Essential Knowledge for Understanding 3D Printing

Troubleshooting

Transparent & Clear 3D Printing Guide: Filaments, Tips & Tricks

(source: AI) Most “clear” 3D prints aren’t fooling anyone. They come out looking more like yellow frosted bathroom glass than crystal-clear acrylic. But don’t give up hope just yet. With the right materials, printer settings, and a little post-processing finesse, you can achieve that see-through, polished look that turns heads and gets the job done. So why does clear 3D printing matter? Because transparency isn’t just for show. Engineers use it to prototype fluid channels, optics labs print light guid......

May 20, 2025

Troubleshooting

How to 3D Print Temperature Tower for Temp Test

A few degrees can be the difference between a flawless part and a wasted spool of filament. Too hot, and you’ll see drooping edges, stringing, or detail loss. Too cold, and layers won’t bond properly, leaving brittle parts that can crack under stress. That’s why dialing in the right print temperature isn’t guesswork, it’s a controlled process. The most common method is running a 3D print temperature test, often with a temp tower, which reveals exactly how your material performs across a range of setti......

Oct 14, 2025

Troubleshooting

How to Calibrate Your 3D Printer for Dimensional Accuracy

When Dimensional Accuracy Really Matters When it comes to precision 3D printing, it’s not just about clean layers or smooth surfaces; dimensional accuracy is what separates prototypes from production-ready parts. If you're printing mechanical components, functional assemblies, or anything that needs to fit, align, or move, dimensional accuracy in 3D printing is non-negotiable. Think of it this way: a. A 3D printed gear with even a 0.3mm deviation might skip teeth or lock up entirely in a transmission.......

Aug 12, 2025

Safety & Maintenance

10 Things You Should Never 3D Print

(source: Freepik) 3D printing opens the door to creativity, customization, and convenience, but not everything should be on the print bed. While the tech keeps getting better, safer, and more accessible, there are still clear boundaries, legal, ethical, and material-based, that shouldn’t be crossed. Whether you're just starting out or you're knee-deep in STL files, it’s important to know where the line is between a clever print and a costly mistake. Here are 10 things you should never 3D print, and ex......

Jun 13, 2025

Safety & Maintenance

3D Printer Fire Safety: Risks and How to Protect Your Prints

Till this day, users on Reddit share how their 3D printer caught fire when left unattended. Luckily, some showed up in time. But not everyone is that lucky. In fact, according to fire safety reports, 3D printers are responsible for dozens of documented home fires every year. Even if the chances are 1 in 1,000. That raises the question: how real is the risk of a 3D printer fire, and how much is myth? In this blog, we’ll cut through the noise with: a. 3D printer fire myths vs reality b. Clear fire preve......

Sep 20, 2025

Troubleshooting

How to Replace a 3D Printer Nozzle Safely & Easily

A clean, healthy nozzle is the heart of every good 3D print. But over time, even the best ones wear down, a little abrasion here, a bit of filament buildup there, and suddenly your printer’s perfect flow starts acting up. That’s when 3D printer nozzle replacement steps in as your best fix. (source: Reddit) A worn or damaged nozzle can cause all kinds of chaos: inconsistent extrusion, clogging, stringy prints, and rough or uneven layers. You might even notice the print surface looking a bit dull, or ra......

Oct 15, 2025

Troubleshooting

3D Printer Cold Pull Guide: Clean Nozzles in Minutes

Few things kill your print quality faster than a clogged nozzle. One minute your layers are smooth and perfect, and the next, you’re staring at a half-finished mess of under-extrusion and spaghetti filament. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to disassemble your hotend or spend hours troubleshooting. The fix is simple. A cold pull. (source：Reddit) If you’ve ever wondered what a cold pull is in 3D printing, it’s basically the simplest, most effective way to clear out debris, burnt filament, and m......

