Under-Extrusion
Medium to Fix
Not enough plastic is being extruded, resulting in weak prints with gaps and missing layers.
What Does It Look Like?
Gaps between perimeter lines
Weak, brittle prints
Missing layers or thin spots
Inconsistent layer thickness
Common Causes
Clogged nozzle
Low extrusion multiplier
Filament diameter incorrect in slicer
Extruder gear slipping
Solutions (Try in Order)
Start with Priority 1 solutions. Make one change at a time and test between changes.
1
Increase Extrusion Multiplier/Flow
Tell printer to extrude more material
Increase by 2-5% increments (start at 102%)
1
Check Filament Diameter
Measure actual filament with calipers
Should be 1.75mm ± 0.05mm (enter actual value in slicer)
2
Clean or Replace Nozzle
Partial clogs restrict flow
Cold pull cleaning or hot nozzle swap
2
Check Extruder Tension
Ensure extruder grips filament properly
Tighten idler spring or adjust tension arm
3
Increase Temperature Slightly
Hotter material flows easier
Increase by 5°C
Prevention Tips
- Save working settings for each filament type
- Perform regular printer maintenance
- Keep filament dry and stored properly
- Re-level bed before important prints
- Start with manufacturer-recommended settings
At a Glance
Severity:
HIGH
Difficulty:
Medium
Category:
Extrusion Issues
Solutions:
5