FAQ |

Why doesn’t the filament flow out of the nozzle?

Failure of the filament to flow out of the nozzle can have several causes. The most common are:

Printing temperature too low

Raise the temperature of the nozzle. To see at what temperature range the filament works best, you can print a temperature tower for the material.

Clogged nozzle

Problems can arise, for example, if the filament contains glitter or wood particles, or has been contaminated by improper storage (always store the filament in a sealed bag). In such a case, you can try doing a “cold pull,” which involves yanking the filament, which has cooled to some extent, out of the nozzle.

Filament is not fed through the extruder

The cause may be too weak or too strong pressure on the gear. In the latter case, the filament can be scraped, causing a buildup of particles that can clog the PEI tube. In the case of flexible filaments (FiberFlex, MattFlex, TPE, TPU), too much pressure can cause the filament to wrap around the gear.

Too little distance between the nozzle and the table

Lowering the table/lifting the nozzle will allow the filament to flow out of the nozzle, preventing blockage of the material.

Why are there strings on the 3D print?

Retraction settings

Proper retraction setting involves two elements:

retraction length
speed of retraction

The retraction length determines by how many millimeters the material is to be retracted when performing retraction. This value will vary depending on the material and the type of extruder. A direct type extruder requires a shorter retraction (about 0.5 – 1.5 mm). A bowden extruder, i.e. one in which there is a long Teflon tube between the extruder and the nozzle, requires a longer retraction, e.g. 5 mm. Too long a retraction can lead to clogging if the molten filament is withdrawn into the cold hotend zone.

The speed of retraction determines how dynamically this movement is to be performed. Too slow a retraction, will not be effective because it will allow the filament to continue to flow out before its withdrawal occurs. Too fast, can lead to clogging of the nozzle or a fragment of melted polymer remaining in the nozzle. Fast retraction can also lead to damage to the filament by the extruder knurl.

Finding the right setting often requires many attempts in which retraction tests help.

Too high a temperature

Overheated filament will have a higher fluidity, resulting in a decrease in retraction efficiency. Gradually lowering the temperature by, say, 5°C should help solve the problem.

Wet filament

Moisture which the filament absorbs from the environment can also be the cause of the appearance of flossing during retraction. Water particles present in the nozzle, cause a suspension of pressure in the nozzle, leading to uncontrolled flow of the filament and lowering the efficiency of retraction.

Filament and stringing

Some types of filament have a higher tendency to thread than others. Such filaments are, for example:

FiberWood
copolyesters (PET-G, PCTG, CPE-HT)
FiberFlex (due to the recommended short retraction)

Why are the corners of the print warping up?

Polymers for 3D printing have different shrinkage propensities, which divides them into easy and difficult to print.

Materials easy to print (low shrinkage)	Relatively easy (medium shrinkage)	Materials difficult to print (high shrinkage)
– PLA – Copolyesters (e.g. PET-G, PCTG)	– ASA – Flexible Filaments – PP	– ABS – Nylon – PC

How to prevent warping of the bottom layers of a 3D print?

Application of adhesive preparations

Adhesive agents help improve the adhesion of the polymer to the surface of the printer table.

Material	Adhesive agent
PLA	masking tape, PVA glue, hairspray
ABS / ASA	Kapton tape, ABS “juice”
PET-G/ PCTG	Masking tape, hairspray
PA12	Magigoo PA
FiberFlex / MattFlex	masking tape
PP (Polypropylene)	office tape

Turn off cooling on lower layers

Cooling down the lower parts of the model too quickly can lead to curling of the corners and, consequently, even to the model peeling off the table during printing.

Use of brim or raft

The purpose of the brim and raft is to increase the contact surface to the table surface. They are supposed to prevent the actual model from peeling off the working surface.

Why don’t the print layers stick together or crack?

Too weak interlayer adhesion causes weakening of the model and, consequently, cracking. The causes can be:

Printing temperature too low

Printing at too low a temperature causes the polymer to cool too quickly, preventing the individual layers of the model from bonding firmly. Increasing the printing temperature by several degrees will improve the results.

Too much cooling

Too much cooling will also cause weakening of the connections between layers. For filaments such as PET-G, ABS, ASA, Nylon, CPE HT, it is advisable to use minimal windage, and turn it off if possible (where the geometry of the model does not require it, e.g. overhangs, bridges).

No closed chamber

PLA and filaments based on it can easily be printed on almost any printer. However, in the case of many materials that require higher temperatures, such as ABS or Nylon, it may be necessary to create the right conditions for a durable model. Of greatest importance here will be to protect the print being created from a blast of cool air (e.g., air conditioning, open window) and to ensure a constant ambient temperature throughout the printing process to avoid shrinking of the model’s middles.

Too high a layer

Layer height has a major impact on the model’s printing speed. However, by setting too high a value for this parameter, you can cause subsequent layers not to be “pressed” with sufficient force into the previous ones. It is assumed that the correct relationship between the diameter of the nozzle used and the layer height should be about 1.25. This means that in the case of a 0.4mm nozzle, the height should not exceed 0.32mm for a layer.