Oct 15, 2025

Safety & Maintenance

How to Get Better Overhangs in 3D Printing - Complete Fix Guide

Why 3D Printing Overhangs Matter (and Why They’re So Frustrating) (Source: ABCD4WS via Reddit) Ever printed a model and noticed parts drooping, curling, or turning into stringy disasters mid-air? That’s an overhang issue. Overhangs are parts of a print that jut out beyond previous layers, meaning they have little to no material beneath them for support. If not handled properly, they result in poor surface quality, failed prints, or ugly warped edges. Real-World Example: Say you’re printing a figurine ......

Sep 15, 2025

Troubleshooting

Why Your 3D Printer Isn’t Extruding and How to Solve It

You hit Print, the bed warms up, the nozzle homes, the gantry starts its dance… and nothing comes out. No bead, no first layer, just an air print. Few things are more maddening in 3D printing than a 3d printer not extruding when you’re ready to go. This guide tackles the big failure modes you’re likely seeing: a 3d printer not extruding at start, a 3d printer stops extruding mid point, or generally weak, inconsistent flow where the filament's not extruding the way it should. We’ll show you exactly why......

Sep 11, 2025

Troubleshooting

Best 3D Printing Nozzle Guide: Types, Material, and Size

When people think about 3D printing, they usually focus on the printer itself, the filament, or slicing software. But one of the most underrated yet critical parts of any setup is the 3D printer nozzle. This small component controls your layer precision, print speed, surface finish, and even which materials you can successfully print. A good 3D printing nozzle isn’t only for avoiding clogs, it also comes with the ability to push your printer to its full potential. The right one can mean the difference......

Sep 09, 2025

Troubleshooting

3D Printing Cooling: Fans, Temperatures & Techniques

One of the first things I learned when I started running printers here at JLC3DP is this: your cooling setup can make or break a print. (source：Reddit) We’ve seen it all, wobbly overhangs that look like melted spaghetti to razor-sharp PLA figurines with perfect detail, and most of the difference came down to how well the part cooling fan was dialed in. A proper 3d print fan setup solidifies each layer at the right speed, preventing warping and drooping edges. Without controlled airflow, prints may suf......

Sep 01, 2025

Troubleshooting

How to Clean a 3D Printer Nozzle (and Unclog an Extruder)

We’ve all been there, you set up a print, hit “start,” and ten minutes later, your nozzle starts clicking, under-extruding, or worse… completely clogs. Nothing ruins a project faster. That’s why keeping your 3D printer nozzle and extruder clean isn’t just routine maintenance, it’s the difference between smooth, flawless prints and hours of wasted filament. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean a 3D printer nozzle, how to unclog an extruder, and simple ways to prevent clogs before they hap......

Sep 02, 2025

Troubleshooting

6 Fixes for 3D Print Under-Extrusion & Gaps: Causes & Pro Tips

If your 3D print looks like swiss cheese… Read this. You’re excited. Your slicer preview looks solid. You hit print, only to watch your part emerge with strange gaps in the walls, weird holes between lines, or the dreaded under-extruded spaghetti. Gaps in 3D prints are a common frustration, especially for beginners, but they’re not random. They’re signals from your machine that something’s off: the flow, temperature, speed, or settings. The good news? Most of these issues are fixable. In this guide, w......

Aug 28, 2025

Troubleshooting

Best 3D Printer Extruder: Strongest & Most Reliable Options for 2025

The extruder is the heart of your machine. It’s the part that grips, melts, and precisely feeds filament to create each layer of your model. A weak or unreliable extruder can cause clogs, under-extrusion, and inconsistent prints. But with the best 3D printer extruder, you can dramatically improve print quality, reduce downtime, and expand the types of materials you can use. At JLC3DP, we’ve tested dozens of extruder setups for different printers and materials and learned that a strong, reliable extrud......

Aug 26, 2025

Troubleshooting

How to Calibrate a 3D Printer for Better Layer Bonding

Achieving strong, seamless layer bonding in your 3D prints doesn’t just depend on the filament you use, it starts with calibration. Poorly calibrated printers often result in weak prints that split apart, delaminate, or warp. So if you’re aiming for professional results, this 3D printing calibration guide is your blueprint. In this article, we’ll walk through how to calibrate a 3D printer step-by-step, with a focus on enhancing layer adhesion. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional engineer, mast......

