A 3D printer that won’t print can be really frustrating, especially when it was working just fine a couple of days ago.
However, before panicking that something awful has happened, there are a few really easy things that you can check yourself:
Is the printer actually starting to print?
Nothing happens at all? Check the following:
- Is the printer switched on? I know this sounds like a silly one, but sometimes it really can be that simple.
- Is it connected to power properly? It’s amazing how often a plug can be accidentally pulled out.
- Is the display responding normally? Is it doing what you expect?
- Does the printer recognise the SD card, USB stick or network connection?
- Can you select the print file?
If the printer isn’t responding normally, don’t repeatedly restart it or force anything. There may be an electrical, firmware or hardware issue.
The printer starts, but nothing happens…
If the printer is definitely switched on, but still isn’t working, move on to the checks below…
Check your filament
For filament (FDM) printers, make sure there is actually filament loaded. So, you’ll want to check:
- The filament hasn’t run out
- The filament is feeding into the extruder
- The spool can rotate freely
- The filament isn’t tangled around itself
- The filament hasn’t snapped inside the feed path
- The filament isn’t broken or excessively broken
If you can hear the extruder clicking, but there’s no filament coming out of the nozzle, the nozzle may be blocked or you may have a feeding problem.
Is the nozzle blocked?
A blocked nozzle is one of the most common reasons why an FDM printer might appear to be printing but isn’t actually producing anything.
A few things you might notice, include:
- The printer moves normally, but no filament comes out
- Filament comes out very slowly or curls strangely
- The extruder makes a clicking or knocking sound
- The first layer doesn’t appear
- There was previously a failed print or the filament jammed
If you feel comfortable, follow your printer manufacturer’s instructions for clearing the the nozzle.
Don’t poke around inside a hot printer unless you know exactly what you’re doing. I speak from experience when I say that nozzles can reach incredibly high temperatures that can cause very serious burns.
Check the build plate
If, on the other hand, filament IS coming out of the nozzle, but the print isn’t sticking, the problem could be the build plate, rather than the printer itself.
A few things to check, include:
- Has the build plate been installed correctly?
- Is it level?
- Is the nozzle at the correct height?
- IS the surface clean?
- Is there old filament or debris causing a blockage?
- Are you using the correct build surface for the material?
It’s worth noting that a greasy build plate can cause surprisingly dramatic printing failures. Give it a clean using the method recommended by your printer or build-plate manufacturer.
Check your first layer
The first layer is a lot more important than many people might realise. However, this is quite literally where the groundwork for the entire print is laid.
If the nozzle is too far away, the filament, it could be that the filament is not sticking to the plate, but instead sitting on it.
However, if the nozzle is too close, the filament might not be able to move properly, which could result in layers being either too thin or uneven.
What is a good first layer? The filament lays down consistently and sticks nicely to the build plate.
What is a bad first layer? The filament isn’t properly touching the plate, or it is being dragged around. The filament isn’t coming out properly, or it is being excessively squashed.
Important Note: If you have a printer with automatic bed levelling, you shouldn’t assume that means you won’t ever have to check the bed or nozzle height
Check the temperature
Depending on which material you are trying to print with, will determine what temperature your printer needs to be at to work effectively. Therefore, it is important to check that your slicer setting match what is needed for the specific material you intend to use.
There are a few other things that are also worth checking, including:
- Whether the hotted is reaching its target temperature
- If the bed is reaching its target temperature
- Whether the temperature is fluctuating unusually
- Whether or not the temperatures recommended by the manufacturer are being correctly followed.
If the printer is unable to reach or even maintain the right temperature, you should stop printing and investigate further. This could suggest a problem with either the heater, thermistors or the hardware.
Check the print file
In some circumstances, it might be that the printer isn’t the problem at all. Instead, it could be the file. In these cases, you will want to try:
- Slicing the model again
- Saving the model as a new file
- Check that you have selected the correct printer profile (it does happen sometimes)
- Check both your material and print settings
- Try a simple test model (a test cube is a popular choice)
If a known-good test prints successfully for you, the problem may be with your original model or even the slicer settings.
Restart Everything
Yes, I know it sounds like the classic cliche. However, sometimes it really can be that easy!
Here’s what we recommend trying:
- Cancel the print
- Turn the 3D printer off completely
- Wait a minute
- Turn it back on
- Restart your slicer
- Try a simple test print
If the printer has been running for a long time, restarting can actually be a great idea because it can clear temporary problems with either the software or communication.
What if my printer starts printing and then stops?
There are a number of possible reasons why this might happen. But a few things that you should check for, include:
- Has the filament run out?
- The filament has gotten tangled (this is a lot more common than you might think)
- The nozzle is blocked
- Extruder problems
- Overheating
- A loose cable or connection (check everything is plugged in properly)
- An SD card / USB / network problem are all common causes of problems
- The print file may have either corrupted or failed
- Firmware issues
Take note of exactly what the printer does when it stops. Does it freeze? Return tot he home position? Keep moving without extruding? Does it display an error?
That information can be key to diagnosing the problem.
What about resin 3D printers?
Resin printers are very different to FDM 3D printers, and so you’ll need to check different things:
- Is there enough resin in the vat?
- Is the build plate correctly installed?
- Is the build plate properly levelled?
- Is the FEP/release film damaged or cloudy?
- Is the resin suitable for the printer you are using?
- Has the resin been properly mixed?
- Are the exposure settings appropriate?
- Is the vat clean?
- Is the LCD/screen functioning correctly?
- Is the print actually present in the sliced file?
If the file is stuck to the FEP rather than the build plate, don’t simply increase exposure repeatedly. There may be a levelling, support, exposure or mechanical issue that is causing the problem.
When should I stop troubleshooting?
If you’ve checked all of the basics that we have mentioned above, and your printer still won’t print properly, or at all, it may be time to consider looking at getting it repaired.
You should consider getting professional help if:
- The printer won’t power on
- It repeatedly fails despite trying files and materials that you know have worked in the past
- The hotted or bed won’t heat correctly
- Motors aren’t moving correctly
- The printer is making weird noises (that it doesn’t normally make)
- You suspect a damaged cable, board or electrical component
- You’ve had a serious filament or resin accident
- You’ve tried troubleshooting but don’t know what to check next.
Remember: You don’t need to be able to diagnose the fault yourself before asking for help from a professional. It is literally the technicians job to diagnose the problem.
Still stuck?
If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting suggestions that are relevant to your printer and it still won’t print, Tidewater 3D Printing can help diagnose and repair your 3D printer.
Just click the button below and fill in the form, and we’ll be in touch to organise either a drop-off at our Cleethorpes-based office or a visit (please be advised that local travel is free, however we may charge fees for longer distances).