How to Fix Warping and Poor Adhesion in 3D Prints
3D printing is an amazing technology that enables makers, engineers, and hobbyists to bring their ideas to life. However, it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly issues like warping and poor adhesion. These problems can result in failed prints, wasted material, and frustration. In this guide, we will examine the causes of these issues and offer practical solutions to help you achieve successful prints every time.
Understanding Warping and Poor Adhesion
What is Warping?
Warping happens when the edges of a 3D print lift off the print bed during printing, causing the object to distort. This issue is especially common when using materials like ABS, but it can also affect other filaments.
What is Poor Adhesion?
Poor adhesion occurs when the print does not properly stick to the build plate. This can cause the print to detach partway through the process, leading to failed prints and wasted filament.
Both of these issues are often related and share similar underlying causes, such as improper bed preparation, incorrect temperature settings, and environmental factors.
Causes of Warping and Poor Adhesion
- Temperature Fluctuations
One of the primary causes of warping is the uneven cooling of the printed material. If the filament cools too quickly, it contracts and pulls the edges of the print upwards. - Improper Bed Levelling
If the print bed is not level, the first layer may not adhere properly, leading to detachment and warping. - Dirty or Unsuitable Build Surface
Oil, dust, or residue on the print bed can reduce adhesion, preventing the first layer from sticking properly. - Incorrect Printing Temperature
A nozzle that is too hot or too cold can cause adhesion problems. Similarly, an improperly heated bed may not provide the necessary support for certain filaments. - Fast Cooling or Draughts
Sudden cooling, such as from an air conditioning unit or an open window, can cause warping by cooling the filament unevenly. - Poor First Layer Settings
A poorly calibrated first layer, including incorrect layer height or insufficient squish, can lead to adhesion problems.
How to Fix Warping and Poor Adhesion
- Use a Heated Bed
A heated bed helps keep the bottom layers warm, reducing temperature differences that cause warping. Adjust the bed temperature according to the filament being used:- PLA: 50-60°C
- ABS: 90-110°C
- PETG: 70-90°C
- TPU: 50-60°C
- Level the Print Bed Properly
Bed levelling is essential for good first-layer adhesion. Use a piece of paper or a feeler gauge to adjust the nozzle-to-bed distance. Auto-bed levelling features on some printers can also help maintain accuracy. - Clean the Print Surface
Ensure your print bed is clean before each print. Use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or warm soapy water to remove grease and dust. If using a glass bed, avoid touching it with bare hands to prevent transferring oils. - Use Adhesion Aids
To improve bed adhesion, consider using:- Glue Stick: Commonly used for glass beds to help prints adhere better.
- Hairspray: Provides an even adhesion layer for materials like ABS and PETG.
- Blue Painter’s Tape: A simple way to help PLA stick better.
- PEI Sheets: A reliable, long-term solution that works well with various filaments.
- Adjust Print Settings for Better Adhesion
Tweaking your slicer settings can significantly improve print adhesion:- First Layer Height: Slightly increasing this helps create a strong base.
- First Layer Speed: Slowing down the first layer ensures better adhesion.
- Brims and Rafts: Adding a brim (a wider base around the print) or a raft (a separate base layer) can help prevent warping.
- Optimise Cooling and Environment
To avoid warping, ensure your printer is in a stable environment:- Avoid Draughts: Place your printer in a location free from sudden airflow.
- Use an Enclosure: Enclosures help maintain stable temperatures and reduce warping, especially for materials like ABS.
- Control Cooling Fan Speed: For materials prone to warping, limit the cooling fan speed on the first few layers.
- Use the Right Filament and Print Surface
Different filaments have varying adhesion properties. Some require specific build plates, such as:- PLA: Works well on glass, PEI sheets, and painter’s tape.
- ABS: Requires a heated bed and often benefits from an enclosure.
- PETG: Sticks well to PEI but may bond too tightly to glass.
- TPU: Works best on flexible or PEI sheets for better grip.
- Calibrate Your Printer
A well-calibrated printer minimises the risk of adhesion issues. Regularly check:- Nozzle Temperature: Adjust according to filament requirements.
- Extruder Steps: Ensure accurate filament extrusion.
- Bed Levelling: Recalibrate if prints show signs of adhesion problems.
- Try a Different Build Plate Material
Choosing a build plate that suits your filament type can make a significant difference. Options include:- Glass Beds: Provide a smooth finish but may require adhesion aids.
- PEI Sheets: Work well with many filaments and offer long-term reliability.
- Textured Build Plates: Help filaments grip better and reduce warping.
- Use Software Features to Reduce Warping
Some slicing software includes features to help with adhesion and warping:- Rafts and Brims: Adding a brim increases surface area, aiding adhesion.
- Gradual Cooling: Reducing cooling speed on the first few layers can prevent warping.
- Adaptive Layer Heights: Some slicers allow fine adjustments to layer height for better adhesion.
Conclusion
Warping and poor adhesion are common but fixable 3D printing issues. By optimising temperature settings, ensuring proper bed adhesion, and maintaining environmental stability, you can significantly reduce the chances of failed prints. With these solutions, you can achieve more reliable and high-quality 3D prints with minimal frustration.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced maker, refining these techniques will lead to better results and a more enjoyable 3D printing experience. Happy printing!