Aug 07, 2025

Troubleshooting

How to Reduce Stringing in 3D Printing: Causes, Fixes, and Pro Tips

Nothing kills the satisfaction of a good print like a mess of wispy plastic threads all over your model. If you’ve ever wondered why my 3D print has strings? You’re not alone. Stringing is one of the most common and frustrating issues in FDM 3D printing. But the good news? It’s also one of the most fixable. In this guide, we’ll break down what causes 3D print stringing, how to reduce stringing in 3D printing, and the settings and techniques that work. What Is Stringing in 3D Printing? Stringing, also ......

Aug 05, 2025

Troubleshooting

How to Remove a 3D Print from Bed: 9 Safe Fixes for Stuck Prints

(Source: geeetech) Nothing tests your patience like a 3D print that refuses to let go of the bed. Whether you're dealing with PLA fused to a glass plate or a warped print jammed into a corner, getting it off without damage can feel like defusing a bomb. And let’s be honest, grabbing a screwdriver and hoping for the best? Not the move. This blog gives you practical, safe, and engineer-approved methods to remove a stuck 3D print, no broken beds, no gouged fingers, no rage quits. From smart removal hacks......

Jul 09, 2025

Troubleshooting

3D Print Not Sticking to Bed? Try These 9 Quick Fixes Right Now

(Reddit) You set up the file. Leveled the bed. Pressed print. Then.. nothing. The first layer starts to curl, or worse, doesn't even stick at all. Now you're staring at spaghetti on your build plate and wondering what the hell went wrong. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Bed adhesion is the #1 issue that haunts new and seasoned 3D printer users alike. And most of the advice online? Either too basic or too scattered to actually solve the problem. This guide is different. We're breaking down exactly wh......

Jun 24, 2025

Safety & Maintenance

Top 3 Dangers When Using a 3D Printer

3D printing is often seen as a clean, hands-off process, load the file, hit print, and watch your design take shape. But behind that glossy surface, there are risks that rarely make it into beginner guides or product marketing. Most printers don’t come with a safety manual beyond the basics, and that’s where people get too comfortable. If you’re regularly using a 3D printer, at home, in a workshop, or at your business, it’s crucial to understand what you’re really working with. Because yes, 3D printin......

Jun 11, 2025

Troubleshooting

8 Resin 3D Print Fails and Their Solutions

(source: 3DBenchy) 3D printing with resin can feel like magic, until your build plate lifts to reveal a failed, half-cured mess instead of a sleek, solid model. Every resin printing enthusiast, whether beginner or experienced, has faced their fair share of frustrating 3D print fails. The good news? Almost every failure has a fix. And better yet, most are preventable once you know what to look for. In this guide, we’re breaking down the most common 3D print failure types in resin printing, what causes ......

May 29, 2025

Troubleshooting

Top 3D Printing Tips to Fix Quality Issues & Improve Every Print

(source: unsplash) Chasing flawless 3D prints isn’t about having the most expensive machine, it’s about understanding how every little tweak adds up. Dialing in quality takes a sharp eye, steady hands, and the willingness to experiment until the details fall into place. If you're tuning temperatures, adjusting slicer settings, or wondering if your build plate needs a reality check, this guide breaks down our top expert-approved ways to elevate your print quality. And here’s one golden rule before we b......

May 17, 2025

Safety & Maintenance

Health Risks of 3D Printing: Toxic Fumes & Other Hazards

3D printing has changed the way we prototype, create, and manufacture. But let’s get one thing straight, just because something is high-tech doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. As printers get more affordable and more people dive into home setups or scale into print farms, there’s one question that often goes ignored: Is 3D printing dangerous? Let’s break it down, especially if you're printing in your bedroom, garage, or workspace without proper safety measures. (source: AI-generated) The Hidden Reality Behi......

