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Warping

The Problem

Warping happens when the corners of a 3D print contract, curl upwards, and detach from the print bed during the process. It's more common with large parts and high-shrinkage materials like ABS.

A 3D print with its corners lifting off the print bed A 3D print with its corners lifting off the print bed

A 3D print with its corners lifting off the print bed, a clear example of warping.

Common Causes and How to Fix Them

Warping is a problem of thermal contraction. As hot plastic cools, it shrinks. The upper layers cool and contract, exerting a pulling force on the bottom layers, which are stuck to the bed. If this pulling force is greater than the bed adhesion force, the corners lift.

1. Poor Bed Adhesion

If the first layer isn't perfectly stuck, any small contraction force will be enough to lift it.

  • Fix 1: Cleanliness: The most common cause of poor adhesion is a dirty bed. Clean it with Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA >90%) before every print to remove grease and dust.
  • Fix 2: Leveling and Z-Offset: Ensure your first layer is perfect. The nozzle must be close enough to the bed to slightly "squish" the filament, maximizing contact.
  • Fix 3: Bed Temperature: Use the recommended bed temperature for your material (60°C for PLA, 70-85°C for PETG, 100-110°C for ABS). This keeps the bottom layers of plastic above their "glass transition temperature," making them less prone to shrinking.

2. Rapid and Uneven Cooling

Drafts or excessively fast cooling of the upper layers accelerate contraction, increasing the pulling forces.

  • Fix 1: Brim or Raft: In your slicer, add a "Brim." This flange around the base of the part increases the first layer's surface area, fighting the lifting force. A "Raft" is a more extreme but also effective solution.
  • Fix 2: Turn Off the Fan: Program the slicer to keep the part cooling fan off for the first 5 to 10 layers.
  • Fix 3: Use an Enclosure: This is the ultimate solution, especially for ABS/ASA. An enclosure keeps the ambient air temperature around the part high and stable, drastically minimizing thermal contraction.

3. Part Geometry

Sharp 90-degree corners concentrate contraction stresses.

  • Fix: If you are designing the part, add a small rounded corner ("fillet") to the base. This helps to distribute the forces more evenly.

Quick Checklist

  • Clean the print bed with Isopropyl Alcohol.
  • Check bed leveling and Z-Offset height.
  • Increase bed temperature by 5°C.
  • Add a 5 to 10mm Brim in the slicer.
  • Turn off the part cooling fan for the first few layers.
  • Use an enclosure to block drafts (essential for ABS/ASA).