3D Print Stringing: Common Causes and Quick Fixes

3D print stringing, also known as oozing or webbing, is a common issue that can mar the finish of your prints. It occurs when molten plastic leaks out of the nozzle and forms thin strands when the printer head moves from one point to another. Stringing can make 3D prints messy and unfinished, and weaken the structural integrity of the print.

If you're experiencing stringing with your 3D prints, don't worry! There are a few simple fixes you can use to solve the problem. In this post, we will discuss the most common causes of 3D printing stringing and provide some quick fixes that you can try.

What Causes Stringing in 3D Printing

"Why is my 3D printer stringing?" This is one of the most commonly asked problems in the 3D printing forum without a doubt. So, what causes stringing in 3D printing? The common causes include:

• Over-high Nozzle Temperature: If the hot end temperature is too high, the filament will be more fluid and more likely to drip out of the nozzle.
• Incorrect Retraction Settings: Incorrect retraction settings like too close retraction distance, or too slow retraction speed, which prevents the filament from retracting in a timely manner, may lead to stringing in 3Dprinting.
• Poor Cooling: If the print head fan is not working properly, or if the temperature is too high, the filament may not cool quickly enough, which can also lead to 3D print stringing.
• Excessive Printing Speed: If the print speed is too fast, the filament will not have enough time to solidify before the print head moves on.
• Nozzle Clogging: When the nozzle is partially clogged, the flow of filament can become uneven, causing uneven deposition and thus stringing.
• Wet Filament: Wet filament causes a decrease in viscosity and steam, which can lead to uneven melting of fillings during the melting process and result in 3D printer stringing eventually.

How to Fix Stringing 3D Printer?

When 3D printer stringing occurs, you need to identify the cause and fix it. Next, we will show you workable ways below to show you how to fix stringing 3D printing.

Avoid the Filament from Wet

Filaments are essential parts of 3D printing. To avoid 3D printer stringing, it is necessary to keep 3D printer filament dry first. You can store filaments in a cool, dry place with low humidity instead of areas that are typically more humid. If your filaments are already wet, you can use a filament dryer to remove moisture from the filaments. If you don't have one, try to bake the filament in an oven at a proper temperature.

Set the Proper Temperature

Different 3D printing materials require different nozzle temperatures. If you don’t know the optimal printing temperature, check the information provided by the manufacturer regarding the recommended temperature range before printing, and choose the proper nozzle temperature for 3D printing to avoid stringing. If the 3D printer is still stringing, you can reduce the nozzle temperature by 5 to 10°C.

Speed Up Retraction and Increase Distance

The optimal retraction settings will vary depending on your printer and filaments. When the 3D print stringing occurs, you can try to increase the retraction distance and the retraction speed to fix the 3D print stringing. First, moderately increase the retraction distance, typically by adding 1 to 2 millimeters from the default setting, and then fine-tune gradually.

Additionally, slightly raise the retraction speed, usually by increasing it by 10 to 20 millimeters per second to expedite the retraction process of the filament. This helps reduce the chances of excess molten filament residue between your printed model, minimizing stringing.

Clean the Nozzle Regularly

Cleaning the nozzle regularly can ensure the filament flows smoothly to avoid stringing and improve the overall quality of your prints. Here are some tips on how to clean up stringing on 3D print.

1. Clean the nozzle after every print.After 3D printing, wipe the nozzle outside with a damp cloth to remove daily dust to avoid nozzle clogging.
2. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the nozzle.This brush should be soft enough so that it won’t scratch the nozzle while still being stiff enough to remove filament buildup.

However, if you are still having trouble removing the stringing from 3D prints after trying all the cleaning tips above, it means that the nozzle is worn out and needs to be replaced.

Adjust the Printing Speed

To fix 3D printing stringing, you can set the appropriate printing speed in the 3D printer slicer. However, the printing speed should not be too slow. You can start by increasing the printing speed and testing several times to find the best speed that reduces stringing.

Best 3D Printing Settings

Aside from the methods mentioned above, you can also address the issue of 3D printing stringing by configuring the 3D printing settings directly. The optimal printing speed, right nozzle temperature, and retraction settings should be set based on the specific filament being used. Plus, it is important to test multiple times before formal printing to ensure that they are all set properly to avoid 3D print stringing and other issues.

The above are all solutions, which can effectively solve how to fix stringing 3D printers. However, as for how to stop stringing in 3D printing, the best way is to avoid stringing directly from the beginning. To do so, you can use a 3D printer that is less prone to stringing. For example, the AnkerMake M5 3D printer is highly recommended.

It provides a high-precision direct drive extruder that can offer better control over the filament. Also, its smart cooling system can automatically adjust the fan speed based on the print geometry, helping to ensure that the print cools properly without causing warping or cracking. More than that, AnkerMake M5 3D printer comes with easy-to-use slicer software that can help reduce stringing, such as retraction and coasting. With it, you can freely be at ease with the 3D printing stringing issue.

Another choice is AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer. It is capable of printing at a high speed of 500 mm/s and supports an extrusion flow rate of 35 mm³/s. Additionally, it features an all-metal hot end, which supports high-temperature printing up to 300℃. The dual cooling system ensures that the model cooling air volume can reach 1.72 CFM, which can prevent nozzle clogging and reduce the likelihood of stringing. Using this printer can help you avoid issues with stringing and produce high-quality prints.

Conclusion

It is annoying when 3D print stringing issues occur. To help you, this post has explored the reasons why your 3D printer is stringing and provided specific solutions for them. After reading this post, we believe that 3D printer stringing will no longer be a challenge for you. If you think this post is helpful, please share it and let more people get help.

FAQ

Can a bad nozzle cause string in 3D printing?

Yes, a clogged, damaged, or worn nozzle can cause stringing in 3D printing. When the nozzle does not work properly, the molten filament accidentally leaks out of the nozzle, resulting in stringing. To solve the problem of nozzle clogging, you can clean the clogged nozzle using a fine needle. If cleaning doesn't resolve the issue, it's wise to consider a nozzle replacement.

Does the type of filament impact stringing?

Yes. The type of filament indeed plays a role in stringing during 3D printing. Stringing issues are influenced by the filament's viscosity, melting point, and adhesion characteristics. To avoid the issue, you should consider filaments that are known to be less prone to stringing, like PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU.

Can stringing affect the quality of my 3D prints?

Yes, stringing can affect your 3D print quality in a number of ways. It can reduce accuracy, making your prints look messy. It can also ruin the structure of your prints by creating gaps and voids. Moreover, it can clog your nozzle and cause other printing problems. Thus, for high-quality 3D prints, it is crucial to address stringing issues. By adjusting print settings, taking proper precautions, and properly maintaining your 3D printer, you can reduce stringing and enhance print quality.