Getting Started with Filament Printing - Post-print
What to do once you have printed a model
Post-Print
Filament post-print steps aren’t as time consuming as resin printing ones. Unless you want to post process the item, you’ll be done by picking it up from the build plate and removing supports.
Make sure the build plate has had time to cool down before picking up the item so it’ll stick less to the build plate.
Tools
One of the nice things about filament printing is that you can get started with very few tools.
A basic setup usually includes:
- Precision side cutters to remove supports.
- A scraper or plastic spatula to help remove prints from the build plate.
Troubleshooting
The 3D printing community is huge. If you encounter an issue not covered here, you’ll find plenty of tutorials on YouTube, manufacturer forums, and communities such as r/FixMyPrint or r/3Dprinting.
Failed Prints
Most filament printing failures can be diagnosed by looking at what happened during the print.
Most beginner issues are caused by:
- Poor first-layer adhesion
- Incorrect temperatures
- Wet filament
- Missing supports or poor model orientation
Typical failures
Print detached from the build plate
Possible causes:
- Dirty build plate
- Incorrect nozzle height
- Bed temperature too low
- Drafts around the printer
Fixes:
- Clean the build plate with soap and water
- Re-run bed leveling
- Verify bed temperature
- Use an enclosure or reduce drafts
- Slow down your print
- Spread white paper glue on the build plate
Excessive stringing
Possible causes:
- Wet filament
- Printing temperature too high
- Retraction settings not tuned
Fixes:
- Dry the filament
- Lower nozzle temperature slightly
- Run a retraction calibration
- Print a temperature tower to see if another temperature is better suited to your filament
Warping (corners lifting)
Possible causes:
- Poor bed adhesion
- Cooling too quickly
- Large flat surfaces
Fixes:
- Clean the build plate
- Add a brim
- Use an enclosure for sensitive materials
- Spread white paper glue on the build plate
Poor surface quality
Possible causes:
- Wet filament
- Printing too fast
- Incorrect temperatures
Fixes:
- Dry the filament
- Reduce print speed
- Verify filament profile settings
Layer shifting
Possible causes:
- Mechanical obstruction
- Loose belts
- Print moving after detaching from the bed
Fixes:
- Check for obstructions
- Inspect belt tension
- Ensure the print remains firmly attached
Clogged nozzle
Possible causes:
- Dust or debris in the filament
- Worn nozzle
- Printing temperature too low
Fixes:
- Perform a nozzle cleaning
- Replace the nozzle if necessary
- Verify printing temperatures