3D Printing Troubleshooting: All FDM Problems and Solutions (2)

3D Printing Troubleshooting: A Collection of All Problems and Solutions (FDM and SLA)

I think you have encountered many printing failures, such as warping of printed parts, print bed sticking, layer shifting, etc.3D printing errors and other problems, today, based on our 3D printer troubleshooting experience, Mohou.com has compiled the most comprehensive guide to diagnosing and fixing common 3D printing problems related to FDM and SLA technology.

FDM 3D Printing Issues:Printing failed

1、Extrusion stops mid-print

question:

Hot end stops extruding molten filament for several reasons

reason:

Usually this 3D printing problems can be attributed to two parts of the printing process ,Either there is a problem with the supply of consumables, or the hot end/There is a problem with the nozzle itself.AlsoIt could be a simple situation, like a exhausted filament.

Extrusion stops during 3D printingCheckCheck-list:

Check if you have enough filament

Check if the filament has fallen

Check if the nozzle is clogged

Check if the filament is broken

Troubleshooting extrusion stops during 3D printing:

Check if you have enough supplies

AlthoughMany slicers now give an estimate of your print material based on the weight of the filament spool and how much is left, which can let you know if you have enough filament to complete the print.But often people don’t pay attention to this aspect.

Check if consumables have fallen

Broken filaments can cause a print to fail midway and can be caused by a variety of issues.

Check if the nozzle is clogged

An old nozzle with clumped filament can cause various printing issues, one of which is preventing any new extrusion from settling.

Check if consumables are broken

Broken filament is a major issue that affects the extruder setup and can cause a disconnect between the extruder and the hot end. Fortunately, it’s easy to diagnose and repair。

2、Prints do not stick to the print bed

question：

Losing prints because they don’t stick to the printing platform is a common problem that is usually relatively easy to fix.

Unfortunately,3D printing can peel off almost at any time, from the first to the last layer, which is particularly annoying.

Of course it’s not always the printer’s fault, if the model you are trying to print has little contact with the platform then there is no doubt that this is the problem. issue. Imagine if you were printing an airplane and the model’s only point of contact with the print platform was the wheels. So it’s impossible to print without some type of adhesion and edges on the build plate, not including supports.

reason:

The most common cause is simply that the print does not adhere to the surface of the build platform. Filament requires a textured base to adhere to it, so to solve this problem you need to create a better bonding surface.

An uneven print platform can be another major problem. If the build platform is uneven, during certain parts of the print the nozzle will not be able to get close enough to the build platform to properly extrude and bond the first layer.

Calibration is also a big problem, and over time the distance between the nozzle and the platform increases to the point where the initial layer is dragged into the build platform rather than pushed into it.

In all of these cases, you will most likely see a filament appear on top of the half-formed model, which is simply a filament noodle or part of the model scattered around the build platform.

3D printingNon-stick print bedquestionCheckCheck-list：

Add textures

Upgrading the print bed

Adjust the height of the nozzle

Clean printing platform

Apply Build Plate Adhesive

Add supports

3D printing troubleshooting:

Add textures

To increase the chances of the filament bonding to the platform, you will want to add another material to add texture. The most common solution is to apply a thin layer of adhesive to the print platform and easily wash it off with hot water. Another option for PLA is to add decorative tape. for need For filaments with heating platforms above 40º, a variety of special tapes with improved heat resistance are now available.

Upgrading the print bed

Each printer has a different printing platform upgrade process, and some printers (such as the latest Prusa) feature an extremely reliable self-leveling system, while other printers like the Ultimaker offer a convenient step-by-step approach that guides you through the adjustment process. Check your printer manual for instructions on how to upgrade the printing platform.

Adjust the height of the nozzle

If the nozzle is too high, the filament will not stick to the platform; if it is too low, the nozzle will start to scratch the print. Found in printer settings Z-axis offset option, then make small adjustments: positive values ​​move the nozzle further from the build platform, negative values ​​move the nozzle closer to the build platform.

