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
| Material | Warping risk | Requires enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | Low | No |
| PETG | Low–Moderate | No |
| ABS | High | Yes |
| ASA | High | Yes |
| PA/Nylon | Very high | Yes |
| PC | Very high | Yes |
| TPU | Low | No |
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)
- 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