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  • The top layer of my 3D print has scratches

The top layer of my 3D print has scratches

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

The top layer of my 3D print has scratches

Does the top of your 3D print appear to be scratched during printing? This is usually caused by the nozzle dragging over the printed layer during repositioning of the extruder.

How can you solve or prevent this scratching?

Your 3D print is built up layer by layer, which means that fast printing times can be achieved. However, it sometimes happens that marks appear in the top top layer. These marks are also called scars and can be solved or prevented in various ways.
  • Avoid over-extrusion

    When you suffer from over-extrusion, the filament supply to the extruder is too high, and too much filament flows out of the nozzle. The printed layers are therefore thicker than calculated, so that the nozzle is not lifted enough during repositioning. In this case, the nozzle drags through the previously printed layer and leaves visible marks. Read our article on recognizing and preventing over extrusion for more information.
  • Vertical lift settings

    Do you not suffer from over extrusion, but still suffer from scratching on your 3D projects? Then you can increase the 'vertical lift settings'. These settings ensure that the nozzle is automatically raised before repositioning. If you set the 'Retraction vertical lift' settings to 0.5mm, the extruder will always be raised 0.5mm before it changes position.
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