How can you avoid 3D printing failures?

Some ways to get started: - one time at work, I notice that the adhesion is not very strong. Instead of increasing the build-plate temperature, spray a layer of adhesion spray. - in my experience, this improved chance of success to 95%. - One thing I found helpful is to not spray too much and sprinkle it rather than spraying directly at it.

When checking for watertightness, use software that offers both automatic repair tools and manual editing functions. This lets you fix minor holes quickly and make precise adjustments for more complex issues.

Calibration is critical. As much excitement as it is to just jump in and immediately get started, without proper calibration, even with a perfect first layer, The best way to calibrate in my experience (at least with a manual non-assisted printer) is to slightly heat the bed, as this will account for proper calibration as the bed will be heated during printing. Also, if you have a flashcard laying around, it's just about the right thickness that you want from the bed (at least in terms of Creality-based units). You want to be able to have friction between the nozzle and the flashcard on the bed, but not so much to where you can't move the flashcard at all.

Some ways to get started: - regularly clean your extruder. - calibrate build-plate levelling. - have a small test print to calibrate the supports and adhesion.

Regularly calibrate not just the build plate level, but also the extruder tension. Proper tension ensures consistent filament flow, reducing the risk of under-extrusion or grinding.

Make sure you know that the filament you are going to use is well conditioned in terms of moisture content. Printing with a filament that contains too much moisture will either lead to a print with rough and bubbly surface finish, stringy finish, different mechanical properties or dimensional accuracy that is completely off or a failed print. You can have the best calibrated machine, the best design for FFF optimised 3D model, but if the material is not good, the print won't be any good. You can do a lot with post-processing, but you don't always have time for this.

some ways to get started: - make sure to properly choose the right filament both on your slicing software as well as your printer. - ensure that the size of the PLA filament is compatible and adjusted with the 3D model. - take account the speed at which the object is being printed.

Don't underestimate the importance of proper filament storage. Invest in airtight containers with desiccant packs to keep your filament dry and prevent printing problems.

What I always do before I start the print on the 3D printing, I use a preview function to go through the layers and look for any abnormalities. Is the overhang being printed well supported(can I easily remove it after printing), is the Z seam well positioned, are there any strange travel moves, are the smallest features visible in the preview(otherwise it won't print). This preview option has saved me many failed prints!

Experiment with different infill patterns. Consider using gyroid infill for improved strength-to-weight ratio and better support for curved surfaces.

some ways to get started: - rather than rushing through a print by increasing print speed, don't. This increases the chance of failure. - monitor the print every hour.

A webcam or timelapse recording of your print allows you to review the process later and identify any issues you might have missed during live monitoring.

Ideally you want to do as less as possible with post-processing. Any post processing you are likely to see afterwards. But if you really need a print which is almost perfect, then it can be a life saver. Removing supports often leave marks which can be easily be removed with a blowtorch, similar for any small strings in the travel moves of the nozzle.

Make sure your filament is correctly dried and don't be shy or afraid of using the right adhesives. Drying your filament not only guarantees strong prints, eliminating voids (created by the expanding steam) but also reduces wisps and stringing (resulting from lack of controlled extrusion due to the build up of pressure). There is also a reduced risk of hot end clogging. The right adhesives on the other hand make sure that your print remains correctly stuck. The right adhesives can also act as the right interface layer for extra sticky materials making it easier to remove without damaging your printing surface.

In FDM printing, the model design plays a huge role in the eventual print complexity as well. It is important to note features that require a well tuned printer to accomplish, such as steep overhangs, bridges and thin structures, and avoid or replace them with more printer-friendly features. For example, instead of applying round fillets all around the model, opt for flat chamfers instead, especially on the underside and topside of your model.