How to prevent warping in 3D printing
Warping is caused by uneven shrinkage as a printed part cools. Materials such as ABS and ASA can build significant internal stress, causing corners to lift from the bed or the entire part to distort. The solution is usually a combination of a reliable first layer, stable ambient temperature and suitable cooling.
Common causes
- drafts
- unstable ambient temperature
- unsuitable bed temperature
- poor first-layer adhesion
- small contact area
- unsuitable cooling
- material with high shrinkage
Brim
A brim increases the contact area with the bed. It can be especially useful for:
- tall narrow parts
- parts with small footprints
- warping-prone materials
Enclosure
For ASA and ABS, an enclosure can help reduce temperature gradients. The printer must be suitable for enclosed operation.
Cooling is not simply "more or less"
Excessive cooling can increase warping and reduce layer bonding. Some small overhangs may still benefit from controlled cooling.
Design also matters
Useful design choices include:
- avoiding large sharp corners where possible
- adding radii
- creating a sensible footprint
- reducing internal stress