If you ever go online to 3d printing chat rooms or help forums, you will inevitably have seen someone describe a problem with their 3d print to which someone will reply “your nozzle is too close to the bed.” What does this mean and what should you do about it?

When the nozzle of a 3D printer is too close to the bed, it can cause several issues.

• The nozzle can scrape against the bed.

• The nozzle can drag against the extruded filament and end up dislodging your part.

• The nozzle can drag against the top of the layer and create a very rough first layer.

If you notice any of these issues with your printer or with your print you have a few options.

• You can adjust the Z-axis offset
• Relevel your bed
• Lower your bed (also requires releveling)