What Causes Warping in 3D Prints and How to Prevent It?

Warping is one of the most common and frustrating issues in 3D printing. A print that starts off perfectly can suddenly peel up at the corners, curl, or even detach entirely from the build plate. If you’ve experienced this problem, you’re not alone. Understanding what causes warping in 3D prints and how to prevent it is essential for producing clean, accurate, and successful 3D models.

This comprehensive guide covers the science behind warping, what factors trigger it, and most importantly—proven solutions to stop it from happening again.

What Is Warping in 3D Printing?

Warping occurs when parts of a 3D print shrink unevenly, pulling away from the build plate. This typically starts at the corners and edges of the object and worsens as the print progresses. Warping can ruin your print’s aesthetics, cause mechanical failures, or even lead to total print detachment.

You’ll know your print has warped if you see:

• Lifted or curled corners
• Cracks between layers
• Uneven first layer adhesion
• The entire model shifting off the bed mid-print

Why Does Warping Happen?

Warping is primarily caused by uneven cooling and thermal contraction of the material during the print process. As the plastic cools, it shrinks. If some parts cool faster than others—especially in the early layers—internal stresses build up and cause the model to pull away from the bed.

Let’s explore the most common reasons behind warping in 3D printing.

1. Material Type and Thermal Properties

Different filaments respond differently to heat. Materials like ABS, Nylon, and Polycarbonate are more prone to warping because they contract more when cooling. PLA is much less likely to warp due to its lower shrinkage rate.

Common warping-prone materials:

• ABS
• PETG (moderate risk)
• Nylon
• PC (Polycarbonate)

Prevention tips:

• Print ABS and Nylon in an enclosed chamber
• Use PLA or TPU for easier, warp-free prints
• Always match temperature settings to the filament type

2. Improper Bed Adhesion

One of the most common causes of warping is poor adhesion between the first layer and the build surface. If the print doesn’t stick well initially, it will lift as it cools.

Prevention tips:

• Clean the build plate with isopropyl alcohol
• Use adhesion aids like glue stick, hairspray, or PEI sheets
• Apply a brim or raft in your slicer
• Level the bed and calibrate nozzle height precisely

3. Incorrect Bed or Nozzle Temperature

When the bed is too cold, the first layer cools too quickly and contracts before the rest of the print is laid down, leading to lifting.

Prevention tips:

• Set the bed temperature according to your filament:
  • PLA: 50–60°C
  • ABS: 90–110°C
  • PETG: 70–85°C
  • Nylon: 90–100°C
• Use an enclosure to maintain stable ambient temperatures
• Preheat your build plate before starting the print

4. Drafts or Cool Air Exposure

Even if your settings are perfect, a sudden breeze or cold room can rapidly cool part of your print, especially the corners.

Prevention tips:

• Use an enclosed printer or build an enclosure
• Avoid printing near open windows, fans, or vents
• Print in a warm, draft-free environment

5. Uneven or Unleveled Build Plate

A slightly tilted bed causes one side of the print to have poor adhesion. This imbalance can lead to warping on one side.

Prevention tips:

• Manually or automatically level your bed before each print
• Use a feeler gauge or leveling paper to ensure even spacing
• Ensure the build plate is flat—not warped itself

6. Rapid Cooling from Part Cooling Fans

Part cooling fans are essential for bridging and sharp detail, especially with PLA. But using them too aggressively with ABS, PETG, or Nylon can cause warping.

Prevention tips:

• Turn off or reduce fan speed for the first few layers
• For ABS, turn the part cooling fan off entirely
• Enable gradual fan ramp-up in your slicer

7. Improper Slicer Settings

Incorrect print settings can exaggerate cooling and lead to deformation. Fast print speeds and small layer heights can also contribute.

Prevention tips:

• Enable “brim” or “raft” features for added bed contact
• Use a slower first-layer speed (20–30 mm/s)
• Increase first-layer height and width for stronger adhesion

How to Fix Warping Once It Starts

If your print is already warping, here’s what you can try:

Pause and Reheat

Pause the print and slightly increase the bed temperature. This can soften the lifting layers and help re-adhere them temporarily.

Add Brims or Rafts

If the warping is only at the corners, adding a brim (a few extra lines around the base) can improve grip and stability.

Apply Adhesive Mid-Print

Carefully apply a thin layer of glue or hairspray to the area where the print is lifting. Resume the print immediately.

Use a Heated Chamber

Transfer your printer to an enclosed area and restart the print under better thermal conditions.

Best Practices to Prevent Warping Entirely

Combining smart print preparation with the right environment and materials can eliminate warping for good.

Choose the Right Filament

• PLA: Minimal warping
• PETG: Moderate warping, good all-rounder
• ABS/Nylon: High warping risk, needs enclosure
• TPU: Flexible, sticks well but requires clean surfaces

Prepare the Print Bed Properly

• Clean it before every print
• Use adhesion aids
• Ensure flatness and correct Z-offset

Improve First Layer Settings

• Print slower for the first layer
• Increase layer height and width (e.g., 0.28 mm for 0.2 mm layers)
• Enable brims in your slicer

Enclose the Print Area

• Use a commercial enclosure or DIY setup with acrylic or cardboard
• Maintain consistent ambient temperature

Keep Filament Dry

• Store filament in airtight containers with silica gel
• Use a filament dryer for sensitive materials like Nylon and ABS

Recommended Tools and Products

These tools are trusted by makers and manufacturers alike.

Expert Tips from the Community

• Always print test squares to dial in bed adhesion before printing large models
• Use brims of at least 8 lines for wide or sharp-cornered models
• When printing tall parts, add stabilizing walls or tabs to hold down corners
• Slow cooling leads to stronger prints—avoid placing printers near air conditioning vents
• Design for warping prevention: Rounded corners are less prone to lift than sharp ones

Communities like Reddit’s r/3Dprinting and forums such as Prusa’s Knowledge Base are full of useful, experience-based advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does ABS warp more than PLA?

ABS has a higher shrinkage rate due to its thermal expansion properties. It cools and contracts more rapidly than PLA, making it more prone to warping without a heated bed and enclosure.

Can I stop warping without a heated bed?

It’s difficult but possible with PLA. Use glue stick, painter’s tape, and slow speeds for the first layer. Avoid ABS or PETG unless your printer has a heated bed.

Does warping affect print strength?

Yes. Warped prints often have poor layer adhesion and structural weaknesses, especially at the base. This can compromise mechanical performance.

Are brims better than rafts?

Brims are faster to print and easier to remove. Rafts provide stronger adhesion but use more material and can leave rough undersides. Brims are ideal for slight warping issues.

How do I keep corners from curling?

Use rounded corners in your model design, apply a brim, increase bed temperature, and avoid drafts. These changes help prevent edge cooling and curling.

Final Thoughts

Warping is a common but avoidable problem in 3D printing. By understanding the causes—like rapid cooling, poor bed adhesion, and environmental factors—you can take effective steps to stop it before it starts. The right combination of filament selection, temperature control, adhesion techniques, and smart design choices can dramatically reduce the chances of your print warping.

Whether you’re creating prototypes, models, or functional parts, mastering warping prevention will ensure more consistent results and higher print quality.

Take the time to prepare, print smartly, and keep your equipment well-maintained—and you’ll enjoy warp-free 3D printing from start to finish.