Skip to content

3D Printing Defects

103 defects: symptoms, causes, fixes

A complete troubleshooting reference for 3D printing problems: with symptoms, root causes and concrete fixes for FDM and resin printing.
StringingWarpingLayer ShiftUnder-extrusionOver-extrusionElephant's FootGhosting/RingingBed Adhesion FailClogged NozzleHeat CreepZ-BandingPillowingZ-Seam BlobsSpaghetti FailureDelaminationPoor BridgingCurlingSalmon SkinMoisture BubblesFirst Layer Too HighFirst Layer Too LowMissing LayersScars on Top SurfaceGaps in Thin WallsBrittle PrintsSupport DetachmentBinder MigrationBinder SaturationBleedingColor BleedingDroplet SplashingInconsistent Layer ThicknessLayer ShiftingPoor Binder AdhesionPowder Bed DisturbancePrinthead CloggingCrackingExcessive SpatterInadequate FusionInconsistent Bead GeometryLack of FusionMaterial ContaminationOverheatingPoor Surface FinishResidual StressThermal DistortionBed Adhesion FailureBridging IssuesClogged NozzleCooling IssuesElephant's FootFilament TanglesGaps in Top LayersGhostingInfill GapsLayer MisalignmentLayer ShiftingNozzle DraggingOver-extrusionPoor Layer AdhesionStringingSupport FailureUnder-extrusionWarpingZ-WobbleBallingInadequate SinteringLayer DelaminationOverheatingPorosityPowder ContaminationPowder Short FeedResidual StressThermal CurlingUnfused PowderCupping EffectDelaminationLayer SeparationOvercuringPeeling ForcesResin BleedingSupport ScarringSurface RoughnessUndercuringZ-WobbleBinder DegradationBinder Curing IssuesBuild Plate Adhesion FailureExcessive Heat InputInadequate Powder SpreadingInadequate SupportInconsistent Powder DensityInconsistent Deposition RateLayer MisalignmentMaterial SegregationPeel ForcesPoor Interlayer BondingPowder Bed ContaminationPowder Bed CompactionPrint DetachmentResin OverflowUneven Binder DistributionVat Clouding