How to prevent prints from detaching itself from the bed?

3D print peeling off the table or lack of adhesion on the first layer is one of the most common causes of 3D printing failure. There can be several reasons for this:

Dirty table

The reason is prosaic, but very often it is the one that stands in the way of a successful print. A properly prepared table should be cleaned of residue from previous prints and degreased, such as with glass cleaner or vinegar.

Unleveled table

Depending on the printer, it may be equipped with an automatic system for leveling the table or require manual adjustment by, for example, adjusting the level of tightening the screws. Refer to your printer’s documentation for instructions on how to level the table.

Too much distance between the nozzle and the table

For a perfect first layer, the correct height of the nozzle above the table (Z-axis) is crucial. The ideal layer should be gently compressed, but the nozzle should not dig into the already laid filament.

The height of the first layer can be adjusted directly from the printer’s control panel, increasing the height of the Z-axis with so-called “baby-steps”. Asking a negative value brings the nozzle closer to the table, while positive values move it away.

Low table temperature

Increasing the temperature of the table can increase the chances of proper adhesion of the polymer to its surface. This prevents shrinkage of the cooling material , caused by the operation of the print cooling fan as well as drafts on printers with an unenclosed chamber.

Recommended table temperatures:

PLA / FiberFlex: 50-70 °C
PET-G: 90°C
ABS / NYLON: 90-110°C

Poor adhesion

If the above tips do not help, it may be necessary to increase adhesion by using additional structures, such as brim or raft, or by using adhesives.

The latter can include both dedicated chemistry in the form of: sprays (such as Dimafix) and liquids (Magigoo).

However, it is not uncommon that homemade methods in the form of: masking tape (e.g., TESA), hairspray or office glue stick (PVA) will be ideal.

Can Fiberlogy filament be used in contact with food?

The raw material contained in the natural versions of Fiberlogy’s PET-G, Easy PET-G, PCTG and CPE HT filaments is approved for food contact.

Download:

If you intend to undertake production of products intended for sale and/or food contact, obtaining all approvals is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the final product.

The approval of the final product (3D print) for food contact is a complex issue, which is affected not only by the raw material, but also by the conditions of manufacturing the final product (printer, environment, model geometry). Microorganisms can accumulate and multiply in the interlayer cavities of each print.

Wet filament

Because the polymers used in 3D printing are more or less hygroscopic, i.e. able to absorb moisture from the environment, the quality of the print can deteriorate over time. Improper storage of the filament accelerates this process.

How to know that the filament has become wet?

hissing and shooting of the filament during extrusion from the nozzle;
weakening of adhesion between layers;
deterioration of mechanical properties of finished prints;
deterioration of the visual appearance of the printed surface.

How to dry 3D printing filament?

Filament dryer – professional filament dryers are very useful when working with materials that tend to absorb moisture from the environment, and the investment incurred can quickly pay off.

Oven – a home oven works very well in the role of a filament dryer. Using it in this role, however, one should be very careful, about temperature fluctuations and to properly set the device, so that instead of, for example, 60°C it does not apply us 160°C. Another important aspect is the question of drying the polymer in a food-grade device, that is, whether we want the baked one to have a “subtle hint” of nylon or ABS in it.

It was supposed to be 80°C, and it came out 180°C

Fruit and vegetable dryer – popular home food dryers with minor modifications can very effectively replace their professional and expensive counterparts.

Filament drying temperatures and times

PLA, FiberWood: 50°C / 4h
ABS: 60°C / 4h
ASA, PA12+CF15, PA12+GF15 : 80°C / 4h
BVOH: 50°C / 4h
PET-G, CPE HT, PCTG: 60°C / 4h
FiberSatin, FiberSilk: 40°C / 4h
PA12: 70°C / 4h

How to store the filament to avoid moisture?

Fiberlogy filament is delivered with a resealable bag along with a moisture absorber. We recommend sealing the filament in this bag every time after use. Materials such as Nylon should be printed directly from dryers or sealed containers.

Where to search for models for 3D printing?

Cults3D

One of the fastest growing sites providing models for 3D printing. It features both free and paid models. Cults3D allows you to publish and sell models in STL, OBJ, 3MF, CAD, STEP, etc. formats of your own creation.

Thingiverse

The oldest and well-known platform offering only free models for 3D printing. Owned by MakerBot – a leading manufacturer of 3D printers, the site has been operating since 2008. The site makes it easy to browse models by category and places a strong emphasis on issues related to education through 3D printing.

MyMiniFactory

It’s a great place for people who are looking for high-end 3D models in the areas of games, fan-art and shtick and architecture. The MMF includes the Scan the World project, which provides free access to an extensive database of 3D scanned artworks from around the world.

Printables

Owned by PrusaLAB (maker of the Prusa MK3 and Prusa MINI 3D printers, among others), the site’s database of printable models is growing rapidly. Most of the models are made available for free, although Printables has also recently introduced a store where models can be sold. A portion of the models also have print-ready .gcode files made available.

