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Troubleshooting

🛠️ Troubleshooting Guide

Common issues in FDM 3D printing and how to deal with them.
Applies to UltiMaker Cura and UltiMaker series printers.

Model Not Sticking to Build Plate

Check build plate alignment — all four pins must be seated properly.
Clean the plate — grease from fingers reduces adhesion; always wear gloves. Please speak with a technician, and we will wipe it down using IPA wipes.
Leveling issue — Yuwei will help with re-levelling.
Material Mismatch — Confirm the filament type in the machine matches the UltiMaker Cura profile and set the temperature accordingly.

  • Build plate temperature: 75
  • PLA temperature: 215, printing speed 80 - 120
  • TPU temperature: 225, printing speed 40 - 80
  • PVA temperature: 225 , printing speed 30 - 60, support type: Normal, Blob type: Brim.
  • PETG temperature： 245, printing speed 80 - 120

Holes Too Small / Pins Too Large

FDM printing tends to make holes undersized and pins oversized.
Solution: Add clearance (0.1–0.2 mm) when designing.
If already printed, carefully sand or file the part (but not in the lab please).

Layer Shifts / Misaligned Print

Check that the build plate is firmly locked.
Check your model in Ultimaker Cura - Preview page - X-Ray view, fix your model if there is anything shown in red in the X-Ray view.
And report to Yuwei to check the timing belts, rails etc.

Stringing or Oozing

Caused by filament leaking during travel moves.
Try lowering the printing temperature slightly.
Enable or increase retraction settings in Cura.
Set the fan spining speed higher.

“Conflict” Error Shown on the Machine Screen

It means the loaded filament or print core (AA/BB) does not match the Cura profile.

  • AA is for PLA, TPU, PETG
  • BB is for PVA
  • We use 0.4 nuzzles at the moment, so you will need to set Print Core to be AA 0.4 for material 1, and BB 0.4 for material 2, uncheck the material 2 box in Cura.

  • Click on the material icon on the 3D printer screen, and check the available materials and nozzles for the correct combination.
    Message Yuwei if you need other types of material to be loaded on a certain machine.

    Print Head Rubber Damaged

    • The silicone shroud/wiper around the nozzle is broken or missing.
    • Do not print until replaced, please report to Yuwei, she will replace it.

    📊 Quick Reference Table

    Problem Likely Cause Solution
    Model not sticking Grease on plate, misalignment, wrong leveling 1.Set the build plate temperature to 75, and materials in right tempreture (PLA -> 215)
    2. Or talk to Yuwei, she will use IPA to clean plate, and then re-level bed
    Holes too small / pins too large Printing tolerance issue (FDM shrink/expansion) Add 0.1–0.2 mm clearance in design; sand if needed (please don't sand in the lab)
    Layer shifts / misaligned print Loose plate, loose belts, vibration Lock build plate, check belts, ensure stable surface
    Stringing / oozing Too high temperature, weak retraction Lower temp, enable/adjust retraction in Cura
    “Conflict” error Wrong filament or nozzle/core mismatch Check machine screen; confirm material/core and change in your Cura
    Print head rubber damaged Worn or broken silicone shroud Stop printing and report to Yuwei
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