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Common 3d Printing Problems

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Troubleshooting Guide to Common 3D Printing Problems | All3DP

Try increasing the print bed temperature by increments of 5 degrees

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

In the slicer software take a look at the fan cooling, this is usually set so the cooling fans switch to full power at a height of around 0.5mm, try extending this to 0.75 to give the base layers a little more time to cool naturally.

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

Even if your printer has a heated print platform, it’s always recommended that you use glue and regularly calibrate the bed level

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

3D Printing Problem Checklist: Warping

Use a heated print platform Add an adhesive to the print platform Swap from glass to an adhesive print bed Calibrate print bed Add platforms or rafts Adjust advance the temperature and fan settings

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

This is by far the most common issue and is really easy to resolve. In your slicing software locate the ‘Infill Overlap’ option and increase the value.

In Cura this is set to 15% by default. Raise it to 30%.

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

In normal print conditions wall thickness should be directly related to the nozzle size, so if you have a 0.4mm nozzle the wall thickness should be a multiple of this: 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and so forth.

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

Most slicing software will enable you to activate Infill prints after perimeters.

In Cura open up the ‘Expert Settings’ and under the Infill section tick the box next to ‘Infill prints after perimeters’

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

If you find that the top section of the belt is tighter than the bottom then this is a sure-fire sign that they need a tweak and tighten.

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

A quick wipe and re-oil of the rods usually solves the issue

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

Many printers use threaded rods rather than lead screws and although these do the job, they do have a tendency to bend over time. Don’t worry about dismantling your printer to see if they’re straight, simply use control software such as ‘Printrun’ to move the print head up or down. If one of the Z-axis rods is bent you’ll instantly see.

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

Gaps between Infill and Outer Wall

This is by far the most common issue and is really easy to resolve. In your slicing software locate the ‘Infill Overlap’ option and increase the value

In Cura this is set to 15% by default. Raise it to 30%.

[…]

3D PRINTING TROUBLESHOOTING TIP: PRINT INFILL BEFORE THE PERIMETER SHELL

If you’re printing with a relatively thin outer wall the structure of the infill can show through. If this happens then you can switch the order by which the printer lays down the infill and perimeter layers. For example, in Cura check to see if you have ‘Infill prints after perimeters’ ticked.

[…]

3D PRINTING TROUBLESHOOTING TIP: LOWER PRINT SPEED

Okay, so you may be in a rush to get the printout, but printing at higher speeds can cause all sorts of issues if the printer isn’t perfectly calibrated. If you need to print quickly you can still avoid gaps by decreasing the speed of the top layer. […]

3D Printing Problem Checklist: Gaps Between Infill and Outer Wall

  • Check the infill overlap
  • Printing infill before the perimeter
  • Increase hot end temperature
  • Lower print speed

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

Cracks Have Appeared in Tall Objects

[…]

In a print’s higher layers, the material cools faster. The heat from the heated print bed doesn’t reach that high, and because of this, adhesion in the upper layers is lower.

[…]

Start by increasing the extruder temperature; a good start would be to increase it by 10ºC. On the side of your filament box you’ll see the working hot end temperatures, try to keep the temperature adjustment within these values.

[…]

Double check your fans, make sure that they’re on and aimed at the model. If they are, try reducing their speed.

[…]

3D Printing Problem Checklist: Cracks In Tall Objects

  • Check the hot end temperature and raise it in 10-degree intervals
  • Check the position and speed of the cooling fans

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

gaps in the model

because some layers have been skipped (in part or completely).

[…]

keeping everything well-oiled is essential to the smooth running of the machine.

[…]

Sewing machine oil is ideal and can be purchased from almost any haberdashery at a relatively inexpensive price.

[…]

  • Check over the mechanics and make sure everything is tight
  • Double-check the printer’s construction and alignment
  • Listen out for worn bearings and bent rods
  • Add a little oil to keep things running smooth

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

In your slicing software check the infill density. A value of around 20% is normal; any less than this and you’re likely to have issues

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

If the infill is looking week then decrease the infill print speed

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/

, in Cura check to see if you have ‘Infill prints after perimeters’ ticked.

— https://all3dp.com/1/common-3d-printing-problems-troubleshooting-3d-printer-issues/