3D Printing Troubleshooting: Blobs/Zits and Other Surface Defects

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3D Printing Troubleshooting: Blobs/Zits and Other Surface Defects

Blobs, zits, and random surface defects appear when the printer starts/stops extrusion inconsistently or changes layers without smoothing. They don’t always affect strength, but they ruin aesthetics.

Symptoms:

  • Random blobs on walls.

  • Zits at layer start/stop points.

  • Small raised bumps ruining smooth surfaces.

Causes:

  • Retraction tuned poorly.

  • Inconsistent pressure in nozzle.

  • Poor seam alignment settings.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Enable “coast at end” or “wipe” in slicer.

  2. Optimize retraction settings.

  3. Use “randomize seam” or “align seams” for consistency.

  4. Reduce extrusion multiplier slightly.

Prevention Tips:

  • Use pressure advance/linear advance to improve flow control.

  • Print at moderate speed for smooth walls.

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