Common 3D Print Problems
How to Fix Warping, Stringing & Other Common 3D Print Problems
One of the best things about 3D printing is watching your ideas come to life layer by layer.
But let’s be honest: sometimes the results don’t match what you imagined. Prints peel off the bed, stringy webs appear between parts, or your layers look messy. Don’t worry, these problems happen to everyone, and usually there’s a simple way to fix them. Luckily, with modern printers, a lot come with built-in calibration and settings to help prevent the below issues, but reality sometimes has different plans!
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common 3D print issues and simple fixes you can try today.
Problem #1: Warping (Corners Lifting from the Bed)
What it looks like:
Print corners peel upward
Parts detach from the bed mid-print
Large prints warp more than small ones
Why does it happen:
Warping occurs when plastic cools unevenly — the bottom layers shrink and lift up off the bed. PLA warps less, while ABS and Nylon warp a lot.
Fixes:
-Use a heated bed (keep PLA ~60°C, PETG ~70°C, ABS ~100°C, your filament might give you the best temp!)
-Add a brim or raft in slicer settings
-Use adhesives (glue stick, hairspray, PEI sheet, painter’s tape)
-Enclose your printer, especially for ABS/ASA (Top tip, indoor plant grow tents are great for this!)
-Reduce fan speed for first layers
Problem #2: Stringing (Thin Strands Between Parts)
What it looks like:
Fine, spiderweb-like strings between parts
Happens when the nozzle travels over gaps
Why does it happen?
-Melted filament leaks from the nozzle during travel moves.
Fixes:
-Enable retraction in slicer (start with 1–2 mm at 30–50 mm/s)
-Lower nozzle temperature (too hot = oozing)
-Increase travel speed (faster moves = less dripping)
-Dry your filament (moisture makes stringing worse)
Problem #3: Poor Bed Adhesion
What it looks like:
Print won’t stick to the bed at all
First layer drags, curls, or detaches
Why does it happen?
-Bed not leveled (the internet will be quick to tell you to check this!), surface dirt, or first layer settings off.
Fixes:
-Level your bed carefully (use the paper method* or auto bed leveling)
-Clean your bed with isopropyl alcohol
-Adjust nozzle height (first layer should be slightly squished)
-Slow first layer speed (20–30 mm/s)
-Increase first layer height & width in slicer
*The paper method is where you set a piece of paper on the build plate, slowly lower the z-axis to the point where you can still move the piece of paper but feel some resistance due to contact with the nozzle. Make sure to try this at multiple locations of the build plate!
Problem #4: Under-Extrusion (Gaps in Walls & Layers)
What it looks like:
Incomplete walls
Gaps between lines
Weak, brittle prints
Why does it happen?
-Printer isn’t pushing enough filament.
Fixes:
-Check nozzle for clogs (clean or replace if needed)
-Increase print temperature slightly (helps flow)
-Adjust extrusion multiplier/flow rate in slicer
-Check filament diameter matches slicer setting (1.75 mm vs 3 mm)
-Make sure your extruder gears are clean & gripping filament
Problem #5: Over-Extrusion (Blobs & Rough Surfaces)
What it looks like:
Too much filament → blobs, zits, rough walls
Dimensional inaccuracy
Why does it happen?
-Printer pushes out more filament than needed.
Fixes:
-Lower flow rate (start with 95–98%)
-Lower print temperature slightly
-Calibrate your extruder steps/mm (advanced, but worth it)
-Check slicer settings (wall overlaps, extrusion width)
Problem #6: Layer Shifting
What it looks like:
Layers don’t align properly
Print looks “slid” to one side
Why does it happen?
-Stepper motors skip steps due to loose belts, collisions, or speed issues.
Fixes:
-Tighten X/Y belts (if you have belts, you might have rods!)
-Reduce print speed
-Check for loose pulleys & screws
-Make sure nothing bumps into your printer mid-print
MAKE SURE YOU’RE PRINTING ON A STABLE PLATFORM! NOT A WOBBLY CHAIR!
Problem #7: Z-Banding (Horizontal Lines in Print)
What it looks like:
Repeating horizontal lines in walls
Inconsistent layer height
Why does it happen?
-Z-axis wobble or inconsistent extrusion.
Fixes:
-Ensure Z-rod is straight & greased
-Check couplers & leadscrews for looseness
-Lower layer height (0.2 mm or less helps)
-Improve bed leveling consistency
Problem #8: Layer Separation / Delamination
What it looks like:
Layers split apart
Weak prints that snap easily
Why does it happen?
-Layers aren’t bonding due to low heat or drafts.
Fixes:
-Increase print temperature
-Reduce cooling fan speed
-Use an enclosure for ABS/ASA
-Print slower to allow better bonding
Problem #9: Elephant’s Foot (Bottom Layer Squished Outward)
What it looks like:
First layer bulges outward
Part bottom is wider than the top
Why does it happen?
-Bed too hot, nozzle too close, or over-squished first layer.
Fixes:
-Raise the nozzle slightly
-Lower bed temperature slightly after the first few layers
-Add a chamfer (beveled edge) in the design or slicer
Problem #10: Clogged Nozzle
What it looks like:
No filament comes out
Extruder grinds filament
Why does it happen?
-Dust, burnt filament, or mixed materials block the nozzle.
Fixes:
-Cold pull (using nylon or cleaning filament)
-Heat & clean with a needle
-Replace the nozzle if badly blocked
-Always purge old filament before switching materials
Tips to Avoid Problems Altogether
Keep your printer clean & lubricated
Store filament in airtight containers with silica gel
Always slice with the right material profile
Do regular calibration prints (cube, Benchy, temperature tower)
Print slow & simple until your machine is tuned
Wrapping Up
3D printing problems are normal and can be fixed. Each failed print is a lesson that brings you closer to perfect results.
The more you print, the more you’ll recognize the signs of stringing, warping, or under-extrusion and know exactly how to fix them.
So next time your Benchy looks a little funky, don’t panic. Grab this checklist, make a quick tweak, and you’ll be back on track in no time.
My final tip would be to download Orca Studio as your slicer as that has some excellent built-in calibration models!