that your print temperature is suitable for your filament type. In our Help Centre, you will find a 3D Filament comparison chart, with the melting temperature of the different types of filament. Increasing or decreasing the temperature can improve the adhesion.

Room temperature is affecting your print

Room temperature is another factor that you might have to consider, as this can affect your print quality. Your room temperature will not always be consistent, so you must take into consideration that your print won’t cool as effectively in the summer if it is 30 + degrees. If you print in a well ventilated area, you should be able to avoid issues like this.

Decrease your print speed

If none of the above are working, have a look at your printing speed. If your print head moves too quickly then your material will not have enough time to adhere properly. Decrease the print speed in steps of 10mm per second and see if this works!

Spider Web-like threads are appearing on your print

When thin spider web-like threads remain on your print, this is known as ‘stringing’. This happens when the nozzle or print head leaks plastic while moving, because the filament has not been retracted completely back into the nozzle. It’s best if you check the retraction distance of your printhead first.

The more the filament is retracted back in, the less chance there is of oozing. To avoid this, you can increase the retraction distance by 1mm at a time. If the filament is retracted too slowly, this will also cause stringing issues. The ideal retraction speed may differ for each material, so this may be something you have to adjust a few times before getting it right. However, you must be cautious as too much retraction can clog your nozzle and PTFE tube with filament.

Using the coasting setting on your 3D printer is also a good option to avoid these thin threads. This means your extruder will slow the flow of filament slightly, so when the actual retraction occurs, there’s no filament left in the nozzle. This way, you can move to a new location of your 3D print without leaving a mess behind!

Stringing can also occur if the extruder temperature is too hot. This causes the filament to liquidise and therefore leak out of the print head. If you try lowering the temperature by 3 to 5 degrees at a time, you should be able to solve this.

Here is an example of a spider web-like threads on a 3D print:

How to prevent the corners of your 3D print from curling

Sometimes you may notice your print ‘warping’ or ‘curling’ on the edges. This can occur if the filament does not cool down fast enough or if the filament cannot adhere to the print bed properly. To stop this, you can check your bed adhesion, which we already discussed above or simply provide good cooling.

To provide good cooling, you can increase the settings on your 3D printer cooling fan so that the filament cools down faster. Lowering the print temperature can also help to avoid warping.

Another option is to install a heated mat on the print bed of your 3D printer. When your bed is heated, it reduces the tendency for your 3D prints to curl or warp because it keeps the whole print at the same temperature. This way, the whole 3D print can cool at the same pace, without any curled corners!

By taking these steps, your print should cool down correctly and eliminate the chances of a failed print.

Avoid your 3D printer nozzle becoming clogged

If the nozzle of your extruder becomes clogged this can easily result in poor quality prints or even failed prints. This can happen if the nozzle becomes blocked with old or burnt filament residue, or even with dust. We recommend that you clean the nozzle preventatively with every filament change to avoid this.

Clean efficiently using cleaning filament

The most common and efficient way of cleaning your nozzle is by using a cleaning filament. You must heat the nozzle to the temperature you last 3D printed with, feed the cleaning filament through the Bowden tube, like you would with a regular 3D filament, and set the print to extrude automatically. You should see old filament being pushed out of the nozzle, with the cleaning filament following. Keep extruding until no other residue comes out.

Cleaning filament

‘Cold Pull’ Technique

The ‘cold pull’ is a technique to clean the nozzle on your 3D printer using Nylon filament. Nylon filament can be used to remove filament residue because it has a melting temperature of up to 260°C.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform the ‘cold pull’ technique:

Remove the 3D filament you are already using and remove the Bowden tube also. This way you can push the Nylon filament through manually.
Heat the nozzle to the melting temperature of Nylon filament (260°C) and make sure the nozzle stays at this temperature for at least five minutes.
Push the Nylon filament through manually, and move the filament up and down so old filament residue will adhere to the Nylon.
Leave the Nylon filament in the nozzle and lower the temperature to 140°C. Again, make sure the nozzle stays at this temperature for at least five minutes.
Once it cools, pull the filament completely out of the nozzle. The Nylon filament should be covered with black char.
Repeat this process until the Nylon filament comes out completely clean.

Remove filament residue using a needle

If you’ve come across some really stubborn filament residue, then perhaps you need to use a little force. Once the extruder has cooled down and you have removed the 3D filament you were using, you should take a needle and gently push the filament through the nozzle. We then suggest you carry out your ‘cold pull’ technique or cleaning filament regime.

3D printing is an enjoyable pastime, so you shouldn’t let common issues like these hold you back. By following these tips, you will be able to 3D print with no difficulties.

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Common Questions

What are the most common issues that a beginner 3D printer will face?

Stringing is one of the most common issues amongst 3D printing beginners. A lot of 3D print fails stem from the same issues such as incorrect print temperature, print speed and print bed adhesion. However, with our tips above and in our Help Centre, as well as some practice, this shouldn’t be a problem!

What is the best way to clean the nozzle of the extruder on my 3D printer?

Using cleaning filament is the best way to clean the nozzle of the extruder on your 3D printer. Simply feed the cleaning filament into your 3D printer as you would with a regular 3D filament and set the printer to extrude. For trickier nozzle clogs, you may have to use a technique from above.

How do I check if my print bed is level?

You should use a sheet of paper to check if your 3D printer’s print bed is level. This will gauge the distance between the nozzle and print bed of your 3D printer. By checking the distance between the nozzle and print bed in each corner and the centre, you should be able to ensure the bed is level.

If you have any further questions, why not contact us and our 3D printing specialist will be happy to help! Or have a look at our Help Centre - we have loads of information on other 3D printing problems.

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Common issues a beginner will face when 3D printing