The most common 3D printing filament problems are clogging, tangling, snapping, and moisture absorption. These problems can affect the quality and reliability of your 3D prints. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to prevent and fix these issues.
3D printing is a fascinating and rewarding hobby, but it can also be frustrating when things go wrong. One of the most important components of 3D printing is the filament, the material that is melted and extruded by the printer to create the object. However, the filament can also cause a lot of problems if it is not handled and stored properly. In this article, we will explain how to fix some of the most common 3D printing filament problems and how to avoid them in the future.
Clogging is when the filament gets stuck in the nozzle or the extruder, preventing the flow of material. This can result in under-extrusion, blobs, gaps, or even a complete failure of the print. Clogging can be caused by several factors, such as:
Using a nozzle that is too small for the filament diameter or the layer height
Printing at a temperature that is too low or too high for the filament type
Printing too fast or too slow for the filament type
Using a filament that is contaminated with dust, dirt, or other particles
Using a filament that is incompatible with the printer or the nozzle material
Using a filament that has degraded over time or due to exposure to heat, humidity, or sunlight
To fix a clogged nozzle or extruder, you can try the following methods:
Use the printer’s built-in cleaning function, if available, to purge the nozzle with fresh filament
Use a needle or a wire to poke through the nozzle hole and dislodge any debris
Use a cold pull technique, which involves heating up the nozzle, inserting a piece of filament, letting it cool down, and then pulling it out with a quick motion
Use a chemical solvent, such as acetone, to dissolve the filament residue in the nozzle (only for certain filament types and nozzle materials)
Replace the nozzle with a new one or clean it with a blowtorch (only as a last resort and with caution)
To prevent clogging, you can try the following tips:
Use a nozzle that matches the filament diameter and the layer height
Use a filament that is suitable for your printer and nozzle material
Use a filament that is clean and free of contaminants
Store your filament in a dry and cool place, preferably in a sealed bag with a desiccant
Cut off the end of the filament before loading it into the printer, as it may have accumulated dirt or moisture
Preheat the nozzle before printing and let it cool down before removing the filament
Clean the nozzle regularly with a brush or a cloth
Tangling
Tangling is when the filament gets twisted or knotted on the spool, preventing the smooth feeding of the material. This can result in under-extrusion, skipping, grinding, or even a complete failure of the print. Tangling can be caused by several factors, such as:
Using a spool that is too loose or too tight for the filament
Using a spool that is damaged or deformed
Using a spool that is not compatible with the printer or the filament holder
Using a filament that is too flexible or too brittle
Using a filament that has been wound poorly or unevenly on the spool
Using a filament that has been handled roughly or improperly
To fix a tangled spool, you can try the following methods:
Unwind the filament from the spool and rewind it carefully and evenly, making sure there are no twists or knots
Cut off the tangled part of the filament and splice it with a fresh piece, using a heat gun or a soldering iron
Use a filament guide or a spool holder that prevents the filament from crossing over itself or getting caught on the edges of the spool
Use a filament sensor or a filament runout detector that pauses the print when the filament is tangled or runs out
To prevent tangling, you can try the following tips:
Use a spool that matches the filament diameter and the spool size
Use a spool that is in good condition and has a smooth surface
Use a spool that is compatible with your printer and filament holder
Use a filament that is suitable for your printer and printing settings
Store your filament on the spool and secure the end of the filament with a clip or a tie
Handle your filament gently and avoid pulling or twisting it
Snapping is when the filament breaks or cracks during the printing process, interrupting the flow of material. This can result in under-extrusion, gaps, or even a complete failure of the print. Snapping can be caused by several factors, such as:
Using a filament that is too brittle or too old
Using a filament that has absorbed too much moisture from the air
Using a filament that has been exposed to extreme temperatures or sunlight
Using a filament that has been bent or kinked
Using a filament that has a weak or inconsistent diameter
To fix a snapped filament, you can try the following methods:
Splice the broken ends of the filament with a heat gun or a soldering iron, making sure the joint is smooth and strong
Use a filament joiner or a filament welder that fuses the filament ends together with heat or friction
Use a filament adapter or a filament switcher that allows you to change the filament during the print without stopping the printer
Use a dual extruder or a multi-material printer that can print with two or more filaments at the same time
To prevent snapping, you can try the following tips:
Use a filament that is fresh and high-quality
Use a filament that is suitable for your printer and printing settings
Store your filament in a dry and cool place, preferably in a sealed bag with a desiccant
Avoid exposing your filament to extreme temperatures or sunlight
Avoid bending or kinking your filament
Check your filament for any defects or irregularities in the diameter
Moisture Absorption
Moisture absorption is when the filament absorbs water from the air, affecting its physical and chemical properties. This can result in poor print quality, such as bubbles, stringing, oozing, warping, or cracking. Moisture absorption can be caused by several factors, such as:
Using a filament that is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and retains water molecules
Using a filament that has been stored in a humid or damp environment
Using a filament that has been exposed to rain, snow, or condensation
Using a filament that has been opened for a long time or has a damaged packaging
To fix a moist filament, you can try the following methods:
Dry the filament in an oven, a dehydrator, or a filament dryer, following the manufacturer’s instructions and temperature settings
Dry the filament with a hair dryer or a heat gun, moving it slowly and evenly along the filament
Dry the filament with a fan or a blower, placing it in a well-ventilated area
Dry the filament with a desiccant, such as silica gel, rice, or salt, placing it in a sealed container with the filament
To prevent moisture absorption, you can try the following tips:
Use a filament that is less hygroscopic, such as PLA, ABS, or PETG
Use a filament that is suitable for your printer and printing settings
Store your filament in a dry and cool place, preferably in a sealed bag with a desiccant
Avoid opening your filament until you are ready to use it
Avoid exposing your filament to humid or damp conditions
Conclusion
3D printing filament problems can be frustrating and costly, but they can also be fixed and prevented with some simple steps. By following the tips and methods in this article, you can improve your 3D printing experience and enjoy the amazing results of your creations. Happy printing!