Clean printing platform

If you print on materials like glass, it’s a good idea to deep clean your print platform from time to time, especially if you use glue frequently. Excessive buildup of grease and glue deposits from fingerprints can cause a non-stick print platform.

Apply Build Plate Adhesion

Some models can be printed without a border, but smaller items and those with less contact area with the platform will require some type of build plate adhesive. These adhesives can be added in the slicing software–Search for “Brim” and “Raft”.

Brim” adds a specified number of radial perimeter lines where the print contacts the build platform; this is the least wasteful of the two adhesives and, in our experience, the better choice, in assuming you don’t mind using a knife to trim the edges of your print.

Raft printing is just that. Depending on the settings you specify, you will get a shadow of the printed fingerprint, printed on a thicker, more adherent layer. Then print your printout from there as usual. The raft creates a rough, unsightly surface where it contacts the print and uses more material than the edge. The nice thing about rafts is that the pieces can simply be broken off.

Add supports

In addition to increasing adhesion to the build plate, if your model has overhangs or complex members, be sure to add supports to hold the print together during the printing process.

3、Printed model support falls off model“Collapse”

question

Printing complex models requires one or two supports, and while removing supports can be inconvenient, they are unfortunately an essential part of modeling.

The function of support is very simple, that is, support, but sometimes it fails, causing the model to lose support.

You will notice that when your model is extruded, some parts of the support structure will appear uneven, cracks may develop, or they may start to look thin.

Not only is this a problem of support structure failure, but the extra filament can ruin your model instead of ensuring it prints correctly.

reason:

Support structures are complicated things and most slicing applications give you several options. It’s easy to stick to the default settings, but it’s not a guarantee 3D printed draped effect. An important consideration is the type of support structure that will keep your model stable and supported throughout the printing process.

Lines and zigzags are generally easy to remove after printing but are less rigid during the printing process. Triangles and racks provide more support but are difficult to remove.

Consider a simple bridge structure with thin columns, then consider the supports. If you choose lines or zigzags, there’s a good chance the model will move during printing, damaging fragile supports.

A rigid structure like a grid would be a better choice.

Some cutting software can print media without adhesion to the platform. If this is the case, then a medium with a small footprint would be difficult to stick directly to the printing platform.

Often, for tall models, the length of the supports can be too long, pushing thin structures to their limits. In this case, you should consider creating “Block” and other solid supports. Under large overhangs, these brackets add sturdy support.

Removing supports is tedious, so density tends to be minimized. This of course creates problems: if the supports are load-bearing, the density of the supports will have to be increased.

Old or cheap filament can be another problem. If the filament is past its optimal lifespan, during extrusion you may find that the filament does not bond properly between layers, or the extrusion may not work properly and crack, causing damage. supports. to break.

Finally, pay attention to the printing situation of the printer. If the printer moves or vibrates more than normal, check the nuts and bolts to make sure everything is tight. After performing all general checks, be sure to run the calibration procedure again.

3D printing media detachment issueself-examinationCheck-list:

Use the right type of media

Increase platform membership

Increase media density

Create supports in the model

Use a new filament

Check that everything is tight

Troubleshooting a 3D printer

Choose the right support

Take a look at the type of template you want to print. If you have large overhangs between parts of your model and those parts make good contact with the platform, you can try using in-line or zigzag supports. If the model has less contact with the platform or requires stronger support, use grid or triangular supports.

Add Deck Adhesive

Be sure to add some type of deck adhesive (like an edge) so the cardstock has enough base to adhere to it.

Increase media density

Try this method as a last resort. Increasing support density provides a denser support structure for the model, which reduces the effects of model movement, but is also more difficult to remove.

Create supports in the model

Supports that are too high are prone to weak links. By adding a tall block to the print so that it ends just below where support is needed, you provide a solid base for the support without having to print high and low supports.

Replace the filament

When the filament reaches the end of its useful life, the filament becomes brittle, which often manifests itself in the quality of the media. Change to a new filament roll and see if the problem improves

Check that everything is tight

Printer jitter and shaking can be a real problem. Go over your machine to make sure everything is tight and recalibrate if necessary.