ABS Warping: Causes and Solutions
3D printing is a cool approach to making things. It’s like putting layers on each other to create something cool and detailed. But sometimes, especially if you’re just starting out, you might run into some problems. One of these problems is called 3D print warping.

When 3D print warping happens, it’s because of different reasons that can make the whole process annoying. In simple terms, it’s like when your 3D print doesn’t turn out how you want it to. This article is here to help you understand what 3D print warping is, why it happens, and how to fix it. We’ll also talk about ways to stop it from happening in the first place. So, if you’ve ever had trouble with 3D printing, keep reading to find out how to improve it!

What is 3D printing warping?

Understanding what happens with 3D printing and warping is important. Warping is when a printed object gets twisted or bent from its original shape.

When we 3D print something, we’re basically melting a material and laying it down layer by layer to form the object. Imagine squeezing toothpaste out of a tube onto a table, but instead of toothpaste, it’s a special kind of material that hardens when it cools down.

This material, called filament, behaves differently when it’s hot and when it’s cool. It can expand and shrink depending on the temperature. Now, picture this: as one layer of material cools down, it might pull on the layer underneath it. This pulling can make the object warp or bend.

You’ll notice warping mostly at the bottom of the printed object because that’s where it’s closest to the heated bed and experiences the most temperature changes. But even layers above can warp because of the cooling effect from the layers on top of them.

Sometimes, having a really strong base layer can make things worse because it sticks too well to the heated bed and then pulls on the rest of the object as it cools.

There are other reasons why 3D prints warp, but those are the main ones we’ll talk about later.

So, in simple terms, warping happens because the layers of material in a 3D print cool down and shrink at different rates, causing them to pull on each other and bend the object out of shape.

What are the causes of 3D printing warping?
3D printing warping happens when your 3D prints bend or twist. The main reason for this is the difference in temperature while the printer is laying down the material. But there are other reasons too. Here are a few common reasons why your 3D prints might warp:

1. Temperature Differences:

When the material is heated and then cools down too quickly, it can cause warping. This happens because the material expands when it’s hot and shrinks when it cools. Uneven cooling, poor Ventilation, low fan speed, or using the wrong type of material can all contribute to this.

2. Poor Adhesion to the Print Bed:

The first layer of your 3D print needs to stick to the bed properly. If it doesn’t, the layers on top can pull it up, causing warping. This can be due to things like not leveling the bed correctly, not using enough adhesive, having the nozzle at the wrong height, not enough material coming out, or having a dirty print bed.

3. Incorrect slicing:

The slicer software tells the printer how to build the object layer by layer. If the settings are wrong, the printer might make mistakes, leading to warped prints. This can happen if the settings don’t match the material or the resolution you want.

4. Printing too quickly:

If the printer moves too fast, it can cause problems like the material curling up instead of lying flat. Fast printing also means the layers cool down suddenly, making them brittle and more

likely to warp.

These are the main reasons why your 3D prints might warp. Keeping an eye on these factors can help you get better results from your 3D printer.

How do you prevent 3D printing from warping?
1. Clean the printing surface.

Ensuring your print surface stays clean is key to preventing ABS print warping. Dust, oils from fingers, or leftover adhesive can build up over time, hindering proper adhesion of the first layer of your 3D print.

Regularly clean your print surface to maintain its effectiveness. For PEI sheets, a simple wipe-down using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and a paper towel works wonders. Glass beds may require a scraper to remove excess residue effectively. By keeping your print surface clean, you enhance its ability to securely hold the initial layer.

Be cautious with cleaning agents, as not all are suitable for every surface type. Using the wrong agent can lead to adverse reactions, potentially damaging your printing surface. Always ensure compatibility before applying any cleaning solution. Taking these precautions ensures optimal printing conditions and minimizes the risk of ABS print warping.

2. Adjust Your First Layer Settings

Another reason for warping could be that your initial layer print configurations aren’t adjusted correctly. This involves the temperatures, layer height, line thickness, and more. You can refer to our first-layer problem guide for a basic understanding of these configurations.

For ABS, consider starting with these suggested settings:

– Nozzle temperature: 235 °C

– Bed temperature: 110 °C

A particular concern with ABS is that if your bed temperature isn’t high enough, the first layer might not stick well. ABS is highly resistant to temperature, so anything below 100 °C won’t have much effect on it.

Generally, you should aim for a high bed temperature to keep the material warm and attached to the bed while keeping the nozzle temperature as low as possible. A sufficiently high nozzle temperature ensures proper layer adhesion and strong prints, but if it’s too high, it can worsen thermal contraction. This happens due to the increased temperature difference between the nozzle and the bed.

Based on your print results, adjust the nozzle and bed temperatures in 5 °C increments to find the right balance between print strength and warping.

3. Print within an enclosure.

To prevent ABS from warping due to temperature changes, consider printing in an enclosure. This means printing within a closed space. By doing so, you can increase the surrounding temperature, which helps reduce the stresses caused by temperature differences.

You have various options for enclosures. You can build one yourself or buy a ready-made enclosure. Some commercial enclosures even have heaters to warm the air inside, but this might not always be necessary. Usually, the heat from the printer bed is sufficient to keep the temperature stable. Alternatively, if you can afford it, you might want to simply choose a 3D printer that already comes with an enclosed space.

Regardless of the type of enclosure you use, make sure to test it first. You want to ensure that your printer’s electronics and printed parts won’t be damaged by the enclosure.

4. Apply an adhesive.

If putting your 3D print in a box doesn’t work or you don’t want to bother with it, you can try using adhesive. This will help the first layer of your print stick better, so it doesn’t curl up and ruin your project.

You can use things you probably have at home, like hairspray or glue sticks, or you can buy special products like Magigoo. For ABS plastic, you can make something called ABS juice by mixing ABS with acetone, which works well too.

No matter what adhesive you choose, just put on a thin layer each time and add more if you need to. And remember, if you go with this method, you’ll have to clean your print surface regularly, like we talked about before.

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Conclusion:
Warping in 3D printing is a common issue caused by temperature differences affecting cooling. It’s important to prevent this common problem. Our team at WayKen provides affordable, high-quality 3D printing and CNC machining services. As an ISO-certified company, we uphold rigorous quality standards, utilizing advanced equipment and experienced professionals for optimal service. Connect with us now to discover how we can meet your 3D printing requirements. Your satisfaction is guaranteed!