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Why Does my 3D Printer Stop Mid-Print?

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Updated February 20, 2023

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Table of Contents_

Reasons for 3D Prints Failing Mid-Print
Thermal Cutoffs
Clogged Nozzle
Power Supply Issues

Even the best printers can run into problems. Whether you have the best 3D printer or the worst, you will require troubleshooting at some point. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why does my 3D printer stop mid-print?” you may have a problem with your printer’s thermistor, a clogged nozzle, or a power supply issue. Keep reading to learn more.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

A common issue you may encounter when working with 3D printers is a problem with thermal cutoffs. This is a safety measure but can be annoying when it causes a cut-off in printing.
Next, you may be dealing with a clogged nozzle. A grinding sound will tip you off that this is likely your issue. Clearing the clog quickly is essential to prevent damage to your printer.
Finally, a power supply issue could be the root of your problem. Some printers can resume a print after losing power, so make sure the model you’re investing in does.

Reasons for 3D Prints Failing Mid-Print

There are plenty of issues you can run into when using a 3D printer. For example, you might ask yourself, “Why does my 3d printer make a clicking noise?” or even, “Why isn’t my 3d printer extruding?” But when a print job stops suddenly, it can be incredibly frustrating.

Insider Tip

Always ensure your print head is clean to prevent clogs from forming.

Thermal Cutoffs

If you have thermistor issues, you should be thankful your machine stopped in its tracks. If it doesn’t, it can cause damage to the 3D printer or even be at risk of fire. This issue is caused by the probe that monitors the bed and hot end temperatures, cutting off the machine if either gets too hot. If you have more questions, you might want to ask, “What is an all-metal hot end?”

Clogged Nozzle

One common issue you may run into is a clogged nozzle. This can cause a few problems, depending on how clogged the nozzle is. A tell-tale sign is a grinding noise since the filament has nowhere to go because of the clog. You’ll need to clean or replace the nozzle to get it working again. For more knowledge, when purchasing a 3D printer, consider comparing an Anet A8 vs. an Anet A6.

Warning

High extruder temperatures can cause damage to your printer or potential fires.

Power Supply Issues

This is especially an issue for anybody who often runs into problems with their electricity. A loss of power will inevitably cause your printer to cease functioning even at the most critical points in your print. Check your power cord for damage to make sure it’s not the culprit. Also, if you think it’s the outlet, try to plug your printer into another socket. Some printers have a “resume” option that covers power loss, so if this is a potential problem for you, make sure the model you invest in does. Another interesting question is, “Why buy a heated bed 3d printer?”

STAT: As of 2017, Ultimaker was the 3D printer manufacturer that had the largest market share, with 10.1 percent of the market. (source)

Why Does my 3D Printer Stop Mid-Print? FAQs

How hard is it to print a 3D model?

A detailed print can take upwards of hours to complete, and the blueprints for the job can be intricate. At the end of the day, it depends on the overall complexity of the 3D model.

How can I prevent a nozzle clog?

There’s nothing more aggravating than dealing with a ruined spool of filament due to a nozzle clog. The best way to avoid this is not to use cheap filament that is likely to cause an issue.

What can I do to resolve printing issues?

Finding the real issue is your first step. From there, plenty of guides exist online to walk you through the troubleshooting process. From stuck filament to a broken extruder motor, it’s all available.

Should I stick with the default settings on my 3D printer?

Generally, this will depend on the types of prints you want to create. However, you should ensure you thoroughly understand the system you’re working with before changing settings.

References:

Beth Huston

Beth has an eye for all things editorial, overshadowed only by her drive to understand everything through dedicated research. You can find Beth reading fantasy in her spare time… especially if it’s by Brandon Sanderson.