In 3D printing, several common quality issues can arise, affecting the final print’s appearance and functionality.
Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems:
Layer Separation:
This occurs when the layers of the print do not bond properly, leading to a weak structure that can easily break apart. It’s often caused by inadequate layer adhesion due to factors like incorrect temperature settings, poor filament quality, or insufficient cooling.
Warping:
Warping happens when the edges or corners of a print curl up or lift away from the print bed. It’s a common issue with materials like ABS and PETG, which can contract as they cool. Warping is usually caused by insufficient bed adhesion, inadequate cooling, or improper temperature settings.
Stringing:
This issue appears as thin strands of filament connecting parts of the print that should be separate.
Stringing is typically caused by excessive oozing of the filament from the nozzle between movements, often due to too high a temperature or insufficient retraction settings.
Under-Extrusion:
Under-extrusion results in insufficient filament being extruded, leading to gaps or incomplete layers in the print.
It can be caused by various factors, including clogged nozzles, low filament quality, incorrect extruder settings, or issues with the filament itself.
Over-Extrusion:
This is the opposite of under-extrusion, where too much filament is extruded, causing blobs or excessive material buildup. It can be due to incorrect extrusion multiplier settings, high print speeds, or filament that is too viscous.
Poor Bed Adhesion:
Poor bed adhesion can cause the print to lift off the bed during printing, leading to a failed print. It’s often caused by an unlevel print bed, incorrect bed temperature, or insufficient bed surface preparation.
Elephant’s Foot:
This term describes the bulging or flaring at the base of a print, making it wider than intended.
It’s usually caused by excessive pressure from the first layer due to factors like high print speed, insufficient cooling, or incorrect first layer settings.
Infill Issues:
Problems with infill can include inconsistent patterns, gaps, or visible infill through the outer walls. These issues can be due to incorrect infill settings, under-extrusion, or poor layer adhesion.
Surface Imperfections:
These can include rough textures, visible layer lines, or other surface defects. They can be caused by factors like incorrect print speed, temperature, or filament quality.
Dimensional Inaccuracy:
Prints may not match the intended dimensions due to issues like incorrect printer calibration, filament shrinkage, or improper print settings.
Addressing these issues typically involves adjusting print settings, ensuring proper printer maintenance, and using high-quality filament.
