Fixing Print Problems: Not Extruding & Under Extrusion & Over Extrusion

3D printing is a fascinating and increasingly popular technology that allows you to transform your digital designs into tangible objects. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter some issues along the way. Among these, not extruding, under extrusion, and over extrusion are three common problems that can hinder your results.

Here we’ll dive into these issues, explore their causes, and provide practical solutions to ensure a smoother printing experience to you.

Not Extruding

⚙️ What is Not Extruding?

Not extruding refers to the situation where your 3D printer’s nozzle fails to push out filament while printing. This often results in gaps, missing layers, or incomplete prints.

❓ Common Causes:

• Clogged Nozzle: A build-up of filament residue or debris can block the nozzle, preventing the flow of material.
• Filament Jam: Improper feeding of filament due to tangling, knots, or an incorrect path can stop extrusion.
• Incorrect Temperature Settings: If the hot end temperature is too low, the filament may not melt properly, leading to extrusion failure.
• Bad Filament: Moisture or degradation of filament can affect its flow characteristics, causing it to jam.
  

A sturdy metal extruder assembly can improve reliability, but proper tension and filament feeding are essential for consistent performance.

1️⃣  All-Metal Extruder

Inconsistent extrusion can be caused by heat creep, filament grinding, or a partial clog in the nozzle.

2️⃣  Not Extruding Towards End of Print

Filament residue on the extruder gear indicates excessive tension, improper feeding, or a clogged nozzle affecting filament flow.

3️⃣  Signs of Filament Grinding

(All images included in this article are sourced from Reddit's r/3Dprinting community)

🛠️ Solutions:

• Avoid Clogging: A clogged nozzle is a common reason for filament not extruding. You can tell this is happening if the extruder motor is clicking or slipping but the filament is not being pushed out. Clogged nozzles can be caused by too much retraction or debris inside the nozzle. Refer to the Nozzle Clogging article for detailed solutions.
• Adjust Nozzle Temperature: Incorrect temperature settings can also prevent extrusion. Ensuring the nozzle temperature is correctly set according to the recommended printing conditions for the specific filament is crucial. Please ensure the nozzle temperature is set according to the filament's recommended settings, which can be found on the package or in our TDS documents (link).
  
• Stripped Filament by Grinding: Most 3D printers use a small gear to push the filament back and forth. If there are plastic shavings or if the extruder motor is spinning but the filament is not being pulled into the extruder, then the filament might be stripped.
• Nozzle Too Close to the Bed: If the nozzle is too close to the build table surface, there will not be enough room for plastic to come out of the extruder. This can be identified if the print begins to extrude normally after the first several layers. Therefore, try to increase the Z offset in the slicer until there is enough room for the plastic to extrude properly.

Under Extrusion

⚙️ What is Under Extrusion?

Under extrusion occurs when not enough filament is ejected from the nozzle, leading to weak prints, gaps between layers, and poor adhesion.

❓ Common Causes:

• Filament Blockage: Similar to not extruding, any obstruction can hinder the proper flow of filament.
• Low Flow Rate Settings: Setting a flow rate that is too low in slicer software can result in less material being extruded.
• Filament Wear or Quality Issues: Using old or degraded filament can affect its ability to be properly extruded.
• Inconsistent Filament Diameter: If the filament diameter is inconsistent, this can also cause problems with extrusion.

🛠️ Solutions:

• Inspect and Clean the Nozzle: Regular maintenance is vital for avoiding clogs and blockages that lead to under extrusion.
• Adjust Flow Rate: Increase the flow rate if it's set too low in your slicer settings—usually, a slight increase (5% to 10%) can make a significant difference.
  
• Check Filament Quality: Use fresh, high-quality filament and ensure that you are using the correct diameter specified in your printer settings.
• Calibrate the Extruder: Perform an extrusion test to confirm that the printer is delivering the correct amount of filament. This might involve measuring the extruded length to calibrate the steps/mm setting for the stepper motor.

Gradual Improvement of Under Extrusion

Over Extrusion

⚙️ What is Over Extrusion?

Over extrusion occurs when too much filament is pushed through the nozzle, resulting in blobs, stringing, or overly thick layers. This can compromise the appearance and structural integrity of the printed object.

❓ Common Causes:

• Incorrect Flow Rate Settings: If the flow rate is set too high in your slicer settings, the printer will extrude more filament than necessary.
• Improper Retraction Settings: Insufficient retraction can cause extra material to ooze out while the nozzle moves between different print areas.
• Temperature Too High: If the hot end temperature is too high for the filament, it can cause the material to flow excessively.

🛠️ Solutions:

• Adjust Flow Rate: Decrease the flow rate in your slicer settings, typically around 95% to 100% of the original setting, can help regulate extrusion.
• Fine-Tune Retraction Settings: Increase retraction distance and speed to minimize oozing during travel moves.
  
• Lower Printing Temperature: Experiment with temperature adjustments, ensuring it remains within the optimal range for your filament.

Experimentation and patience are key to mastering the art of 3D printing. If you continue to encounter difficulties, please contact Overture Service for further assistance.

Happy printing with Overture 3D!