3D printer bed adhesion


How to Fix it Step-by-Step

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Martin

Besides many test devices, Martin now has his fourth own 3D printer running and prints as a hobby for friends, family and himself. He is happy to share his experience with each new article.

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It can be annoying when a 3D print won’t stick to the print bed. It’s even more frustrating when you don’t know what the problem is or how to fix it. There are indeed many factors that can lead to poor print bed adhesion, but there are at least as many solutions.

Unfortunately, however, the cause can rarely be diagnosed purely visually. Therefore, you may have to apply several of the solutions presented and tested here until the print bed adhesion is sufficient.

If a 3D print is not sticking to the print bed, the first thing to do is to clean and level the print bed and calibrate the Z-offset of the nozzle. After that, measures that cause the filament of the first layer to cool down more slowly can increase the adhesion.

Example of a miserable print bed adhesion.

Key Takeaways:
(The solutions should be applied in this order.)

  • Clean the print bed so that the filament sticks to the print bed and not to foreign objects and residues.
  • Re-level the print bed for a consistent distance between the nozzle and the print bed.
  • Reduce the distance between the nozzle and the print bed: If the filament is pressed more strongly onto the print bed, it bonds better with it.
  • Reduce the printing speed of the first layer: The longer the filament remains hot and liquid, the better it can bond with the print bed.
  • Deactivate the cooling of the first layer: Same effect as no. 4 – the filament stays hot longer.
  • Increase the print bed temperature: Same effect as no. 4 – the filament stays hot longer.
  • Thicker first layer: Same effect as No. 4 – the filament stays hot longer.
  • Apply adhesive: Use hairspray, glue sticks, Blue Tape, special 3D printing adhesives like Magigoo.
  • Use a Brim or Raft to increase the surface of the first layer (often difficult to remove).
  • Replace the print bed if all other measures were unsuccessful. (Recommendation: PEI print bed*