Troubleshooting Guide: Filament Not Sticking to Bed

One of the most common challenges encountered in FDM 3D printing is the issue of the print not sticking to the bed. This frustrating problem can lead to failed prints and wasted time and filament. However, fear not! In this troubleshooting guide, we will explore some common causes and provide practical solutions to help you overcome this issue and achieve successful prints.

1. Leveling the Print Bed:

One of the first steps to ensure proper bed adhesion is to level your print bed correctly. An uneven bed can result in varying distances between the nozzle and the print surface, causing adhesion problems. Follow these steps to level your bed:

• Start with the nozzle and bed heated to the printing temperature.
• Use a piece of paper or a feeler gauge to adjust the bed height, ensuring a slight resistance when sliding the paper between the nozzle and bed.
• Repeat the process for all corners and the center of the bed.

2. Cleaning the Print Surface:

A dirty or greasy print surface can hinder PLA adhesion. Ensure the print bed is clean before each print. Use isopropyl alcohol or a mild detergent to clean the surface and remove any residues. Additionally, avoid touching the print bed with bare hands, as natural oils can reduce adhesion.

2. Applying Adhesive Aids:

To enhance bed adhesion, you can try using adhesive aids such as:

• Blue painter's tape: Apply tape to the print bed, ensuring a smooth and flat surface for the print.
• Kapton tape: This heat-resistant tape provides excellent adhesion for PLA prints.
• Print adhesives: Apply a thin layer of glue stick or a specialized 3D printing adhesive like hairspray or a dedicated print bed adhesive.

4. Adjusting Bed Temperature:

In some cases, adjusting the bed temperature can improve PLA adhesion. PLA typically adheres well to a heated bed, but if you experience difficulties, try adjusting the temperature slightly. Experiment with lowering or increasing the bed temperature by a few degrees to find the optimal setting for your printer and PLA filament.

4. Fine-Tuning Print Settings:

Optimizing print settings can also improve bed adhesion. Consider these adjustments:

• First-layer height: Increase the first-layer height slightly to ensure better contact between the nozzle and the bed.
• First-layer speed: Slow down the first layer to provide more time for proper adhesion.
• Extrusion temperature: PLA adhesion can be affected by the extrusion temperature. Experiment with slightly higher or lower temperatures to find the sweet spot.

Overcoming PLA adhesion issues is a crucial step towards successful 3D printing. By following this troubleshooting guide and implementing the recommended solutions, you can significantly improve bed adhesion and achieve high-quality prints with PLA. Remember, troubleshooting is often a process of trial and error, so don't be afraid to experiment and adjust settings until you find what works best for your specific printer and filament. Happy printing!