Printorial
FAQs and Troubleshooting
This chapter helps you identify and fix common problems in 3D printing. Many first-time users experience failed prints, weird noises, or filament not sticking—this is normal, and there’s usually an easy fix.
3D printers are mechanical, noisy, and sometimes dramatic machines. Not everything that looks “off” is a real problem.
| What You See | What It Actually Is |
|---|---|
| Z-axis wobbles or taps slightly | Normal movement as it adjusts layer height |
| Slight stringing between parts | Often okay; reduce with retraction tuning |
| Bottom layer looks a bit squished | That’s good! Helps with bed adhesion |
| Printer pauses mid-print briefly | May be cooling down to avoid overheating |
| Nozzle moving in zigzags before printing | It's laying down a skirt (start line) |
What it looks like: A tangle of filament in mid-air—looks like cooked spaghetti all over your print bed.
What causes it:
How to fix it:
What it looks like: First layer peels up, shifts, or never sticks properly.
What causes it:
How to fix it:
What it looks like: Gaps between printed lines, weak walls, missing layers, or inconsistent filament flow.
Possible Causes:
How to fix it:
What it looks like: Blobby prints, excess filament, thick lines, rough surface finish, or dimensional inaccuracy.
Possible Causes:
How to fix it:
What it looks like: Thin, wispy strings between parts of the print.
What causes it:
Fixes:
What it looks like: No filament comes out, or the printer reports no filament.
What causes it:
Fixes:
When something goes wrong, avoid changing everything at once. Instead, change only one setting (like temperature or speed), then reprint and compare the result. This makes it easier to understand what actually made a difference.
Most slicers (like Bambu Studio) come with tested, manufacturer-provided profiles. Start with a default profile like "Standard Quality - PLA" and adjust slowly. These profiles are usually well-balanced for quality and speed.
Use known test models like 3DBenchy (a small boat) to test your printer’s performance. It includes overhangs, bridges, curves, and fine details—so you can spot multiple issues at once and practice your setup skills.
You’re not alone—everyone runs into issues while 3D printing, especially in the beginning. The good news is: there’s a large, helpful community of makers who love to assist! Here are some of the best and most beginner-friendly places to ask for help or get inspiration.
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| Reddit: r/FixMyPrint | Upload photos of failed prints and get direct help. Very beginner-friendly. |
| Reddit: r/3Dprinting | Large general community. Great for sharing prints, advice, news, and guides. |
| Bambu Lab Wiki & Forum | Official support and documentation for Bambu printers and software. |
| Printables.com | Not just for models—many model pages include helpful print settings and tips. |
| YouTube Channels | Try CHEP, Teaching Tech, or Maker’s Muse for visual walkthroughs and troubleshooting. |
| Discord Servers | Search for “3D printing” servers with beginner channels—fast replies and active chats. |
When you ask for help online, try to include the following:
The more info you give, the quicker and more accurate the help will be!
Possible Cause: Corrupted or unsupported file.
Solution: Try re-downloading the file or converting it to .STL.
Possible Cause: Incorrect scale or units.
Solution: Rescale the model in your slicer (e.g., increase size by 10× or 1000×).
Possible Cause: Model is too complex or has too many polygons.
Solution: Use Meshmixer or Blender to reduce the file size and simplify the mesh.
Possible Cause: Mesh errors such as holes or non-manifold edges.
Solution: Use repair tools in Netfabb or built-in slicer repair functions.
Possible Cause: Disconnected geometry or model isn't manifold.
Solution: Merge parts in a modeling program or enable supports in the slicer.