Yeggi

This is a useful site that, while not a database of models per se, makes searching for them easier. Yeggi is a search engine that aggregates the resources of Cults3D, Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory and other sites, among others.

CGTrader

CGTrader offers access to a rich database of licensed 3D models including those for 3D printing. Some of them are made available for free.

Pinshape

Pinshape is another “marketplace” that allows you to buy models for 3D printing. In addition to paid models, free files are also available there. The service was acquired in 2016 by 3D printing giant FormLabs.

MakerWorld

The newest platform owned by BambuLab, a manufacturer of popular printers. The fast-growing site offers a place for users to share free models along with ready-made print profiles for specific BambuLab printers.

GrabCAD Library

The service is dedicated to engineers, designers, fabricators and students who are looking for more advanced designs or want to share the fruits of their labor. Not all models, indicated as 3D printable, will make it to print.

Fiberlogy spool weight and dimensions

New Fiberlogy spool: about 290g

Old Fiberlogy spool: about 330g

How to put a refill on a Fiberlogy spool?

Are Fiberlogy filaments compliant with RoHS and REACH directives?

All filaments produced by us comply with RoHS and REACH directives. For more extensive information about the filaments, please refer to the MSDS documents published on the individual product pages.
Download: RoHS Declaration

REACH is a European Union regulation adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the hazards that chemicals can pose, while increasing the competitiveness of the EU chemical industry. It also promotes alternative ways of assessing the risks posed by substances in order to reduce animal testing.
In principle, REACH applies to all chemicals – not only those used in industrial processes, but also in our daily lives, such as in cleaning products, paints, and products such as clothing, furniture and electrical appliances. Therefore, the regulation affects the operation of most companies throughout the EU.

REACH places the onus of proof testing on companies. To comply with the regulation, companies must identify and manage the risks associated with the substances they manufacture and market in the EU. They must demonstrate to ECHA how the substance can be used safely, and are required to provide users with information on risk management measures.

If the risks cannot be managed, authorities can restrict the use of the substance in various ways. Ultimately, the most dangerous substances should be replaced with less dangerous ones.

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. The regulation came into effect on June 1, 2007.

echa.europa.eu

Can I buy filament from the Fiberlogy website?

Fiberlogy does not conduct retail sales. Our products are available through a network of Resellers available in many countries. This makes it possible to easily access Fiberlogy filaments almost anywhere in the world.

A list of Resellers of our 3D printing filaments can be found at this link.

Where to search for models for 3D printing?

Cults3D

One of the fastest growing sites providing models for 3D printing. It features both free and paid models. Cults3D allows you to publish and sell models in STL, OBJ, 3MF, CAD, STEP, etc. formats of your own creation.

Thingiverse

The oldest and well-known platform offering only free models for 3D printing. Owned by MakerBot – a leading manufacturer of 3D printers, the site has been operating since 2008. The site makes it easy to browse models by category and places a strong emphasis on issues related to education through 3D printing.

MyMiniFactory

It’s a great place for people who are looking for high-end 3D models in the areas of games, fan-art and shtick and architecture. The MMF includes the Scan the World project, which provides free access to an extensive database of 3D scanned artworks from around the world.

Printables

Owned by PrusaLAB (maker of the Prusa MK3 and Prusa MINI 3D printers, among others), the site’s database of printable models is growing rapidly. Most of the models are made available for free, although Printables has also recently introduced a store where models can be sold. A portion of the models also have print-ready .gcode files made available.

Yeggi

This is a useful site that, while not a database of models per se, makes searching for them easier. Yeggi is a search engine that aggregates the resources of Cults3D, Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory and other sites, among others.

CGTrader

CGTrader offers access to a rich database of licensed 3D models including those for 3D printing. Some of them are made available for free.

Pinshape

Pinshape is another “marketplace” that allows you to buy models for 3D printing. In addition to paid models, free files are also available there. The service was acquired in 2016 by 3D printing giant FormLabs.

MakerWorld

The newest platform owned by BambuLab, a manufacturer of popular printers. The fast-growing site offers a place for users to share free models along with ready-made print profiles for specific BambuLab printers.

GrabCAD Library

The service is dedicated to engineers, designers, fabricators and students who are looking for more advanced designs or want to share the fruits of their labor. Not all models, indicated as 3D printable, will make it to print.

Fiberlogy’s new spool (ABS version), and drying of the filament

The first versions of the new spool were manufactured from ABS. This could lead to spontaneous disintegration of the spool as a result of drying at temperatures above 60°C. To prevent such cases, we immediately decided to change the plastic to PC (polycarbonate), which is also entirely recycled. A series of tests confirmed that such a spool can withstand drying temperatures of up to 90°C.

How to identify an ABS spool?

ABS spools are characterized by a uniform appearance of all holes. Spools made of PC have characteristic round holes in the third row counting from the inside of the spool.

How to prepare a spool made of ABS for drying?

In order to ensure that the spool of the older type is not damaged in the drying process, we recommend modifying it by drilling holes close to the core of the spool and fastening it together with cable ties.