When you are 3D printing, one of the main issues that people experience is their 3D prints not sticking to the print bed, whether glass or another material. This can get frustrating after a while, but don’t give up, as I was once in that position but learned how to get out of it.
This article will get you to learn how to fix 3D prints that don’t stick to your print bed.
The best way to fix 3D prints not sticking to the bed is to first increase your bed temperature and nozzle temperature. Sometimes your filament just has to melt a little better to get good adhesion to the bed. I would also make sure your bed is leveled and not warped because this can mess up the first layers.
There are many more details and information that you need to know to fix this problem once and for good, so keep on reading to equip yourself for the future.
Why Are My 3D Prints Not Sticking to the Bed?
The issue of 3D prints not sticking to the bed can be caused due to many reasons. It is important to find out the specific reason that is causing the problem because in this way you will be able to implement the best suitable solution for the problem.
3D prints not sticking to the bed is one of the problems that can be frustrating because the adherence of the first layer is the most important part of any 3D print.
To get the expected print, it is necessary that its initiation from the bottom is perfect.
The most common reasons that cause 3D prints to not stick with the bed include:
Incorrect bed & nozzle temperature
3D print bed not levelled accurately
Bed surface is worn out or unclean
Slicer settings are inaccurate – especially first layer
Using low quality filament
Not using a good adhesive substance on your print bed
Like with most troubleshooting issues in 3D printing, there are plenty of ways and effective methods to solve your 3D prints not sticking to your bed.
Here we will discuss the simplest and easiest solutions that should help you out with your 3D printing first layers not sticking. It’s usually a mixture of these solutions that will get you on the right path.
1. Increase Bed & Nozzle Temperature
The first thing you should check is the bed and nozzle temperature. Different 3D printers require varying temperature settings. Make sure that you are using the heated bed at an accurate temperature depending upon the filament.
It is recommended to reset your temperature to its normal level after your prints stick down nicely.
Increase the bed temperature slightly and check the print again.
Disable or adjust the speed of the cooling fan of your 3D printer for some initial layers.
If you are printing in cold conditions, insulate your 3D printer and protect it from the wind.
2. Level Your 3D Print Bed Accurately
To get a perfect print you need to have to set the print bed at a balanced level because the difference in your bed level makes one end near to the nozzle while the other end remains at a distance.
An unbalanced print bed causes a weak foundation for the whole printing process, and since there is a lot of movement, your print can easily detatch from the print bed after some time. It can also contribute to the warping or breaking of the prints.
Some 3D printers level their bed automatically but if there is not any automation designed in your printer, you will be required to do it manually.
Use leveling screws or knobs to change or adjust the print bed level
Most 3D printers have adjustable beds, so try to keep them at a flat balanced level
Check if your print bed is level accurately because this can cause prints to not adhere to the surface properly.
Purchase a borosilicate glass bed since they stay flat
3. Properly Clean Your Bed Surface or Possibly Get a Fresh One
If you are printing an object or pattern with a small base, getting it to stick to the bed can become difficult. To get your prints to stick to the bed, it is recommended to get a new print surface that provides a better grip.
Try to use the Flexible Magnetic build surface because it is specifically designed to ensure strong sticking. It is magnetically secured, customizable, easily removable, and includes all the new functionalities to work perfectly for 3D printing.
Borosilicate glass is superior to the common glass and has the best adherence and 3D printing properties.
4. Use Better Slicer Settings
Accurate slicer settings are important for successful 3D printings. People make mistakes in these settings, but you can learn from your trials and errors.
If the prints are not sticking to the bed check out your slicer settings and correct them accordingly.
Try increasing or decreasing the flow rate of the material to see if the print and adherence improve.
The ideal flow rate depends on the object you are printing. “Material Settings” include the tab to adjust “Flow Rate”.
Correct the interior and exterior filling settings.
Check for extruder settings such as coasting, restriction speed, restriction distance, etc.
5. Get Higher Quality Filament
Problems that occur in 3D printing can be caused because of poor quality filament. Try to get a filament of higher quality that works accurately at high temperatures and can stay at a fixed place.
The manufacturing methods of some cheaper filament just doesn’t bode well for your 3D printing experience. Either that or the storage of the filament before delivery has caused it to absorb moisture in the air, leading to unsuccessful prints.
Once you get in your 3D printing journey and have tried out a few filament brands, you start to learn which ones uphold their reputation and quality each and every time.
Get yourself some reputable brands of filament from either Amazon, or a 3D print E-commerce site like MatterHackers.
Check your filament diameter is within the proper tolerance – so a 1.75mm filament shouldn’t measure 1.70mm in any location.
6. Not Using a Good Adhesive Substance on Your Print Bed
Sometimes you can solve the problem of prints not sticking to your print bed by using a simple adhesive substance.
Common glue stick like Elmer’s Glue from Amazon works well
Some people swear by hairspray with that ‘hold’ element to it
You can get specialized 3D printing adhesive substances which are proven to work very well
Sometimes just a good cleaning of your bed is enough to bring the adhesion out
7. Use Brims & Rafts in Your 3D Prints
For those larger 3D prints, sometimes it’s just going to require a brim or raft to give it that extra foundation to last throughout the printing process. Certain models just can’t be oriented very well to be supported by itself.
In your slicer settings you can implement a brim or a raft easily, with a custom number of levels that works for your print.
Brim solves the problem because it circles around the object in a consistent loop providing an enlarged surface area to stick to the bed.
Rafts work as a thin layer just like a layer of glue creating a perfect surface for the print.
How Do You Get PLA to Stick to the Bed?
It becomes frustrating for the user when PLA does not stick to the bed. It may also happen that the PLA pops off the surface while printing, leading to wasting time, filament, and causing frustrations.
These are some of the best things that can help you to get your PLA stick to the bed correctly:
Place the extruder at the correct height of the surface – using a BL Touch is a great addition for printing success
Use good and high-quality base material.
Use a thin layer of adhesives such as hairspray or glue because they work well. You can also use standard adhesives produced specifically for 3D printing.
How Do You Get ABS to Stick to the Bed?
ABS used to be the most common 3D printing material, until PLA came on the scene with a much easier printing experience, but many people still love their ABS.
In order to get ABS to stick to the print bed you can use the following methods:
Mix acetone and pieces of ABS filament to make an ‘ABS slurry’ which can be spread on the bed to help bed adhesion
Use an enlarged raft or brim to help your ABS stick
Regulate the operating temperature of your printing area, because ABS is prone to warp with temperature changes
Increase the bed temperature to increase adhesion.
How Do You Get PETG to Stick to the Bed?
Keep this thing in mind that if the ambient temperature is not high it can ruin all your printings. Try to keep temperatures at room temperature or higher than it. To get your PETG stick to the bed:
Make sure that you have a surface that works well with PETG like BuildTak or PEI.
Michael Dwamena is the founder of 3D Printerly, a platform dedicated to simplifying 3D printing for hobbyists and professionals alike. Owns over 20 3D printers (filament and resin) and has plenty experience 3D printing. Michael has authored over 900 articles, helping millions navigate the exciting world of 3D printing.
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