Written by: Krizia Joy Rivera
3D printing machines are often exposed to problems during operation. They are prone to errors that are commonly faced by users and even professionals like Super Pixels to encounter these complications at any certain time. However, there are solutions to prevent these problems that could manage their printers and materials efficiently.
In this article, we will discuss the common issues of 3D printing and provide possible solutions to fix major challenges that could save your time and project. We will help you identify the setbacks and diagnoses to avoid further appearances of errors in the future. Let’s get started!
Warping
Warping is one of the common issues in 3D printing that affects the lower layers of the model to shrink. This occurs when the material starts to cool quickly causing distortion and bending of the model from the edges.
To solve this problem, users need to use a heated print bed to set the material at the right temperature and apply adhesion on the plate to avoid the model from sliding. This will slowly cool the filament without warping and stick the material on the plate.
Stringing
Stringing is a 3D printing issue where strings of plastics are visible as cobwebs across different parts of the model. This happens when the printer head or nozzle leaks a melted strand of material in spaces or gaps when moving from one end to another. It might be a hassle to recover the model to its original state during the post-process, but there are ways to prevent this from happening.
As the temperature continues to rise, stringing would likely happen when materials are melting at very high temperatures. This is an indication that the material was not at the recommended range of melting point. Users need to know that all materials are limited to some extent of heat to prevent any leakage. They need to enable retraction settings to draw back the filament in the nozzle before printing again. This will eliminate and avoid occurrences of stringing while printing the model.
Cracking
Cracking is an issue on 3D printing where some of the layers are separated and do not stick together. This could usually happen in larger prints where the material quickly cools at the higher layers of the print.
If the lack of adhesion between layers is the problem, users need to adjust and increase the temperature of the extruder and reduce the speed of the fan. On the other hand, if the problem is thermal shrinkage that causes differences of temperature in other sections of the layers, users need to prepare a warmer environment for printing to apply enough heat and avoid cracking of layers.
Layer Shifting
Layer shifting is a mechanical failure of motors and drivers in 3D printing that causes misalignment and displacement of the layers during the operation. This happens usually when parts of a 3D printer like pulleys, belts, and nuts are loosed and left unchecked before printing. On the other hand, buildup of debris could also be one of the factors of friction and collisions why the machine is not functioning well. This lack of proper maintenance when the motion system is heavily used could ruin the model entirely.
One of the best solutions to fix these problems is to check the mechanical parts of the 3D printers to inspect for broken and loose components. This would help users to replace some elements of the machine and tighten loose screws and belts. A quick cleaning, re-oiling of rods, and maintaining proper maintenance usually solves the issue.
Clogged Nozzle
A blocked nozzle is usually a problem in the extruder where the 3D printer did not release a melted plastic material to print the model. The problems could be the buildup of dried filament at the end of the nozzle and a broken filament stuck in the print head.
To fix these problems, users need to regularly clean the nozzle every after use of the 3D printer. They can try to use a small needle to unstuck solidified material, pre-heat the hot end for about 250 degrees Celsius to squeeze down the consumables, or use a chemical solvent to dissolve and remove the blockage of material inside the nozzle.
These problems are usually common to happen when users begin to print the model or in the middle of printing the prototype. It could be a pain and a hassle because it could take a lot of time and effort to fix the issues. Some of them are easy to solve and some of them are challenging when mechanical failures occur.
3D printing problems are a learning process where users could gain knowledge to reduce errors by following the appropriate guidelines and ensuring the proper maintenance of each machine and materials. It is the responsibility of users to understand and take action to solve the problem and prevent it from happening again. However, if the problem persists, it is best to contact and consult with the professional assistance of the 3D printer’s manufacturers.
Super Pixels is a provider company where you can buy 3D printers and materials. We could give you the best advice and guidelines on how to protect and ensure the health and maintenance of your machine and materials. If you are interested, like and follow our Facebook page and visit our website to check out the best equipment and materials for you. Let’s meet you there!
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