If you own a 3D printer in Singapore, you may have encountered various issues while printing. From poor adhesion to messy overhangs, even experienced users face challenges in achieving perfect prints. Understanding these common mistakes and how to fix them will help improve your 3D printing results and make your experience more enjoyable.
This guide covers the most frequent 3D printing errors, their causes, and practical solutions to ensure smooth and successful prints every time.
Poor Bed Adhesion
Causes of Poor Bed Adhesion
One of the most common problems in 3D printing is prints not sticking to the bed. This issue can be caused by:
- An uneven print bed
- A dirty or greasy print surface
- Incorrect first layer height
- Low bed temperature (for some materials)
How to Fix It
- Level the print bed – Ensure that your bed is properly levelled. Use a piece of paper to check that the nozzle is just touching the surface at all corners.
- Clean the print bed – Remove dust, grease, or leftover filament using isopropyl alcohol.
- Adjust the first layer height – Set the nozzle close enough to the bed to allow good adhesion without squishing the filament too much.
- Use an adhesion aid – Apply glue stick, painter’s tape, or a PEI sheet to improve grip.
- Increase the bed temperature – For materials like ABS, raising the bed temperature can help prevent warping.
Warping and Curling
Causes of Warping
Warping occurs when the edges of the print lift from the bed, causing deformed prints. This happens due to:
- Rapid cooling of the filament
- Incorrect bed temperature
- Poor adhesion to the print surface
How to Fix It
- Increase the bed temperature – This helps the first layers stay warm and stick properly.
- Use an enclosure – Enclosures trap heat, keeping prints at a stable temperature.
- Enable a brim or raft – These additional layers help anchor the print to the bed.
- Reduce cooling fan speed – Slowing down the fan for the first few layers prevents rapid cooling that leads to warping.
Stringing and Oozing
Causes of Stringing
Stringing occurs when excess filament oozes between print sections, creating thin threads. This is usually caused by:
- Improper retraction settings
- High printing temperature
- Fast travel movements
How to Fix It
- Enable retraction – Adjust the retraction distance and speed to pull the filament back when moving between sections.
- Lower the print temperature – Reduce the nozzle temperature to prevent excess melting.
- Increase travel speed – Faster movements between print areas reduce the chance of oozing.
- Use combing mode – This setting keeps the nozzle inside the print, avoiding unnecessary travel moves.
Under-Extrusion (Thin or Missing Layers)
Causes of Under-Extrusion
Under-extrusion occurs when the printer does not output enough filament, leading to weak and incomplete prints. This can result from:
- A partially clogged nozzle
- Incorrect extrusion multiplier or flow rate
- Low print temperature
- Filament feeding issues
How to Fix It
- Clean or replace the nozzle – If the nozzle is clogged, use a cleaning needle or replace it if needed.
- Adjust the flow rate – Increase the extrusion multiplier in the slicer settings.
- Raise the printing temperature – Ensure the filament is melting properly by slightly increasing the temperature.
- Check the filament spool – Make sure the filament is feeding smoothly without tangling or excessive resistance.
Over-Extrusion (Blobby and Overfilled Prints)
Causes of Over-Extrusion
Over-extrusion leads to excess filament being deposited, creating blobby prints and rough surfaces. Common causes include:
- Extrusion multiplier set too high
- Incorrect filament diameter settings
- Nozzle temperature too high
How to Fix It
- Reduce the extrusion multiplier – Lower the flow rate in the slicer settings.
- Check the filament diameter – Ensure your printer’s settings match the actual filament size (e.g., 1.75mm or 2.85mm).
- Lower the nozzle temperature – Reducing heat can prevent excessive filament flow.
Layer Shifting
Causes of Layer Shifting
Layer shifting results in misaligned layers, making prints look distorted. The main causes are:
- Loose belts or pulleys
- Print speed too high
- Sudden printer movements or bumps
How to Fix It
- Tighten belts and pulleys – Ensure the printer’s movement system is secure.
- Reduce print speed – Slower speeds allow for more accurate layer placement.
- Avoid external vibrations – Place the printer on a stable surface to prevent accidental shifts.
Poor Print Surface Quality
Causes of Poor Surface Finish
Rough or uneven surfaces can be caused by:
- Too high or low layer height
- Poor cooling settings
- Inconsistent extrusion
How to Fix It
- Optimise layer height – Use an appropriate layer height based on the nozzle size.
- Enable proper cooling – Cooling fans should be used effectively, especially for PLA prints.
- Check filament quality – Low-quality filaments can produce inconsistent extrusion.
Gaps in Top Layers (Poor Infill Coverage)
Causes of Top Layer Gaps
If the top layers of your print are not solid, you may be facing:
- Low infill percentage
- Not enough top layers
- Under-extrusion
How to Fix It
- Increase top layer count – More top layers result in a smoother, more solid surface.
- Use a higher infill density – A stronger infill helps support the top layers.
- Fix under-extrusion issues – Ensure proper filament flow and nozzle health.
Nozzle Clogging
Causes of Clogging
A clogged nozzle leads to inconsistent extrusion and failed prints. Causes include:
- Dust and debris in filament
- Printing at too low a temperature
- Using low-quality filament
How to Fix It
- Clean the nozzle regularly – Use a needle or atomic pull method to remove clogs.
- Store filament properly – Keep it in a dry, dust-free environment.
- Use high-quality filament – Cheap filaments often contain impurities that can clog nozzles.
Conclusion
Owning a 3D printer in Singapore comes with a learning curve, but knowing how to troubleshoot common mistakes can significantly improve your prints. By identifying and fixing issues like bed adhesion, stringing, warping, and extrusion problems, you can achieve high-quality results with ease.
With patience and the right settings, 3D printing can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to create functional and artistic prints with confidence. If you are facing persistent issues, experimenting with different slicer settings and materials can help fine-tune your prints.
Would you like recommendations on the best settings for your specific printer model? Let us know, and we’ll help optimise your printing process!
