A 3D printer builds an object slowly, layer by layer, using a plastic filament, and it looks good, particularly if the layers fuse and form a strong bond. However, it’s called 3D printer delamination if the previous and freshly printed layers don’t fuse. There are other issues like filament sticking to the nozzle and 3D printer stringing, but this one is different. So 3D print layers separating is a major issue in 3D printing.
It makes your print look awful and also degrades the build quality. Many newbies experience this problem, and there is nothing to worry about. There are different causes to why your print has visibly separate layers and seems delicate. In this article, we have brought you some solutions which can help you reduce the 3D printing layer separation.
Practical Tips To Avoid 3D Print Layers Separating Problem
1. Clean the nozzle and hot end
The first and easiest tip to avoid the 3D print layers separating problem is to clean the nozzle and hot end of your 3D printer. Moreover, you won’t need any extra things other than some heat. Most of the time, a clogged nozzle is a reason your printer cannot print well. The filament gets stuck on the sides of the nozzle or can indeed block it completely.
Hence, we recommend you clean the nozzle and hot end of your printer after an interval. All you have to do is to start your 3D printer more than usual and clean the nozzle and hot end from the inside while the filament is molten.
2. Slow down your printer
If you use your 3D printer at the highest speed possible, then it can also be the reason for 3D print layer separation. Slowing the printing speed is a universal remedy for any 3D printer problem. As we know, one of the causes of layer separation is the filament, which is not perfectly melted.
Hence, if we slow down the printing speed, the filament will get heated at the right temperature. Moreover, it will be dispersed on the printing surface. However, the heat should be increased; otherwise, the filament will clog the nozzle.
3. Raise hot end temperature
If your printer’s hot end temperature is insufficient, the filament won’t melt nicely. Hence, the newly printed layer will not fuse with the previously printed layer. Moreover, keeping the temperature high will result in stronger builds. Gently go on increasing the temperature with a difference of 10 degrees.
On the other hand, it will take time. Further, the filament might burn or ruin the build if you raise the temperature too much. Hence, make sure you raise the hot end temperature with care.
4. Increase flow rate
By increasing the flow rate, we mean to increase the flow with which the filament comes out of the printing head. If the flow rate of your 3D printer is too low, the previously printed layer will get hardened. Hence, it will be hard for the freshly printed layer to fuse with the previous one.
Moreover, if more filament is pushed through the nozzle, the layers will get a good time to fuse closely. However, avoid increasing the flow rate too much as it will result in over extrusion.
5. Dry or replace the filament
If you use your 3D printer rarely or don’t store the filament correctly, this might be the cause. The filament quality degrades when it’s not stored properly. Also, if the filament is not of high quality, it will absorb moisture.
Thus, to avoid this, you need to buy a high-quality filament. Further, if it’s wet because of moisture, try keeping it in an oven for some time at a low-temperature setting. Lastly, place it in an air-tight container while storing it for further use.
6. Use an enclosure
You might have heard about 3D printers with an enclosure, right? Those 3D printers never have a layer delamination problem. That’s because the enclosure doesn’t let the heat from the nozzle and heating bed escape away. However, it doesn’t mean your current 3D printer without an enclosure is useless; you can buy an enclosure or make one on your own. So, ensure the material you will use is strong enough not to melt and is non-flammable.
7. Adjust part cooling
The part cooling fan of your 3D printer plays a crucial role in making or breaking your print. Layer separation happens when excessive cooling occurs, and the previously printed layer cools down quickly. Hence, try lowering the fan speed until you see better results. On the other hand, if there is excessive airflow, the print might wrap, so make sure you maintain a balance.
8. Use a wider nozzle
If nothing of the above works, the last and only option is to use a wider nozzle while printing. Because 3D printing poor layer adhesion is a next-level headache. A wider nozzle will result in wider layers that might provide better adhesion. Moreover, the wider the layers, the more the surface area for deposition. However, gradually increase the nozzle size because a wide nozzle cannot print smaller, more intricate parts. Also, try out other tips given above with this one for better results.
Conclusion
We hope the solutions we gave here might help you with the 3D print layers not sticking problem. Also, it’s a very common problem, and many people, including professionals, face it while changing some settings. Thus don’t worry. At least one of these solutions will work for your 3D printer. However, If nothing of these solutions works, don’t simply declare your 3D printer useless. It might need a technician, and there might be some serious problems.
