3D printing is a simple, cost-effective way to create unique plastic designs to accommodate your business’ needs. At Faro Industries in Rochester, NY, their technicians can create everything from replacement machine parts to blister packaging to keep your goods safe for distribution.

Though the products 3D printers produce are often flawless, the printers can act up. The team at Faro Industries shares some of the most common 3D printing problems:

Pillowing

When printing thin layers of raised plastic, like those used in blister packs, it’s not uncommon for the first version to show signs of pillowing. When plastic pillows, it leaves holes along the top surface of the raised area, rendering the print useless for most applications.

Leaning

Sometimes, the printer’s mechanisms can get misaligned, causing prints to lean or appear off-centered. This can be fixed with a simple adjustment and realignment on the computer.

Unfused Layers

3D printers build components layer by layer. Occasionally, the layers will not fuse together on larger pieces. This leaves a series of gaps and open spaces throughout the material, making it unusable.

Over-Extrusion

When the printer puts out too much plastic, the layers bleed and melt over each other, leading to a messy appearance and dysfunctional piece of equipment. Adjusting the amount of plastic used on each layer will quickly resolve the problem.

Overheating

Since 3D printing requires the plastic to be warm enough to shape, it does put out heat. When working on some smaller products, the printer can overheat the plastic, causing the overall shape to warp, even when other aspects of the design are perfect.

Missing Bottom Layer

Sometimes, the printer will fail to extrude plastic at the beginning of the print cycle. Since each piece is made to detailed specifications and measurements, this can throw off the finished product. In this case, it’s best to reprint the item to ensure everything matches the design specifications.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to get the equipment and packaging you need, contact the 3D printing experts at Faro Industries. They’ll design and create the perfect solution to your business’s needs. Visit their website for more information on their professional plastics and call (585) 647-6000 to speak with a member of their staff.