Common mishaps and getting a good print
Find the symptom below, check the simplest cause, and ask for help before changing shared machine settings.
Before every print: the good-print checklist
Use the correct machine, nozzle, plate, and filament profile. Clean the surface, check spool movement, orient the model, inspect supports and the sliced first layer, and stay for the first layer. Change one setting at a time and record what helped.
First layer will not stick
Stop if the lines slide or curl behind the nozzle. Let the surface cool, remove scraps, and clean using the approved method. Confirm the plate and filament settings. Consider a brim for a small footprint. If it still fails, ask for a first-layer check rather than repeatedly changing shared Z-offset or leveling settings.
Spaghetti or a detached print
Stop immediately. Once safe and cool, remove loose material and check whether the part came off the bed or a feature lacked support. Recheck orientation, supports, and adhesion before restarting. Do not leave a known failing job running.
Stringing, popping, or rough surfaces
Confirm the material profile and inspect the spool for tangles. Popping or rough extrusion can indicate wet filament; use the lab-approved drying process for that material. Return to the saved profile before experimenting with temperature or retraction.
Corners lift or the part warps
Check cleanliness and the recommended material/plate combination. A brim or a different orientation can help. Keep the machine in its approved enclosure configuration. Ask for help before switching to ABS or ASA or changing enclosure conditions.
Gaps, clicking, or no filament
Stop if extrusion is not steady. Check that the spool turns and the feed path is clear, and confirm the material and loading temperature. Never force filament or pull apart a hotend. Report persistent clogs or feeder errors.
Supports are hard to remove
For the next attempt, consider an orientation needing fewer supports and review the support contact areas in Preview. Let the part cool before removal and use approved tools. Do not scrape or pry against the printer bed.
Layers shift or the nozzle collides
Stop the job and check for a loose part or obstruction without moving powered axes by force. Report repeated shifts, grinding, or collisions. Do not tension belts or modify shared motion settings as a trial fix.
Wi-Fi upload failed or nothing started
Confirm the machine name, lab Wi-Fi, and saved physical-printer connection. Check whether the file uploaded but still needs a separate Start command. Do not send repeated copies or start a different user's file. Bambu uses Bambu Studio, the Prusa uses PrusaSlicer, and the other filament machines use OrcaSlicer.
CR-30 belt problems
Stop if the print will not grip the belt, the output catches, or a long part sags. Check the approved belt profile and output clearance. Angled layers are part of the belt process. Ask for help if the validated slicing setup is unavailable.
When to stop and report
Report recurring failures, damaged plates or belts, heater warnings, jams you cannot clear with normal loading controls, or unusual noises. Stop the job using the normal controls when safe. For smoke or an immediate hazard, follow the lab emergency procedure and alert a steward.