Poor Adhesion
Poor adhesion is one of the most common problems in 3D printing. The first layer doesn't stick, or prints stop adhering midway through.
Symptoms
- First layer doesn't adhere — print moves or lifts
- Corners and edges lift (warping)
- Print detaches in the middle of the job
- Uneven first layer with gaps or loose threads
Checklist — try in this order
1. Clean the plate
The most common cause of poor adhesion is grease or dirt on the plate.
1. Wipe the plate with IPA (isopropyl alcohol)
2. Avoid touching the print surface with bare fingers
3. For persistent problems: wash with water and mild dish soap
2. Calibrate Z-offset
Z-offset is the height between the nozzle and the plate at the first layer. Too high = the thread hangs loose. Too low = the nozzle scrapes the plate.
Correct Z-offset:
- First layer should look slightly transparent
- The thread should be pressed down to the plate with a small "squish"
- Threads should melt slightly into each other
Adjust Z-offset via Controls → Live Adjust Z during printing.
3DPrintForge shows Z-offset adjustment buttons during an active print. Adjust in steps of ±0.02 mm while watching the first layer.
3. Check bed temperature
| Material | Too low temp | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | Below 30 °C | 35–45 °C |
| PETG | Below 60 °C | 70–85 °C |
| ABS | Below 80 °C | 90–110 °C |
| TPU | Below 25 °C | 30–45 °C |
Try increasing bed temperature by 5 °C at a time.
4. Use glue stick
Glue stick improves adhesion for most materials on most plates:
- Apply a thin, even layer
- Let dry for 30 seconds before starting
- Especially important for: ABS, PA, PC, PETG (on smooth PEI)
5. Lower first layer speed
Lower speed on the first layer gives better contact between filament and plate:
- Default: 50 mm/s for first layer
- Try: 30–40 mm/s
- Bambu Studio: under Quality → First layer speed
6. Check plate condition
A worn plate gives poor adhesion even with perfect settings. Replace the plate if:
- PEI coating is visibly damaged
- Cleaning doesn't help
7. Use brim
For materials prone to warping (ABS, PA, large flat objects):
- Add brim in slicer: 5–10 mm width
- Increases contact area and holds down edges
Special cases
Large flat objects
Large flat objects are most prone to detachment. Remedies:
- Brim 8–10 mm
- Increase bed temperature
- Close chamber (ABS/PA)
- Lower part cooling
Glazed surfaces
Plates with too much accumulated glue stick can become glazed. Wash thoroughly with water and start fresh.
After filament change
Different materials require different settings. Check that bed temp and plate are configured for the new material.