Strings between parts (stringing)
8 usi3d guides for “Strings between parts (stringing)”, each with the likely causes, how to check which one is yours and the step-by-step fix, with each manufacturer's official sources.
They all apply to any FDM printer, from any brand.
Each guide summarises the official documentation and says whether usi3d has already verified it on a machine.
Any FDM printer (3 guides)
- Damp TPU: strings, bubbles and a rough surface; how to dry it and print it with fewer strings
With TPU there are lots of strings and blobs between the parts of the print, the filament pops or bubbles as it leaves the nozzle, the surface is rough or full of holes…
- Thin strings between parts of the print (stringing)
Thin strands, like cobwebs or hairs, appear between separate areas of the part or between several parts on the same plate, right where the nozzle should only travel…
- Wet filament: how to spot it and dry it
The filament has picked up moisture from the air: bubbles or a little smoke appear when extruding, the surface comes out rough or lumpy, there is a lot of stringing and…
Materials and filament (5 guides)
- How to store spools so they do not absorb moisture or tangle
A spool that was in storage starts producing strings, bubbles or weak layers, or while printing it tangles and stops feeding because the filament end came loose when it…
- Nylon (PA): bubbles, stringing and weak layers from moisture, or parts that warp
When printing nylon, bubbles and popping come out of the nozzle, the surface is uneven and stringy, parts are weaker than expected, or they warp and come off the plate.
- PETG: stringing, plastic stuck to the nozzle and parts that grip the plate too hard
With PETG the part has strings and blobs, plastic builds up around the nozzle and then leaves marks or gaps in the part, or the part sticks so hard to a smooth PEI plate…
- Silk PLA and PLA+: which temperature to use and why they lose shine, have weak layers or clog
Silk PLA comes out matte or with uneven shine, its layers split easily or it clogs at high speeds; or you do not know which temperature to use for a PLA+ because it does…
- TPU and flexibles: they tangle in the extruder, jam in the tube or the multi-colour system, or string
With TPU or another flexible filament, the filament buckles and tangles in the extruder gears, does not feed through the PTFE tube (especially on Bowden printers or long…
Products that may help
Products from the usi3d shop that fit these guides, chosen for the fit and not for the commission. Check that they work with your printer before buying.
More “Print quality” problems
Can't find your case?
Tell usi3d's AI about your case: choose your printer, describe what you see and add photos if you like. It proposes checks step by step, with their sources.