Troubleshooting Common Issues

# Troubleshooting Common 3D Printing Issues Prints failing? Don't panic. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them. ## 1. Prints Not Sticking (Bed Adhesion) The #1 problem for everyone. * **Cause:** Nozzle too far from bed, or dirty bed. * **Fix:** 1. **Clean the Bed:** Fingerprints destroy adhesion. Clean with Dish Soap and Warm Water. 2. **Lower Z-Offset:** The nozzle needs to squish the first layer slightly. 3. **Increase Bed Temp:** Try adding 5°C. > [!TIP] > If you have a smooth PEI sheet, a light scuff with fine steel wool can help PLA stick better. ## 2. Stringing Fine cobwebs between parts of your print. * **Cause:** Temperature too high or retraction too low. * **Fix:** 1. **Dry your filament!** Wet filament is the main cause of stringing. 2. Lower print temperature. 3. Perform a "Retraction Test". > [!NOTE] > Buying a **Filament Dryer** is one of the best upgrades you can make for print quality. This is especially true for PETG and TPU. ## 3. Layer Shifts The print looks like stairs or shifted to the side. * **Cause:** Loose belts or printer bumped. * **Fix:** Tighten your X and Y axis belts. They should twang like a guitar string. ## 4. Elephant's Foot The bottom few layers of the print bulge out. * **Cause:** Nozzle too close or bed too hot. * **Fix:** Slightly raise Z-offset or lower bed temp by 5°C. ## 5. Warping The corners of the print lift off the bed, bending upwards. * **Cause:** Uneven cooling (drafts) or poor adhesion. * **Fix:** 1. **Block Drafts:** Close windows/doors. Even a ceiling fan can cause warping. 2. **Use a Brim:** In your slicer, enable "Build Plate Adhesion > Brim". This adds a wide flat layer around your print to hold it down. 3. **Check Bed Temp:** Ensure it's hot enough (60°C for PLA). ## 6. Clogged Nozzle (Flow Stops) The printer is moving, but nothing (or very little) is coming out. * **Fix:** 1. **Heat & Push:** Heat nozzle to 240°C and try to manually push filament through. 2. **Cold Pull (The Atomic Method):** * Heat nozzle to 200°C, insert filament. * Cool down to 90°C. * Yank the filament out quickly. It should pull the dirt out with it. 3. **Needle:** Use the thin acupuncture needle that came with your printer to clear the tip. ## 7. Under-Extrusion (Clicking Extruder) Your extruder motor makes a "clicking" or "thumping" sound, and the print looks spongy or has missing layers. * **Cause:** The motor is trying to push filament, but it can't move. * **Fix:** * **Check for Clogs:** See above. * **Printing Too Fast:** Slow down the print speed. * **Temperature Too Low:** The plastic isn't melting fast enough. Increase temp by 5-10°C.