Fix Common 3D Printing Problems Fast — And Take the Quiz to Avoid Mistakes from the Start

1. Under-Extrusion

Under-extrusion is one of the most common 3D printing headaches. It happens when your printer doesn’t push enough filament through the nozzle, causing thin layers, gaps, or incomplete walls. The good news? It’s almost always fixable.

Common Causes of Under-Extrusion

• Partial or full nozzle clogs
• Low print temperature
• Incorrect filament diameter in slicer settings
• Worn-out or dirty extruder gears
• Moist filament that swells and jams

How to Fix It

1. Clean your nozzle: Perform a cold pull with nylon or cleaning filament. You can also use a nozzle cleaning kit (affiliate).
2. Increase print temperature: Start with 5–10 °C higher. Different brands of filament may need different settings.
3. Verify filament diameter: Measure with calipers and ensure slicer matches (e.g., 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm).
4. Check extruder gear: Clean off ground filament debris and tighten the tensioner if needed.
5. Dry your filament: Moist filament bubbles as it melts, reducing flow. Use a filament dryer (affiliate).

2. Over-Extrusion

Over-extrusion is the opposite problem—too much filament coming out of the nozzle. This results in blobs, zits, poor dimensional accuracy, and rough surfaces.

Common Causes of Over-Extrusion

• Extrusion multiplier (flow rate) set too high in the slicer
• Wrong filament diameter configured
• Printing at too high a temperature

How to Fix It

1. Reduce extrusion multiplier (flow) in your slicer by 5–10%.
2. Check that filament diameter matches slicer setting exactly.
3. Lower print temperature slightly if filament is overly runny.
4. Print a calibration cube and measure walls to fine-tune flow.

3. Layer Shifting

Layer shifting ruins prints by causing entire layers to misalign. It's almost always mechanical but can be fixed with careful tuning.

Common Causes of Layer Shifting

• Loose belts or pulleys
• Stepper motor drivers overheating
• Printing too fast for the hardware
• Physical obstructions on the axis

How to Fix It

1. Check and tighten belts to spec—too loose or too tight can both cause issues.
2. Ensure pulleys are properly secured on motor shafts.
3. Lower print speeds, especially for tall or intricate models.
4. Make sure nothing is blocking axis movement (wires, clips, debris).
5. Check stepper driver cooling and add fans if necessary.

4. Stringing and Oozing

Stringing creates fine, unwanted hairs or webs between parts of your print. It's one of the most common issues for beginners and pros alike.

Common Causes of Stringing

• Print temperature too high (excessive oozing)
• Retraction settings not properly configured
• Moist filament causing bubbles and leaks

How to Fix Stringing

1. Lower print temperature: Decrease in 5 °C steps to reduce filament liquidity.
2. Enable and tune retraction: Increase distance or speed in your slicer.
3. Dry filament: Wet filament can steam and ooze—use a filament dryer (affiliate link).
4. Enable combing: Keeps nozzle travel within printed areas to minimize strings.
5. Wipe or coast settings: Advanced slicer settings that help reduce final drips.

5. Warping

Warping is when the corners of your print lift off the bed, leading to distorted or unusable parts. ABS and other high-temperature filaments are especially prone to this.

Common Causes of Warping

• Rapid cooling causing uneven shrinkage
• Insufficient bed adhesion
• Unheated or improperly heated print bed

How to Fix Warping

1. Use a heated bed: 60–110 °C depending on filament.
2. Apply adhesion promoters: glue stick, hairspray, or specialized sheets.
3. Enable brim or raft in slicer to anchor edges.
4. Enclose your printer to maintain consistent ambient temperature. Shop enclosures here.
5. Print slower for first layer to improve bonding.

6. Poor Bed Adhesion

Poor bed adhesion causes prints to detach mid-job, wasting time and filament. It's one of the most common and fixable 3D printing issues.

Common Causes of Poor Adhesion

• Bed not leveled properly
• Dirty or greasy print surface
• Incorrect first layer height or speed
• Bed temperature too low

How to Fix Bed Adhesion Problems

1. Level the bed carefully: Manual or auto-level systems must be calibrated correctly.
2. Clean the bed: Use isopropyl alcohol to remove oils and dust.
3. Adjust first layer height: Ensure the nozzle is close enough without gouging the bed.
4. Increase first layer temperature: Slightly hotter first layers can improve bonding.
5. Use adhesives: Glue stick, blue tape, PEI sheets, or specialized surfaces all help.

