3D prints fail occasionally, and it can be pretty frustrating when you can’t figure out what’s causing it. Sometimes, the prints fail at the same point, which can even be more bewildering. Figuring out what could be wrong can
3D prints fail occasionally, and it can be pretty frustrating when you can’t figure out what’s causing it. Sometimes, the prints fail at the same point, which can even be more bewildering. Figuring out what could be wrong can be time-consuming and sometimes even feel like an effort in futility.
3D prints may keep failing at the same point because the temperature falls, so the filament isn’t released, or because of an uneven bed. Additionally, the fan may be turning on at the same spot, so the filament clogs at the hot end. Also, check that there are no gaps in the top layer.
This article will look at the causes behind your 3D prints failing at the same point and the measures you can take to solve the problem.
1. Sudden Temperature Change
A sudden temperature change could cause the printer to fail at the same point. In some cases, the g-code, which contains the instructions for the print, may call for a lower print temperature.
When this happens, the nozzle will cool and cause the filament to clog the hot end.
However, not all filaments require the same level of heat. So, where the print may work with one color or material, you may find it stops with another due to temperature differences.
It’s also possible that the temperature was suddenly higher than before, causing the filament to drop too fast, such that it will start stringing at the same point.
How To Fix
Check the settings to see if the temperature change is responsible by printing the same model using a different material. If it finishes with a new filament, chances are you just need to make a couple of quick changes.
Use a temperature tower to test your filament and see where it works the best.
Check out this video to see a full explanation of how to use temperature towers:
If the nozzle is clogged, a sudden drop in temperature may have cooled the filament before it was extruded. If, however, the filament started stringing, the temperature at the extruder was too high. Therefore, you need to adjust the temperature settings so that it’s constant.
2. The Fan Suddenly Turns On or Off
Some 3D printers have multiple fans.
One fan blows on the tube before it reaches the hot end. This keeps the heat from getting to the filament and causes it to melt prematurely.
The other fan is located beyond the hot end. Its purpose is to cool and solidify the filament as soon as it’s extruded.
Some printers use a single fan for both functions. However, it’s easier to control the print process when operating with two fans.
If the printer has a fan that keeps the filament from melting before it gets to the hot end, should it stop suddenly, the heat might creep up, causing the filament to move faster and clog the nozzle. When this happens, the printer will stop releasing material at the same point.
If the fan at the hot end stops, the material won’t cool quickly. This may affect how the filament sets and dries, and the change may be evident in print.
How To Fix
Check the settings to ensure that the fan runs continually. Then, adjust the fan speed until you get the rate that works best for your prints.
Again, running test prints will be helpful here as you’ll be able to see how the fans affect the filament.
3. Uneven Bed
A leveled 3D printer bed is critical because it’ll affect the quality of your print.
Getting the bed perfectly flat may not be possible, but the more level it is, the better. If the bed is uneven, the nozzle will be too close to the bed in certain areas. This will cause warping of the print.
Some signs that the print bed isn’t level include:
- The filament fails to stick on the bed in specific areas.
- The nozzle fails to release filament at the same point.
- The print height is different even though the number of layers is the same.
- Differing gaps between the filament lines.
How To Fix
If your printer is automatic or semi-automatic, you should try and level the bed. However, sometimes, the automated systems don’t work as well as when you do it manually.
Check the point where the print is faulty so that you can focus on this area.
3D beds are usually held in place by adjustable screws, which you should be able to loosen to increase the distance between the nozzle and the bed.
Ideally, the nozzle should slightly touch the bed. If it’s too far, the filament released will form blobs. If it’s too close, the nozzle may not release the material at all.
Place a piece of paper on the bed while moving the nozzle back and forth. If the paper faces resistance because the nozzle is too close to the bed, loosen the screw to lower the print bed.
If the paper slips through easily, the nozzle is too high. You should tighten the screw to raise the bed slightly higher in the affected area.
4. Extruder Fails To Release Filament at the Starting Point
If your 3D printer fails to release filament every time yo