Warping at the Bottom of the Print

Cause 1: First layer gap too large

Solution: The gap between the nozzle and the build plate is too large, causing the extruded lines of the first layer to not be squished properly, resulting in poor adhesion. Re-level the bed and reduce the nozzle-to-bed gap, or lower the first layer height in the slicer settings.

Cause 2: Excessive material shrinkage

Solution: Materials like ABS, PA, and PC shrink significantly. As the print gets taller, shrinkage can cause the edges to lift. The larger the print and the lower the ambient temperature, the more likely it is to warp.

1. Close the printer enclosure to maintain a stable internal temperature and minimize shrinkage effects.
2. Apply adhesive (glue stick, etc.) to the build plate when printing with shrink-prone materials like ABS, PA, or PC. This increases bed adhesion and helps prevent warping caused by shrinkage.

Cause 3: Build plate temperature is too low

Solution: Each material requires a specific bed temperature. If the bed temperature is too low, prints may not adhere properly.

Increase the bed temperature according to the material: around 60°C for PLA, 100°C for ABS, and 80°C for PETG. Using PLA settings for ABS, for example, will cause adhesion failure. The bed temperature should generally be higher than the material’s heat deflection temperature.