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Warping

Warping occurs when the corners or edges of a print lift from the plate during or after printing. It is caused by thermal contraction of the material.

What is warping?​

When plastic cools, it contracts. Upper layers are warmer than lower layers — this creates stress that pulls the edges upward and bends the print. The greater the temperature difference, the more warping.

Materials most susceptible​

MaterialWarping riskRequires enclosure
PLALowNo
PETGLow–ModerateNo
ABSHighYes
ASAHighYes
PA/NylonVery highYes
PCVery highYes
TPULowNo

Solutions​

1. Use an enclosure (chamber)​

The most important measure for ABS, ASA, PA, and PC:

  • Keep chamber temperature at 40–55 °C for best results
  • X1C and P1S: enable chamber fans in "closed" mode
  • A1/P1P: use a cover cap to retain heat

2. Use brim​

A brim is a single layer of extra wide edges that anchors the print to the plate:

Bambu Studio:
1. Select the print in slicer
2. Go to Support → Brim
3. Set width to 5–10 mm (the more warping, the wider)
4. Type: Outer Brim Only (recommended)

:::tip Brim width guide

  • PLA (rarely needed): 3–5 mm
  • PETG: 4–6 mm
  • ABS/ASA: 6–10 mm
  • PA/Nylon: 8–15 mm :::

3. Increase bed temperature​

Higher bed temperature reduces the temperature difference between layers:

  • ABS: try 105–110 °C
  • PA: 85–95 °C
  • PETG: 80–85 °C

4. Reduce part cooling​

For materials prone to warping — lower or disable part cooling:

  • ABS/ASA: 0–20% part cooling
  • PA: 0–30% part cooling

5. Avoid drafts and cold air​

Keep the printer away from:

  • Windows and exterior doors
  • Air conditioning and fans
  • Drafts in the room

For P1P and A1: cover openings with cardboard during critical prints.

6. Draft Shield​

A draft shield is a thin wall around the object that keeps the heat in:

Bambu Studio:
1. Go to Support → Draft Shield
2. Enable and set distance (3–5 mm)

Especially useful for tall, slender objects.

7. Model design measures​

When designing your own models:

  • Avoid large flat bases (add chamfer/rounding in corners)
  • Split large flat parts into smaller sections
  • Use "mouse ears" — small circles in corners — in slicer or CAD

Warping after cooling​

Sometimes the print looks fine, but warping occurs after it is removed from the plate:

  • Always wait until the plate and print are completely cool (below 40 °C) before removal
  • For ABS: let cool inside the closed chamber for slower cooling
  • Avoid placing a hot print on a cold surface