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Bettesworth Construction
3D print warping

A Neat Trick to Reduce Warping in 3D Prints

A brim can help anchor a lifting print; a small removable tab targets isolated corners. Start with a clean surface and filament-appropriate cooling.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read
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For a quick first fix, add a slicer brim to give the print’s base more contact with the build surface. If just one or two corners lift, a small, removable tab or cylinder placed beside the problem area can target the lift more precisely. Neither fix substitutes for a clean build surface, a suitable first layer, and cooling conditions that match the filament.

Why 3D prints warp

Warping happens when a print cools and shrinks unevenly, pulling its base or corners away from the build surface. Large parts and high-temperature materials such as ABS, ASA, and PC Blend can be especially vulnerable when the printed plastic encounters a sudden temperature difference from the surrounding air. Prusa Research describes the goal as minimizing the thermal shock the part receives so it warps less: Prusa Research’s warping guidance.

Think of the problem as two related forces: cooling conditions can create stress that pulls the part, while contact with the bed helps resist that pull. Brims and local tabs increase anchoring; stable ambient temperature and appropriate fan use address cooling. Which balance works depends on the filament and the shape of the part.

How to use a brim or corner tab

  1. Start with the surface and first layer. Clean the build surface according to the printer and sheet maker’s instructions, and use the profile for the filament you are printing. Prusa recommends wiping its print surface with IPA at 90% or higher and slightly lowering Live Adjust Z to improve adhesion, while cautioning against over-squishing the first layer. Those steps are specific to its guidance; follow the instructions for your own printer and build sheet.
  2. Add a brim in your slicer. A brim extends the print’s base with extra material in contact with the build surface. It is a straightforward first slicer change when the base is lifting broadly.
  3. Target isolated lifting with a small sacrificial shape. If a brim does not solve a problem confined to one or two corners, add a small cylinder or similar geometry next to the troublesome area. Keep it only a few layers tall so it is easier to remove after printing.
  4. Change one thing at a time. Make a single adjustment, then assess the result before changing another setting or condition. That makes it easier to identify which change helped, as recommended in this practical troubleshooting guide.

Match cooling and ambient conditions to the filament

ABS, ASA, and PC Blend

These higher-temperature materials can benefit from a stable, warmer ambient environment and protection from drafts. Avoid printing near an open window or an air-conditioning outlet. Prusa suggests an enclosure or draft shield to retain heat around an ABS, ASA, or PC Blend print; reducing print speed may also help a high-warping material settle and bond.

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TOPCUBE 3D Printer Enclosure for Bambu Lab A1 Combo with LED Light
  • Improve Print Quality with Consistent Temperature Control: The TOPCUBE enclosure creates a stable temperature and humidity environment, enhancing printing quality and minimizing the risk of warping and breakage. Following extensive long-term testing, the internal temperature WILL NOT exceed 40℃ when using the enclosure, eliminating the risk of damaging the printer motherboard.
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PLA and PETG

Do not assume that an enclosure is always the answer. Prusa notes that PLA and PETG need substantial print cooling; a warmer enclosed environment can make adequate cooling harder. Use the material’s recommended profile rather than applying a universal fan or enclosure rule.

Choose the fix that fits the lift

  • Broad lifting along the base: try a brim after checking surface cleanliness and the first layer.
  • One or two corners lifting: consider a small removable tab or cylinder beside each affected area.
  • High-temperature material affected by drafts: improve ambient stability and consider a suitable enclosure or draft shield.
  • Adhesive as an additional option: a thin layer of glue stick may help adhesion and act as a separation layer that protects a steel sheet. Check compatibility with the printer and surface: excessive adhesion can damage some sheets.

Before changing bed temperature, fan settings, or enclosure conditions, consult the filament maker’s profile and the printer or build-sheet instructions. There is no single setting or enclosure condition that suits every material and machine.

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