3 Easy Ways to Prevent 3D Print Warping
3D printing has become a popular and efficient method of manufacturing for many industries. However, every 3D printing enthusiast knows that preventing print warping can be a real challenge. Warping can cause your prints to lift from the build plate, resulting in errors and wasting valuable material. Luckily, it’s not impossible to prevent. Here are three easy ways to prevent 3D print warping.
1. Try Using Adhesion Aids
Adhesion aids can help your prints stick to the build plate, preventing warping. Some of the best aids to use are hairspray, glue, and tape. Hairspray or glue stick can be applied directly to the build plate, while tape can be placed over the bed. Applying a small amount of each onto the bed before starting the print can go a long way in keeping it in place. However, be sure to choose the right adhesive for your specific filament type.
2. Keep the Printer Bed Warm
Warping can occur when a part cools too quickly. Therefore, keeping the printer bed warm can help keep your prints firmly in place. When the bed is heated, it provides a comfortable environment for the filament to cool more uniformly. Experts often suggest keeping the printer bed temperature at 60-70°C to help prevent warping. Also, ensure that you maintain the temperature throughout the printing process.
3. Use Support Structures For Large Prints
For larger prints, adding support structures can prevent warping. Support structures act as pillars that hold up the print, preventing it from warping. Due to the size of the print, the amount of material required to print it is also huge. So, having those pillars can help keep your prints in place and prevent costly reprints. Some software, like Simplify3D, has tools that help with adding support structures automatically.
Conclusion
3D print warping can be frustrating, but preventing it doesn’t need to be complicated. By using adhesion aids, keeping the printer bed warm, and adding support structures, you can effortlessly prevent warping. Not only will this save your time and money by avoiding reprints, but it will also help guarantee the best quality prints. Experimenting with different settings and techniques can help you find the right combination that works best for your specific printer and materials.
