How can you keep your prints from warping and cracking?

1 Choose the right material

Different types of filament have different properties and behaviors when exposed to heat and cooling. Some materials, such as ABS, nylon, and polycarbonate, are more prone to warping and cracking than others, such as PLA, PETG, and TPU. This is because they have a higher coefficient of thermal expansion, which means they expand and contract more when heated and cooled. Therefore, you should choose a material that suits your design and printing conditions, and avoid materials that are too sensitive to temperature changes.

2 Adjust the printing settings

Temperature differences between the nozzle, the bed, and the ambient air can have a major impact on warping and cracking. If the temperature is too high or too low, or varies too much, the printed layers may not adhere or cool evenly, leading to stress and deformation. To prevent this, you should adjust the printing settings according to your material and model. For example, you can use a heated bed and a brim or raft to improve the adhesion of the first layer and reduce curling of the edges. Additionally, setting the nozzle temperature to an optimal range for your material and lowering it slightly as the print progresses can help avoid overheating and sagging. The bed temperature should also be set to the recommended value for your material and kept constant throughout the print in order to prevent thermal shock and detachment. Furthermore, using a cooling fan after layers are printed can reduce residual heat and stress, but should not be used for sensitive materials such as ABS. Finally, reducing printing speed and increasing layer height can reduce material extrusion as well as cooling time.

3 Control the environment

When printing, the environment can have a significant impact on warping and cracking. To avoid moisture and dust that can damage your filament and nozzle, it's important to print in a well-ventilated and dry room. You should also try to keep direct sunlight, air conditioners, heaters, fans, or windows away from your printer to prevent temperature fluctuations and drafts. An enclosure or cover can help protect your printer from external influences while maintaining a stable temperature and humidity inside. This is especially beneficial for materials that are sensitive to cooling, such as ABS. Additionally, you should monitor the temperature and humidity of your room and your printer with a thermometer and a hygrometer, adjusting them if necessary.

5 Experiment and learn

The last tip to keep your prints from warping and cracking is to experiment and learn from your mistakes. Warping and cracking can be caused by many factors, such as the material, the model, the printer, the settings, the environment, and the post-processing. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and you may need to try different combinations and methods to find what works best for you. You can also learn from other 3D printing enthusiasts, online forums, blogs, videos, and guides, and share your experiences and tips with them. By experimenting and learning, you can improve your skills and knowledge, and enjoy the fun and satisfaction of 3D printing.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?