Tips & Tricks 101: Eliminating3D Print Bulging Corners
Navigating the landscape of 3D printing, you may have crossed paths with a common issue known as 3D print bulging corners. This common problem can affect the accuracy and appearance of your 3D prints. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the root causes and find solutions. In this article, you will learn about the different factors that cause 3D printing bulging corners and get useful tips to fix this issue.
What Causes 3D Print Bulging Corners?
3D printing is a process of crafting objects from a digital model, which can be of any shape. However, it can sometimes have its challenges, one of which could include 3D printing corner bulge. Several factors can lead to this common issue, and it's vital to understand these factors to prevent and solve the problem effectively.
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Overextrusion and Calibration
Overextrusion, where more filament is extruded than needed, can cause bulging at the corners. This often stems from uncalibrated extruder steps (esteps) or incorrect pressure advance settings, leading to excess material build-up. Properly calibrating these settings is key to preventing corner bulge.
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Uneven Cooling
Uneven cooling of the printed layers is a prime cause of bulging corners. Cooling is an integral part of the 3D printing process. If some parts of your print cool faster than others, they could contract and pull in the corners, creating bulges. This usually happens when the cooling fan speed is not properly calibrated for the specific printing conditions or materials.
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Unoptimized Printing Speed
High printing speed can also cause bulging corners. When the printer head moves quickly, it tends to drag filament along, causing excess material to accumulate at the corners. This buildup can manifest as bulging 3D printing rounded corners. An adequately balanced print speed can prevent this bulge phenomenon.
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Improper Print Bed Leveling
A printer bed that is not properly leveled can lead to various issues, including corner bulges. If the print bed is too high, the nozzle can push the excess filament out at the corners, creating bulges. Conversely, if it's too low, the nozzle can drag the filament, resulting in the same issue.
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Inadequate First Layer Settings
The settings for your first layer play a very important role in determining the overall quality of your print. Incorrect first layer settings, like higher layer height or excessive extrusion, can lead to too much material being deposited, which often results in bulging in the corners.
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Incorrect Temperature Settings
The temperature of your printer's hot end and bed can significantly affect the overall quality of your prints. If the temperature is too high, your print material can become too fluid, leading to bulging in the corners. It's important to find the optimal temperature for your specific filament type.
How to Fix 3D Print Bulging Corners?
Discover effective solutions to fix 3D print bulging corners. In this section, we'll explore practical methods to address this common issue, ensuring smoother and more accurate 3D prints. From adjusting print speeds to filament choices, we cover all you need to know for perfect prints.
Lower Print Speed
Lowering the print speed helps to combat bulging issues on 3D prints. Bulging corners are sometimes the result of the filament not having adequate time to cool down, thereby maintaining its shape before the next layer is added. By printing at a reduced speed, the filament has more time to cool and retain its correct form. This adjustment can specifically be implemented in the slicer software. Make sure to also lower the minimum layer time to zero to prevent the printer from operating too fast when printing smaller layers.
Use Cooling System Properly
Effective use of the cooling system is a crucial aspect of preventing bulging corners on a 3D print. Proper cooling can help the printed filament solidify quickly, which in turn improves its ability to hold the intended shape without distortion. The cooling system, especially the cooling fan, must be set correctly in the slicer settings. Using the cooling fan at full power can aid in faster cooling of the filament. However, ensure that the filament is not cooled too quickly, as it might cause warping.
Calibrate the Print Bed
A correctly calibrated and leveled print bed is essential to prevent bulging corners. When the print bed is uneven, it can lead to filament being extruded unevenly, resulting in bulging corners and other printing issues. To ensure consistent filament adhesion, regularly clean the bed surface, removing any residues that might affect the leveling. In addition, regular checks and calibration of the print bed level are necessary to ensure the first layer of the model adheres evenly and consistently, reducing the bulging problem.
Try other Filaments
Experimenting with different types of filaments could alleviate 3D print bulging. Filaments have different properties and react uniquely to temperature and speed settings. Effects such as bulging that appear with one filament type may not occur with another. For instance, you might experience issues with PLA but not have the same problems with ABS or PETG filament. Therefore, testing various filaments while maintaining optimal recalibration settings could assist in finding the suitable filament that minimizes bulging on 3D prints.
To achieve high-quality 3D outputs, it's essential to use reliable 3D printers and filaments. AnkerMake offers excellent products that can help you achieve this goal.
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AnkerMake M5 3D Printer
The AnkerMake M5 3D Printer, a marvel of engineering, delivers astonishing print speeds of up to 500 mm/s and incredible precision of 0.1mm. Outfitted with an AI camera for real-time monitoring, it features automatic timelapse creation. Seamless multi-device connection is facilitated through the AnkerMake app, while a 7x7 auto-leveling system navigates underlying surfaces. The M5’s assembly is effortless, thanks to its robust aluminum alloy structure. With an impressive print volume of 235x235x250 mm³, this 3D printer is designed to make your creativity boundless.
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AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer
Power meets convenience with the AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer. Offering easy multi-device control through our AnkerMake app, having a customizable one-click button simplifies your 3D printing experience. It boasts high-speed printing at 500 mm/s with an excellent extrusion flow of 35 mm³/s and meticulous 0.1mm precision. This intelligent 3D printer possesses a 7x7 auto-leveling feature and supports a diverse selection of filaments for ultimate creativity.
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3D Printer Filaments
AnkerMake offers a broad spectrum of 3D printer filaments, providing superior flexibility to your printing frontier. From the smooth finish of PLA+, the rustic look of PLA+ Matte, the shimmering surface of PLA+ Silk, to the sparkle of PLA+ Glitter, each material is designed to refresh your artistic output.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and addressing the causes of 3D print bulging corners is key to achieving high-quality prints. By implementing the discussed solutions such as lowering print speed, using the cooling system effectively, calibrating the print bed, and experimenting with different filaments, you can significantly reduce or eliminate this common issue. Remember, fine-tuning your 3D printing process is a journey of continuous learning and experimentation. With patience and practice, you can overcome challenges like bulging corners and enhance the overall quality of your 3D printing projects.
FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions about 3D print bulging corners.
Why are the corners of my 3D prints warping?
Warping in 3D prints occurs due to the rapid or uneven cooling of extruded filament. As the filament solidifies during cooling, it shrinks and may cause upper layers to pull on the bottom layers, detaching them from the print bed in the process.
What is the bulge at the bottom of 3D print?
The bulge at the bottom of a 3D print, known as elephant foot, results from insufficient cooling of the base of the model. This causes the bottom part to become unstable and unable to support the top part, often occurring when a 3D printer has a heated bed.
Are rounded corners better in 3D printing?
Yes, especially for larger parts, it is advisable to round the corners that come into contact with the printer's build plate. The rounded corners can help minimize issues such as warping, and they provide better surface adhesion, enhancing the stability and overall quality of the 3D-printed object.
