Warping

Also known as: Print Warping, Corner Lift, Curling

beginner Print Quality

When print corners lift from the bed due to material shrinkage as it cools.

Warping occurs when the corners or edges of a print lift up from the build plate. It’s caused by the material shrinking as it cools, creating internal stresses.

Why Warping Happens

  1. Material shrinks as it cools (especially ABS, ASA)
  2. Bottom layer is constrained by bed adhesion
  3. Upper layers pull on lower layers
  4. Corners experience most stress and lift

Materials Most Prone to Warping

  • ABS - High shrinkage, notorious for warping
  • ASA - Similar to ABS
  • Nylon - Moderate warping
  • PETG - Less than ABS but still warps
  • PLA - Rarely warps

Solutions

Bed Adhesion

  • Clean bed thoroughly
  • Use adhesive (glue stick, hairspray)
  • Increase bed temperature
  • Use brim or raft

Temperature Control

  • Use enclosure for warm, stable environment
  • Eliminate drafts
  • Preheat chamber
  • Reduce cooling fan

Model Design

  • Add rounded corners (less stress concentration)
  • Use mouse ears at corners
  • Orient print to minimize large flat areas

Slicer Settings

  • Reduce infill (less internal tension)
  • Use brim or raft
  • Increase first layer width
  • Slow down first layer

Quick Fixes

  • Cardboard box - Instant cheap enclosure
  • Blue painter’s tape - Better adhesion than bare glass
  • ABS slurry - ABS dissolved in acetone
  • More squish - Lower first layer Z offset