3D PRINT NOT STICKING TO BED — HOW TO FIX IT

The first layer is the foundation of your entire print. If it doesn't stick properly, the print will detach mid-print, warp, or produce a rough bottom surface. Getting the first layer right eliminates the most common class of print failures.

First layer failure has several root causes: • Bed not level — An uneven bed means the nozzle is too far from the surface in some areas, preventing filament from pressing into the bed. • Z-offset too high — Even with a leveled bed, the nozzle may be too far from the surface. The first layer should be slightly squished. • Dirty bed surface — Fingerprints, dust, and residue prevent filament from bonding. Oils from your skin are the biggest offender. • Bed temperature too low — The surface isn't warm enough to keep the filament soft and tacky. • First layer speed too fast — Filament needs time to bond. Printing the first layer too fast reduces adhesion. • Wrong bed surface for the filament — Some filament-bed combinations simply don't work well.

Level your bed using the paper method: slide a piece of paper between the nozzle and bed at each corner. You should feel slight friction when the gap is correct (about 0.1 mm). Adjust your Z-offset. The first layer should be visibly squished — lines should blend into each other with no gaps between them. If you can see individual lines with space between, the nozzle is too high. Clean your bed with isopropyl alcohol (90%+ IPA) before every print. Wipe in one direction, don't just smear the oils around. Increase bed temperature: PLA at 60°C, PETG at 75–80°C, ABS at 100–110°C. Set first layer temperature 5°C higher than the rest of the print. Slow the first layer to 20–25 mm/s. Increase first layer line width to 120–150% for better surface coverage. Apply adhesion aid: glue stick for PETG on glass, hairspray for PLA on glass. PEI sheets generally don't need any adhesive.

Never touch the print surface with bare hands. Clean with IPA before every print. Re-level your bed every 5–10 prints. Use a PEI spring steel sheet for the easiest bed adhesion experience. Enable a brim for prints with small footprints.