Having a bad print sucks. In this guide, we show you tips on how to prevent 3D print layer separation. Having these problems can lead to mechanical strength problems besides bad finishes.
Top Potential Problems To Check
- Always examine your material filament before printing, and use good quality
- Dirty nozzle
- Improper model slicing or 3D printer settings
- Inconsistent nozzle temperature
- Slow printing speed
- Poor temperature containment (not enclosed)
Now let's talk about what print layer separation is and things you can do about it.
What is Print Layer Separation
Print layer separation is the material layer's inability to bond between layers. Without a good bond, there is nothing for the material to connect to. So it typically shows a gap with warp.
How To Prevent 3D Printer Layer Separation
Use Good Quality Material Filament
Poor material leads to poor quality anyway. It's always better just to start with good filament before printing.
Materials with poor adhesion such as ABS and Nylon will need higher printer temperature to get one layer to bond with the next.
In addition, be sure to store the filament away from moisture. You can get some filament dryer with temperature & humidity monitor here
Clean The Nozzle
Not having a clean nozzle leads to all types of problems including layer separation.
Remove all residue to smooth out the extrusion process. Having consistent extrusion will give better printing adhesion and reduce layer separation and oozing.
You can try the atomic pull procedure to clean the nozzle, or check out more cleaning tips here
Reduce Layer Height
Reduce layer height to about 80% of the nozzle diameter. When the layer height is reduced it pushes the layers together, and create a squishing effect when the material gets extruded out of the nozzle.
Upgrade To An Enclosed 3D Printer
An enclosed 3D printer has the ability of slowing down cooling. This allows the material to maintain high temperature longer to create better bond with the layer.
A chambered environment also maintains heat more consistently and prevents heat loss around the 3D printer, so no AC or fan will interfere with the temperature.
Click here to browse more temperature efficient 3D printers.