3D Printing is an amazing technology, but it can be frustrating when your prints don’t come out the way you want them to.
There are a lot of factors that can contribute to bad print quality.
Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix your 3d print quality issues.
Step 1: Check Your Printer Settings
The first step in fixing bad print quality is to check your printer settings.
The most common settings that affect print quality are layer height, print speed, temperature, and infill. If your layer height is too high, your prints will look rough, and the details won’t be as sharp.
If your print speed is too high, your prints may not have enough time to cool, and you may end up with stringing or warping.
And if your temperature is too high or too low, your filament may not extrude properly, resulting in poor quality prints. In addition, your infill density and pattern can affect the strength and quality of your prints.
To adjust your printer settings, refer to your printer manual or software. Try adjusting one setting at a time and printing a test object to see how it affects the quality.
Make sure to keep notes on what settings you’ve changed and what the results are.
Step 2: Check Your Filament
Another common cause of bad print quality is bad filament.
Check the diameter, quality, and type of your filament. If your filament diameter is not consistent, your printer will have trouble extruding the filament evenly, resulting in poor print quality.
If your filament has absorbed moisture or has been exposed to dust or other contaminants, it may not print as well.
Make sure to store your filament properly and avoid using filament that has been exposed to moisture or contaminants. Also, make sure you are using the correct type of filament for your print, as different filaments have different requirements for temperature and settings.
Step 3: Check Your Bed Levelling
Bed levelling is crucial to getting good print quality. If your bed is not level, your prints may not stick properly, resulting in warping or curling.
To level your bed, refer to your printer manual. Make sure to use a piece of paper or feeler gauge to check the distance between the nozzle and bed at each corner and adjust the bed height accordingly.
Some printers also have automatic bed levelling features that can help ensure a level print bed.
Step 4: Check Your Extruder Calibration
Extruder calibration is another important factor in getting good print quality.
If your extruder is not calibrated properly, you may end up with under- or over-extrusion, resulting in poor print quality. To calibrate your extruder, you’ll need to do a few tests to get it right.
There are many tutorials and tools available online to help you with this process.
Step 5: Check Your Print Bed Surface
Next, check your print bed surface.
If your bed surface is not clean or is damaged, your prints may not stick properly, resulting in poor quality.
Clean your bed surface with isopropyl alcohol and make sure to replace any damaged or worn surfaces. Some printers also have removable print beds that can be easier to clean and replace.
Step 6: Reduce Vibration and Movement
Vibration and movement can also affect print quality, especially on larger or more complex prints.
Make sure your printer is on a stable surface and avoid bumping or moving it while it is printing.
You can also try adding dampers or other anti-vibration measures to reduce movement and improve print quality.
Step 7: Adjust Your Cooling Settings
Cooling is important to prevent overheating and warping of your prints.
Check your cooling settings and make sure your printer is properly cooled during the printing process. You can also try adding fans or other cooling solutions to improve cooling.
If you are experiencing stringing or other issues, adjusting your cooling settings may help.
Step 8: Check Your Nozzle
Another common cause of bad print quality is a clogged or damaged nozzle.
If your nozzle is clogged, your filament may not extrude properly, resulting in poor print quality.
To check your nozzle, heat it up and use a needle or other small tool to remove any debris or filament that may be blocking it.
If your nozzle is damaged, replace it with a new one.
Step 9: Use Support Structures
If you are printing complex or overhanging designs, using support structures can help ensure that your prints come out clean and accurate.
Support structures are temporary structures that are printed along with your main object and can be removed after printing.
Step 10: Use Rafts or Brims
In addition to support structures, using rafts or brims can help improve print quality.
Rafts and brims are extra layers that are printed at the base of your object to improve adhesion and prevent warping.
Did none of these help?
Read our blog on why you should buy an enclosure.
