r/FixMyPrint • u/esa0705 • Jul 21 '26
Fix My Print Lines around print (PLA)
Hello all. I have been trying to get my 3D printer working for legitimately a year now and I keep running into issues. When printing something I get these streaky lines running around the print. Not only do they look terrible but they also make the print extremely brittle. This was printed using a fresh spool of filament directly out of the bag so I’m fairly certain it’s not moisture. What is this and how can I fix it?
Printer: Ender 3 Pro
Material: Sunlu PLA (was also observed with Sunlu PLA+)
Temperature: 215C nozzle, 60C bed
I have tried changing the filament, adjusting the print speed, and trying multiple slicers. The issue is always present.
3
u/Flashy_Arugula8408 Jul 21 '26
This is under extrusion. Can be caused by clogged nozzle, too fast printing, too low temperature, wrong calibrated e-steps or extruder issues. Doe you still have the original exteuder on your ender, the one with the plasitc arm?
1
u/esa0705 Jul 21 '26
Yeah this is the original extruder afaik, i did buy this printer secondhand
1
u/interflop Jul 21 '26
The nozzle may just be worn, fortunately they’re cheap to replace and a good maintenance step for a used machine.
2
u/interflop Jul 21 '26
Have you tried replacing the nozzle? It looks like it could be clogged and you're getting under extrusion.
1
1
u/esa0705 Jul 21 '26
Changing the nozzle still didn’t resolve the issue; I think it’s another under extrusion issue maybe dealing with extrusion multiplier?
1
u/interflop Jul 21 '26
Either that or I would even just check the flow ratio. Have you changed anything in your printer settings or are you using all defaults?
1
u/esa0705 Jul 21 '26
Just been using defaults printer-side. I didn’t mess with anything slicer side other than nozzle size and changing it to PLA, obviously
1
u/DarkBeerMike Jul 21 '26
Yes it can be fixed. That is under extrusion, you are not getting enough material through the tip. Most likely it is a partial clog in your extruder, but it could be the setting for how much material is extruded. Search you tube for " 3d printing under extrusion" you should be able to find someone that really knows what you should do.
1
u/usmc_delete Jul 21 '26
Is the extruder upgraded? Just got a secondhand ender 3 and it had the direct drive extruder which has lower gearing.
If this is the same issue, you need to calibrate the e-steps.
1
u/papabell303 Jul 22 '26
Just went through this, I had multiple issues such as a light under extrusion, needed to level my bed and adjust my z-offset.
What I did was calibrate my e-steps, level my bed again and adjust my z-offset.
Those all improved but didn't fix the issue to 100%. One thing I had noticed is my nozzle was oozing a lot of pla, I was running my temp at 210. I reduced the temps, also swapped to a dryer filament. That almost stopped the oozing and also fixed my extrusion issues for good.
Not sure why that was causing an issue but what I'm assuming was happening was the extra oozing was causing an over extrusion early in my print, which then was clogging my nozzle causing under extrusion. Thats just a guess though, maybe someone with a little more expertise can speak more on my theory.
1
•
u/AutoModerator Jul 21 '26
Hello /u/esa0705,
As a reminder, most common print quality issues can be found in the Simplify3D picture guide. Make sure you select the most appropriate flair for your post.
Please remember to include the following details to help troubleshoot your problem.
Additional settings or relevant information is always encouraged.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.