NWA3D A31 User Manual
6. Troubleshooting
This section covers the most common printing problems and how to fix them.
Because 3D printing is still an emerging technology, a small level of tinkering and
troubleshooting is needed. But if this section doesn’t solve your printing problems,
then contact us by filling out the
NWA3D Troubleshooting Request
on our website.
We’re here to help you every step of the way to get you 3D printing!
1. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
a. Step 1: Diagnose the problem.
This may seem obvious, but many problems can be solved if you take a
step back and see exactly what the printer is doing incorrectly.
b. Step 2: Determine if the problem is mechanical or digital.
●
Mechanical problems are in the actual operation of the printer,
such as the motors that drive the X, Y, and Z axes, the motor that
pushes the filament, the nozzle heater, and the level of the build
plate. The most common mechanical problems are caused by a
build plate that is not adjusted correctly, a clogged nozzle, or an
unplugged connector on a motor or limit switch.
●
Digital problems are in the slice file that you prepare in Cura or
other slicing program. Important slice file settings include layer
height, print (nozzle) temperature, and print speed.
c. Step 3: Fix the problem.
Once you’ve discovered what the actual problem is, you can fix it with the
following procedures. (If none of these fix the problem,
contact us
!)
2. Mechanical problem #1: Leveling the build plate
Video Tutorial:
How to level the build plate
a. If the nozzle is digging into the build plate or is so close that no filament
can extrude, you’ll know the build plate is too close.
b. If your print looks like spaghetti or the nozzle knocked the model off of
the build plate, then you’ll know the build plate is too far away.
c. Many of the failures in 3D printing are caused by a build plate that is not
level or is not the correct distance from the nozzle. See the section
“Leveling the Build Plate” in this manual.
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