7. Nozzle Clogs

Nozzle clogs are a frequent 3D printing issue that can bring production to a halt. They usually occur when filament degrades or debris accumulates inside the hotend.

Common Causes of Nozzle Clogs

• Printing at too low a temperature for material
• Dust and debris on filament
• Heat creep in all-metal hotends
• Carbonized filament from overheating

How to Fix and Prevent Clogs

1. Perform a cold pull with cleaning filament to remove debris.
2. Use high-quality, dry filament to avoid jams.
3. Install a filament dust filter (simple sponge works well).
4. Ensure your hotend's heat break and cooling are working properly.
5. Use a nozzle cleaning kit (affiliate) to maintain your hotend.

8. Z-Wobble and Vertical Artifacts

Z-wobble creates visible banding along the vertical axis of prints. While sometimes a minor cosmetic issue, it can also impact mechanical part precision.

Common Causes of Z-Wobble

• Leadscrews not straight or improperly constrained
• Couplers too tight or loose
• Uneven bed leveling amplifying errors
• Loose frame components

How to Fix Z-Wobble

1. Check that Z-axis leadscrews are straight and free of damage.
2. Ensure couplers are tight enough to grip but not overly compressive.
3. Level the bed carefully to reduce mechanical stress.
4. Square the frame—measure diagonals to confirm even construction.
5. Lubricate leadscrews to reduce binding.

9. Common Resin Printing Issues

While FDM printers get most troubleshooting attention, resin printers have their own common issues. Here's how to fix them:

Common Resin Issues

• Prints not sticking to the build plate
• Peeling or delamination between layers
• Cloudy or dirty resin vat
• Layer lines or banding

How to Fix Resin Print Problems

1. Level the build plate precisely: Resin printers require perfect leveling. Follow your machine’s procedure exactly.
2. Adjust exposure times: Under-exposed layers won’t bond properly. Test exposure for your resin type.
3. Clean the vat: Remove cured resin bits after each print. Filter resin before reusing.
4. Keep resin mixed: Pigments settle over time—gently stir before each use.
5. Maintain FEP film: Replace when cloudy or damaged for best results.
6. Consider using a resin cleaning kit (affiliate) for safety and efficiency.

10. Essential Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance prevents many common 3D printing issues before they start. Here are our essential tips to keep your printer in top shape:

• Clean the bed: Wipe with isopropyl alcohol before each print to remove oils and debris.
• Check belt tension: Adjust regularly for smooth, accurate motion.
• Lubricate rods and leadscrews: Use a light machine oil or PTFE grease to prevent binding.
• Inspect wiring and connectors: Look for wear, loose connections, or fraying.
• Update firmware: Keep your printer's firmware current for new features and bug fixes.
• Store filament properly: Use airtight containers with desiccant or a filament dryer to avoid moisture issues.

11. FAQ: Troubleshooting at a Glance

Why is my first layer not sticking?

Level your bed, clean it with alcohol, increase first layer temperature, and slow the first layer speed.

How do I get rid of stringing?

Enable retraction, lower temperature slightly, and keep filament dry.

What causes layer shifting?

Usually loose belts, overheated drivers, or obstructions. Tighten belts, cool drivers, and reduce print speeds if necessary.

How do I prevent warping?

Use a heated bed, apply adhesion promoters, enable brims or rafts, and maintain consistent enclosure temperature.

What's the best way to clean a nozzle?

Perform a cold pull with cleaning filament or use a nozzle cleaning kit.

Related Resources & Further Reading

• Best 3D Printers 2025: Top Picks for Every Budget — our expert guide to choosing the right printer for your needs.
• 3D Printer Buying Guide: Features, Specs, and What to Look For — everything you need before you buy.
• 3D Printing Materials Guide: PLA, ABS, PETG, and More — learn the pros and cons of popular filaments.
• Best 3D Printing Tools & Accessories — must-haves for getting pro-level results.