3D printing parts common quality problem solving guide

If you want to improve print quality, this guide is a good place to start.

The guide contains more than 20 frequently asked questions

Each corresponds to several possibilities and corresponding solutions

This article has been specially rearranged

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1. After starting printing, consumables are not extruded
2. The printed consumables cannot be glued to the platform
3. Under-Extrusion
4. Over-Extrusion
5. Holes or gaps appear in the top laye
6. Brushed or hung material
7. superheating
8. Layer misalignment
9. The layer is cracked or disconnected
10. Grinding Filament
11. Nozzle clogging
12. In the middle of printing, extrusion stops
13. Weak Infill
14. Spots and scars
15. Fill the gap with the outline
16. Curly and rough corner
17. Top surface scar
18. Holes and gaps in bottom corners
19. Side linear texture
20. Vibration and loop texture
21. There are gaps in the thin walls
22. The details can't be printed
23. Extrusion instability
24. Warping
25. Poor Surface Above Supports
26. Dimensional Accuracy
27. Poor Bridging

Here is a guide to common quality issues in 3D printed parts and their potential solutions:

Layer Lines:

Issue: Visible lines or ridges between each printed layer.

Solution:

a. Adjust layer height: Decrease the layer height for smoother prints.

b. Increase print speed: Faster prints can help blend the layers.

c. Enable smoothing features: Some slicer software offers options to smooth the surface appearance.

Warping:

Issue: Corners or edges of the print lift or curl.

Solution:

a. Use a heated bed: Maintain a consistent temperature to prevent warping.

b. Apply a suitable bed adhesive: Use glue stick, hairspray, or specialized bed adhesives to improve adhesion.

c. Enclose the printer: Create a controlled environment to minimize temperature fluctuations.

Stringing or Oozing:

Issue: Thin strands of filament between different printed parts or areas.

Solution:

a. Adjust retraction settings: Increase retraction distance to reduce filament oozing during travel moves.

b. Optimize temperature: Find the optimal temperature for your filament to minimize stringing.

c. Enable coasting or wiping: These features help reduce stringing by stopping extrusion slightly before the end of a print move.

Infill Issues:

Issue: Gaps or infill inconsistencies within the printed part.

Solution:

a. Increase infill density: Use a higher infill percentage to improve part strength and reduce gaps.

b. Adjust infill pattern: Try different infill patterns to achieve better coverage and reduce gaps.

c. Check extrusion calibration: Ensure accurate extrusion to prevent under-extrusion or over-extrusion issues.

Overhangs and Bridging:

Issue: Poorly formed or sagging sections on overhanging or bridging parts.

Solution:

a. Enable supports: Use support structures to provide a foundation for overhanging sections.

b. Adjust cooling settings: Increase fan speed or enable print cooling to enhance overhang and bridging performance.

c. Modify print orientation: Rotate the model to improve support generation and reduce the length of overhangs.

Remember, troubleshooting 3D printing issues often involves a combination of adjustments to slicer settings, printer hardware, and material choices. It's important to experiment and iterate to find the optimal settings for your specific printer and filament.

Source: SIMPLIFY3D official