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Troubleshooting: 3D Print NOT Sticking to Bed

Troubleshooting
  • 00003botton3DSPRO Engineer
  • 00005bottonApr. 21 | 2025
  • 00002botton Troubleshooting
  • 00001botton2 Minutes Read
  • 120 clicks

    Common Causes of Poor Bed Adhesion

    Bed adhesion issues can derail even the most carefully planned 3D print. Here’s what’s likely going wrong:

     

    Uneven or Unlevel Bed

    A tilted or warped bed creates gaps between the nozzle and build plate, preventing proper “squish” on the first layer.

     

    Incorrect Bed Temperature

    Too cold, and materials like PLA or ABS won’t stick; too hot, and they might curl or warp.

     

    Dirty Build Surface

    Oils from fingerprints, dust, or leftover residue reduce grip.

     

    Wrong Nozzle Height

    A nozzle too high won’t press filament into the bed; too low can cause scraping or clogs.

     

    Poor Surface Compatibility

    Some materials (e.g., PETG) require specific surfaces (textured PEI, glue stick) to adhere properly.

     

    Environmental Factors

    Drafts, humidity, or temperature fluctuations destabilize the printing environment.

     

    3d pritning bed adhesion adjustment

     

    Step-by-Step Solutions

    1. Level the Bed Properly

    Manual Leveling: Use the “paper test” (slide a sheet under the nozzle; slight resistance = correct gap).

    Auto-Leveling: Run your printer’s mesh bed leveling and adjust the Z-offset if needed.

     

    2. Optimize Bed Temperature

    PLA: 50–60°C

    ABS: 90–110°C

    PETG: 70–80°C

    Preheat the bed for 5–10 minutes before printing.

     

    3. Clean and Prepare the Build Surface

    Wipe with 90% isopropyl alcohol to remove oils.

    For stubborn residue, wash with warm water and dish soap.

    Apply adhesives like glue sticks or hairspray for tricky materials (e.g., PETG on glass).

     

    4. Adjust Nozzle Height

    Use your printer’s “Live Z-Offset” setting to fine-tune the first layer. The filament should flatten slightly without being translucent.

     

    5. Block Drafts and Stabilize Humidity

    Close windows or use an enclosure to prevent cooling drafts.

    Store filament in a dry box to avoid moisture-related warping.

     

    Advanced Troubleshooting

    If basic fixes don’t work, try these pro-level strategies:

    1. Calibrate Z-Offset with a feeler gauge: replace the paper test with a 0.1mm feeler gauge for precision.

    2. Slow down the first layer: reduce the first layer speed to 10–15mm/s (in slicer settings) for better bonding.

    3. Use brims or rafts: add a brim (extends the first layer’s edges) or raft (a disposable base) for warp-prone materials like ABS.

    4. Check for a warped bed: use a straightedge ruler to identify dips/bumps. Shim the bed with aluminum foil or upgrade to a glass plate.

    5. Dry wet filament: bake moisture-soaked filament in a 45–50°C oven for 4–6 hours (make sure to read manufacturer guidelines carefully).

     

    Tips Cheat Sheet

    Category

    Action

    Bed Prep

    Clean with IPA, apply glue stick for PETG/TPU, heat bed to material spec.

    Leveling

    Re-level monthly; use mesh leveling if available.

    First Layer

    Slow speed (15mm/s), 105% extrusion width, 0.2mm height.

    Environmental

    Use enclosures for ABS, avoid printing in drafty areas.

    Filament Care

    Store in sealed bags with desiccant; dry before use.

     

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