May 08, 2025

Troubleshooting

Understanding 3D Printing Resolution: What It Means and Why It Matters

In 3D printing, resolution is one of the most important factors in determining the quality and detail of the final print, and understanding how resolution affects the final result can help you choose the right settings and printer for your needs. In this article, we'll look at what 3D printing resolution is, how to measure it, and why it matters to your project. image credit: theprintingbay.com What is 3D printing resolution? 3D printing resolution refers to the level of detail a 3D printer is able to......

Apr 15, 2025

Safety & Maintenance

3D Printer Enclosure: Why Do You Need One?

3D printer enclosure can provide a stable printing environment for your printer and improve your printing results. This article will introduce the advantages of 3D printer enclosure and how to build a 3D printer enclosure. 3D Printer Enclosure Advantages Maintain a Stable Printing Environment The enclosure helps maintain the temperature required for the printing process and reduces temperature fluctuations, thereby reducing warping problems caused by uneven shrinkage, especially when printing material......

Mar 27, 2025

Safety & Maintenance

3D Printer Safety: 3D Printers are Worse than You Thought

3D printers are incredible tools for innovation and creativity, but they do come with safety risks that are often overlooked. While they are generally safe when used correctly, there are several potential hazards that users should be aware of. Here’s a breakdown of why 3D printer safety might be worse than you thought: 1. Toxic Fumes and Airborne Particles ● Heated Plastics: When thermoplastics likeABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PLA (Polylactic Acid) are melted, they can release ultrafine pa......

Mar 17, 2025

Troubleshooting

How to Clean a 3D Printer Nozzle

Keeping your 3D printer nozzle clean is important to maintaining print quality and extending the life of your printer. A clean nozzle ensures consistent filament flow, precise layer adhesion, and smooth prints. Over time, residual filament, dust, or degraded material can accumulate inside the nozzle, causing uneven extrusion, stringing, or complete clogging. In this guide, we'll show you proven, effective methods for cleaning your nozzle. Before we get into 3D printer nozzle cleaning methods, keep an ......

Mar 06, 2025

Troubleshooting

What is Z seam in 3D printing?

In the field of 3D printing, Z seam is a common problem that affects the surface finish of the model. It manifests as thin lines or tiny defects that run vertically through the printed part, especially on cylindrical or curved models. Although Z seam is an inherent phenomenon of the FDM process, its visibility can be significantly reduced through technical optimization. This article will analyze the causes of Z seam and provide solutions. Source: https://clevercreations.org/hide-z-seam-alignment-fix-c......

Feb 18, 2025

Safety & Maintenance

Why does 3D printing need ventilation？

Maintaining ventilation in your 3D printing environment is an important step in ensuring safety. Many 3D printing users tend to ignore potential health risks during the printing process. This article will explore the necessity, scientific methods and practical solutions for 3D printing ventilation in depth, so that you can ensure safety while creating. Why must 3D printing be ventilated? Common desktop printers use FDM and SLA technologies, which are formed by high-temperature melting of plastic filam......

Feb 10, 2025

Troubleshooting

3D Printer Layer Height Settings: How to Achieve High-Quality Printing

In 3D printing, layer height is one of the core parameters that affect printing quality. It determines the thickness of each layer of material, which directly affects surface smoothness, detail restoration, and printing time. This article will introduce the knowledge of layer height in 3D printing and explain to you how to achieve high-quality printing through layer height settings. Definittion of layer heigh Layer height refers to the thickness of each layer of material in the Z-axis direction of the......

Feb 07, 2025

Troubleshooting

How Does Bed Temperature Affect 3D Printing?

Bed temperature is a critical factor in 3D printing that directly affects print adhesion, surface quality, and the success of your project. In this article, we will look at the effects of bed temperature on 3D printing and how to optimize settings for different materials to achieve the best results. Major Effects of Bed Temperature on 3D Printing Improved Adhesion One of the most important benefits of using a heated bed is improved adhesion. When the bed is heated to the proper temperature, the printe......

