First Layer Not Sticking to the Bed? Here's What to Do
If your 3D printer's first layer won't stick to the bed, the cause is usually leveling, Z offset, a dirty surface or temperature. A step-by-step fix.
Troubleshooting
Common 3D printing defects, what causes them and step-by-step fixes. 12 articles in this category.
How to Clear a Clogged Nozzle: Cold Pull and Other Methods
If your 3D printer's nozzle is clogged, filament won't come out or comes out thin. Cold pull, needle cleaning and nozzle replacement, step by step.
How to Prevent Stringing in 3D Prints
If thin strands like cobwebs form between parts of a 3D print, you have stringing. Reliable fixes using retraction, temperature and moisture control.
Warping: How to Prevent Lifting Corners in 3D Printing
Warping is when the corners of a print lift off the bed and curl. A guide to preventing it with bed temperature, brim, enclosure and cooling settings.
Layer Shifting: Causes and How to Fix It
If part of your print has shifted sideways, you have layer shifting. A fix guide covering belt tension, pulleys, motor current and speed settings.
Under-Extrusion: Why Your Printer Prints Too Little Plastic
Gaps, thin walls and broken lines in a print are signs of under-extrusion. A guide to fixing it by checking clogs, temperature, e-steps and flow.
Layer Separation and Cracking: Why Layers Don't Bond
If layers split apart or a part cracks along layer lines, the problem is layer adhesion. Fix it with temperature, fan, speed and enclosure settings.
Elephant's Foot: What It Is and How to Fix It
When the bottom layers of a part bulge outward, it is called elephant's foot. A guide to fixing it with Z offset, bed temperature and slicer compensation.
Ghosting (Ringing): Ripples After Corners on Your Prints
Repeating ripples after corners are a sign of ghosting (ringing). Reduce vibration with speed, acceleration, belt tension and input shaping.
Z Banding (Z Wobble): Regular Lines on the Side of a Print
Horizontal bands repeating at regular intervals on a part's side are a sign of Z banding. Fix them with the Z screw, coupler, bed temperature and layer height.
How to Fix Holes and Pillowing on the Top Surface
Holes, bumps or roughness on the top surface of a part are signs of pillowing. Fix it with top layer count, infill and cooling settings.
Extruder Clicking: What to Check When It Happens
If your 3D printer's extruder clicks, the gear cannot push the filament. Fix it by checking clogs, low temperature, Z offset and tension.