3D Printing Troubleshooting: Inconsistent Extrusion Rate

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3D Printing Troubleshooting: Inconsistent Extrusion Rate

If extrusion isn’t smooth and consistent, you’ll see bands, gaps, or blobs throughout your print. This can result from hardware issues, filament inconsistencies, or extruder calibration problems. Consistent extrusion is essential for strength and surface finish.

Symptoms:

  • Visible banding or inconsistent lines.

  • Weak spots in prints.

  • Blobs followed by thin areas.

Causes:

  • Worn extruder gear.

  • Moist filament.

  • Inconsistent nozzle temperature.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Check extruder gear for wear/dirt.

  2. Dry filament thoroughly.

  3. Verify hotend maintains stable temperature.

  4. Calibrate extrusion steps/mm.

Prevention Tips:

  • Use filament with tight diameter tolerance.

  • Maintain extruder regularly.

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