ExtrudoWhy is my 3D print warping?
Warping is usually caused by the plastic cools unevenly and shrinks, pulling the corners upward. Corners or edges of the print lift up off the bed while it's printing
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Quick reference
| Defect | Most likely cause | First thing to try |
|---|---|---|
| Warping | The plastic cools unevenly and shrinks, pulling the corners upward | Raise the bed temperature |
What it looks like
Corners or edges of the print lift up off the bed while it's printing
Most likely cause
The plastic cools unevenly and shrinks, pulling the corners upward
How do I fix warping? Step-by-step
- 1
Raise the bed temperature
Increase your bed temperature by 5-10°C so the bottom of the print stays warm and doesn't shrink as fast as the top.
Done when: Corners stay flat for longer during the print
- 2
Block drafts around the printer
Cover the printer or build an enclosure so moving air doesn't cool one side of the print faster than the other.
Done when: No noticeable airflow near the print bed
- 3
Add a brim
In your slicer, add a brim of 5-8mm around the base of the model to help hold the corners down.
Done when: Brim is visible and flat in the print preview
- 4
Clean the bed surface
Wipe the bed with isopropyl alcohol to remove oils that weaken adhesion.
Done when: Bed surface looks clean with no fingerprints or residue
Frequently asked
What causes warping in 3D prints?
The plastic cools unevenly and shrinks, pulling the corners upward
How do I fix warping on my printer?
Follow the step-by-step fix above, starting with "Raise the bed temperature". Each step includes a "done when" check so you know whether it worked before moving on.
Is this fix confirmed by other makers?
This entry is part of Extrudo's seeded defect library. Confirmation counts appear once real users report the fix worked.
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