Troubleshooting Gallery
Identify and fix common 3D printing problems
16
Total Problems6
Categories3
Critical Issues6
Easy FixesFilter by Category
Stringing (Thin Wisps)
Thin strands of plastic appear between separate parts of your print, like spider webs.
Layer Separation/Delamination
Printed layers don't stick together properly, causing the print to split apart along layer lines.
Corner Warping
Corners of the print lift up from the bed during printing, causing warping and potential print failure.
Under-Extrusion
Not enough plastic is being extruded, resulting in weak prints with gaps and missing layers.
Over-Extrusion
Too much plastic is being extruded, causing blobs, poor surface finish, and dimensional inaccuracy.
First Layer Not Sticking
The first layer doesn't adhere to the build plate, causing print failure.
Z-Axis Banding/Ribbing
Regular horizontal lines or waves appear on vertical surfaces, creating a ribbed texture.
Layer Shifting
Layers suddenly shift horizontally mid-print, creating a stepped or offset appearance.
Elephant's Foot
First layer is wider than the rest of the print, creating a bulge at the bottom like an elephant's foot.
Pillowing (Top Surface)
The top surface has bumps, gaps, or a pillow-like appearance instead of being smooth and solid.
Blobs and Zits
Small bumps, blobs, or pimples appear on the outer surface of prints.
Weak or Spongy Infill
The internal infill structure is weak, spongy, or poorly formed, weakening the entire print.
Supports Hard to Remove
Support structures are difficult or impossible to remove without damaging the print.
Nozzle Clog/Jam
Filament is not extruding or extruding intermittently due to a blockage in the nozzle.
Poor Bridging
Filament sags or fails when printing horizontal spans between supports.
Ringing/Ghosting
Wavy patterns appear on flat surfaces after sharp corners or direction changes, like ripples in water.
Troubleshooting Tips
Start Simple
- Try the easiest solutions first
- Make one change at a time
- Document what works
Common Causes
- 80% of problems: bed leveling, temperature, or retraction
- Check mechanical issues if problems persist
- Verify filament is dry and good quality
Prevention
- Regular maintenance prevents issues
- Keep a log of successful settings
- Calibrate regularly