Do your parts look like biscuits? If you are new to 3D printing, you might have encountered some problems with your prints. One of the most common issues is when your prints look spongy or porous, instead of smooth and solid. This can affect the appearance, strength and functionality of your 3D printed objects. I will explain why this happens and how you can fix it.
The main reason why your 3D prints look spongy is because of under-extrusion. Under-extrusion is when your printer does not extrude enough filament to fill the gaps between the layers or the perimeters of your model. This can be caused by several factors, such as:
- A clogged nozzle that prevents the filament from flowing smoothly
- A worn-out extruder gear that does not grip the filament properly
- A low extrusion temperature that makes the filament too viscous to melt
- A high printing speed that does not give enough time for the filament to adhere to the previous layer
- A low infill percentage that does not provide enough support for the top layers
- A faulty slicer setting that does not calculate the correct amount of filament needed
To fix the problem of under-extrusion, you need to identify and eliminate the root cause. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and improve your 3D prints:
- Clean your nozzle regularly with a needle or a wire brush to remove any debris or burnt filament
- Replace your extruder gear if it shows signs of wear and tear or slippage
- Increase your extrusion temperature gradually until you find the optimal value for your filament type and brand
- Reduce your printing speed to allow more time for the filament to bond with the previous layer
- Increase your infill percentage to provide more support and stability for the top layers
- Check your slicer settings and make sure they match your printer specifications and filament characteristics
By following these tips, you should be able to reduce or eliminate the sponginess of your 3D prints. Remember to always test your settings on a small and simple model before printing a large or complex one. Happy printing!