Sometimes, seeing a problem—and how to fix it—on video is the best way to learn. In this curated guide, we’ll match common 3D printing flaws with popular YouTube videos that demonstrate solutions. Whether you’re dealing with under-extrusion, bed adhesion woes, or unsightly stringing, these knowledgeable creators have you covered.
1. Under-Extrusion & Weak Layers
What It Looks Like
- Thin or broken walls, incomplete top layers, or brittle prints that snap easily.
- Visible gaps between extrusion lines.
Top Tips (Overview)
- Check extruder steps (E-steps) for correct calibration.
- Make sure your nozzle isn’t partially clogged.
- Use high-quality, dry filament.
Recommended Video
2. Warping & Curling Corners
What It Looks Like
- Print corners curling up from the build plate.
- Parts no longer lying flat, especially with materials like ABS or PETG.
Top Tips (Overview)
- Use a heated bed and enclosure (if possible).
- Apply adhesives (e.g., glue stick, hairspray) or use specific build surfaces.
- Increase bed temperature or add bed insulation.
Recommended Video
3. Stringing & Oozing
What It Looks Like
- Thin strands of filament stretching between parts of the model.
- Excess plastic left behind while the nozzle moves (sometimes called “hairy prints”).
Top Tips (Overview)
- Adjust retraction settings (distance and speed).
- Lower nozzle temperature to reduce filament flow during travel moves.
- Ensure your filament is dry—moist filament can exacerbate stringing.
Recommended Video
4. Layer Shifts
What It Looks Like
- Portions of the print abruptly misaligned or “shifted” on the X or Y axis.
- Stair-step effect, ruining overall part geometry.
Top Tips (Overview)
- Check belt tension and pulley set screws.
- Reduce print speed or acceleration if the printer is skipping steps.
- Make sure no cables or filament spools are snagging the gantry.
Recommended Video
5. Z-Wobble & Banding
What It Looks Like
- Horizontal bands or ridges across the vertical walls of a print.
- Prints appear wavy or inconsistent along the Z-axis.
Top Tips (Overview)
- Ensure your Z-axis lead screw is straight and properly supported.
- Align the coupler between the stepper motor and the lead screw.
- Eliminate any wobble by checking for bent rods or loose brackets.
Recommended Video
6. Poor Bed Adhesion
What It Looks Like
- First layer not sticking, causing the print to fail or shift within the first few layers.
- Edges peeling up or entire prints detaching mid-print.
Top Tips (Overview)
- Re-level or tram your bed carefully.
- Clean the build surface (e.g., with isopropyl alcohol) to remove oils.
- Adjust nozzle-to-bed distance (Z-offset) for optimal “squish.”
Recommended Video
7. Elephant’s Foot (Bottom Layer Bulge)
What It Looks Like
- The bottom of the print flares outward slightly, making the lower layers wider than the rest.
- Difficulty fitting parts together if the base dimension is off.
Top Tips (Overview)
- Reduce bed temperature slightly or introduce a small Z-offset.
- Use a raft or lower the initial layer extrusion multiplier.
- Try adding a chamfer to the base in your 3D model.
Recommended Video
Final Thoughts
Troubleshooting 3D printing issues can feel daunting at first, but YouTube is packed with helpful demonstrations by expert makers who show each step in real-time. By watching how they diagnose and correct problems such as under-extrusion, warping, stringing, layer shifting, and more, you’ll not only learn the fix—but also the why behind each solution.
Keep these curated videos bookmarked, and the next time you notice a print flaw, you’ll have direct access to a trusted source who’s already solved the puzzle. The more you see solutions in action, the faster you’ll become at spotting and fixing issues on your own—making you a more confident 3D printing enthusiast in no time.