Starting with 3D printing can be incredibly exciting, but it’s easy to run into some common mistakes. If you are new to 3D printing, avoiding these pitfalls can save you time, frustration, and filament.

In this post, we will go over 10 of the most common mistakes beginners make and how you can avoid them to ensure smoother printing experiences.

1. Skipping Bed Leveling

One of the most frequent mistakes is skipping the crucial step of bed leveling.

Without a properly leveled bed, your print may not adhere correctly, leading to warping or complete failure. It’s important to take your time and ensure the bed is level before every print, especially after moving the printer or making any adjustments.

How to Avoid It:

Use a piece of paper to adjust your bed at different areas. This video shows you how to do that and some other methods:

You can use the automatic leveling feature (if available) to manually check the bed’s height at different points before your first print.

Remember to do this every time you move your printer.

2. Using the Wrong Filament for the Project

Beginners often use whatever filament is readily available, but not all filaments are created equal. Each filament type—PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.—has different properties that suit specific types of projects. Using the wrong one can lead to issues with durability, flexibility, or even print failure.

How to Avoid It:

• Research the right filament for your project before starting. PLA is great for beginners, while ABS and PETG might be better for more advanced uses that require strength or heat resistance.

Here is our handy guide on what filaments you should use when 3d Printing and some other beginner tips.

3. Ignoring Overhangs and Supports

When printing complex models with overhangs, supports are essential. Without them, parts of the print can sag or fail entirely, ruining the model.

Most 3d printing software now comes with the option to add automatic supports to your print. If you feel like some supports where missing then you can also manually add them.

How to Avoid It:

• Check your slicing software for support options and ensure they are enabled when your model includes overhangs greater than 45 degrees.

4. Printing Too Fast

It’s tempting to crank up the speed for quicker prints, but printing too fast can negatively affect print quality. Faster prints can result in visible layer lines, poor surface detail, or prints that don’t adhere well to the bed.

How to Avoid It:

• Stick to the recommended speed settings for your printer and filament type. Slower speeds generally yield higher-quality prints.

5. Not Adjusting the Nozzle Temperature

Different filaments require different nozzle temperatures, and using the wrong temperature can lead to clogging, poor adhesion, or warping. Beginners often assume the default temperature settings are good for all filaments, but this isn’t the case.

How to Avoid It:

• Always check the recommended temperature range for your filament, and adjust the nozzle settings accordingly.

6. Overlooking the Importance of First Layer Adhesion

The first layer is the foundation of a successful print. If it doesn’t adhere properly, the entire print is likely to fail. Many beginners skip the first layer inspection, assuming everything will print fine.

How to Avoid It:

• Watch the first layer as it prints to ensure it is sticking properly. You may need to adjust bed temperature or apply a print adhesive like glue or tape to improve adhesion.

7. Not Cleaning or Maintaining the Printer

Maintenance is key to keeping your 3D printer working well. Many beginners neglect regular cleaning and maintenance, leading to clogged nozzles, filament jams, or uneven prints.

How to Avoid It:

• Set a schedule for routine maintenance, such as cleaning the nozzle, checking the bed for debris, and tightening screws to ensure everything is in top shape.

8. Underestimating Post-Processing

After a print comes off the bed, the work isn’t necessarily done. Many beginners don’t realize the impact that post-processing—like sanding, painting, or polishing—can have on the final appearance and quality of their prints.

How to Avoid It:

• Plan for some post-processing time after each print. Use essential 3d printing tools like sandpaper, polishing compounds, or paints to enhance the final look.

9. Ignoring Slicing Software Settings

The slicing software is where much of the print’s success is determined. Beginners often leave settings at their default values without realizing how tweaks like layer height, infill, and wall thickness can improve the final result.

How to Avoid It:

• Take time to learn the slicing software settings. Start with basic adjustments, such as layer height or infill percentage, and explore more advanced options as you grow more comfortable.

10. Choosing an Overly Ambitious First Project

Many beginners get excited and jump right into complex prints that are beyond their skill level. This can lead to frustration when the print fails, and it’s often due to trying something too advanced too soon.

Its often better to “walk before you run” so we have put together this article on 3d printing projects you can start today.

How to Avoid It:

• Start with simple projects like basic shapes or small figurines. As you gain confidence and experience, gradually increase the complexity of your prints.

Final Words,

By avoiding these common 3D printing mistakes, you’ll have a smoother and more enjoyable experience. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll quickly improve your skills and begin creating impressive models.

Remember, even seasoned printers make mistakes now and then, but learning from them is part of the journey!

If you have learned something or know someone who would appreciate this article, please feel free to share it.

We love to read your comments and we can be found in our 3d printing group over on Facebook. We also run a private 3d printing Discord server for members only.

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