Almost every print failure comes down to one of a handful of causes. Here's how to diagnose and fix the ones you'll actually run into.

Warping (corners lifting off the bed)

Cause: the plastic cools and contracts unevenly, usually because the bed isn't hot enough or there's a draft cooling one side of the print faster than the other.

Fix: increase bed temperature slightly, use a brim for extra edge adhesion, and keep the printer away from open windows or aircon vents. If you're printing ABS or ASA on an open-frame printer, this is expected — an enclosed printer solves it properly.

Stringing (thin wisps of plastic between parts)

Cause: molten filament oozing out of the nozzle while it travels between print points, usually from too high a temperature or insufficient retraction.

Fix: lower your nozzle temperature in 5°C increments until it clears up, and make sure retraction is enabled in your slicer. PETG strings more than PLA by nature — a small amount is normal, not a fault.

Layer shifting (layers suddenly offset mid-print)

Cause: almost always mechanical — a loose belt, a skipped stepper motor step from printing too fast, or the print catching on something.

Fix: check belt tension, reduce print speed if it's happening on complex geometry, and make sure nothing (like a filament tangle) is obstructing the gantry mid-print.

Poor first-layer adhesion (print won't stick to the bed)

Cause: the nozzle is too far from the bed, the bed surface is dirty or oily, or the bed isn't level.

Fix: re-run auto bed levelling, wipe the print surface with isopropyl alcohol before printing, and check your first-layer height in the slicer. A worn or damaged build plate is also a common, overlooked cause — if levelling and cleaning don't help, it may be time for a replacement plate.

Under-extrusion (weak, gappy layers)

Cause: usually a partially clogged nozzle, worn extruder gears, or filament that's absorbed moisture from the air.

Fix: try a cold pull to clear the nozzle, and store filament in a sealed container or filament dryer if you're in a humid area — PETG and TPU are especially moisture-sensitive.

If you've worked through these and something still isn't right, our team is on WhatsApp and happy to help you troubleshoot the specific issue.