Jan 17, 2025

Troubleshooting

Why Do 3D Prints Get Zits and How to Prevent Them

3D printing often encounters various surface quality issues, and imperfections such as zits or small spots on the surface of the printed part are one type of them, especially when pursuing a smooth effect. These zits not only affect the appearance, but also impair the function of precision parts. In this article, we will explore the reasons why zits appear in 3D prints and how to eliminate or reduce them. Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/g1gjfo/whats_causing_those_blobszits/ Common......

Jan 13, 2025

Safety & Maintenance

Considerations for Placing a 3D Printer in the Garage

If you want to set up a 3D printing studio in your home, considering that the space occupied by 3D printers, related tools and consumables is not small, placing a 3D printer in the garage is a practical solution, especially if the space in your home is limited. Before running your 3D printer in the garage, this article will introduce you to some considerations: from environmental conditions to safety issues. 1. Temperature and humidity in the garage Garages are often subject to temperature fluctuation......

Jan 10, 2025

Troubleshooting

What is 3D Printing Salmon Skin: How to Fix It

The "Salmon Skin Effect" is a common problem in 3D printing, characterized by an uneven, wavy texture on the surface of the printed part, similar to the scales of a salmon, which results in poor texture effects in 3D printing. This problem most often occurs in FDM printing and is related to the mechanical structure or printer firmware. This article will explain the causes of the salmon skin effect and how to eliminate it. Source: https://www.printables.com/model/216991-salmon-skin-test Common causes o......

Dec 20, 2024

Troubleshooting

How to Solve Common 3D Printing Problems

3D printing is an exciting technology that allows for the creation of complex and detailed objects. However, like any technology, 3D printing is not without its challenges. In this article, we will discuss some common 3D printing problems and provide solutions to help you troubleshoot and improve your printing experience. 1. Warping Warping occurs when the edges of a printed object lift or curl upwards during printing, leading to a warped final product. To prevent warping, ensure that your print bed i......

Safety & Maintenance

Are 3D Printed Toys Safe for Kids?

In recent years, the popularity of 3D printing has soared, with more and more individuals and businesses using this technology to create a wide variety of items, including toys for children. However, the safety of 3D printed toys for kids is a topic of concern that has been raised by many parents and experts. In this blog post, we will explore the safety considerations of 3D printed toys for kids. Material Safety One of the primary concerns regarding 3D printed toys is the safety of the materials used......

Safety & Maintenance

Everything You Need to Know About Food Safe 3D Printing

For anything that comes into contact with food, safety considerations must be a top priority to ensure the health of the person eating it . In recent years, 3D printing has taken the food industry by storm. Not only can 3D printing be used to produce food, but it can also be used to make parts that come into contact with food, such as plates, cutlery, and even packaging. Of course, if a part (even one made with 3D printing) is to be used with food, it must be "food safe." But Are 3D printed products r......

Apr 19, 2024

Safety & Maintenance

Is The Resin Used In 3D Printing Hazardous?

Why We Said 3D Printer Resin is Toxic? The resin used in 3D printing can be potentially hazardous due to its chemical composition and the processes involved. 3D printing resins comprise various chemicals, including monomers, oligomers, photo-initiators, and additives. These chemicals can have different toxicity levels and may pose health risks if not handled properly. During the uncured state, the resin remains in a liquid form and can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or sensitization upon d......

Apr 17, 2024

Troubleshooting

How Is The Quality Of A 3D Print Part Affected By The Resolution?

What is print resolution in 3D printing? Regarding 3D printing, "print resolution" typically denotes the degree of accuracy or detail that may be produced through printing an object. The smallest feature size or highest degree of detail that a 3D printer can faithfully replicate is measured. Print resolution has a direct impact on 3D printing quality since it defines the level of detail, precision, and surface finish that can be obtained in the printed object. Print Resolution Influence Detail and Acc......

Dec 28, 2023