When to use this guide
Use this page when the symptoms below match what you see on the printer. Work through the checks in order and avoid changing several variables at once.
- PLA will not stick after a plate was touched
- PETG sticks too hard or damages the surface
- ABS/ASA corners lift even with a good first layer
- TPU sticks aggressively or deforms during removal
- Large flat prints lift but small prints work
Most likely causes
These are the most common root causes. The correct fix depends on when the failure happens, which material is loaded, and whether the profile used to work before.
- Bed surface is contaminated with skin oils or residue
- Material needs a different surface or release layer
- Bed temperature is too low, too high, or inconsistent
- Z offset is compensating for a dirty plate
- Drafts or cooling are causing shrink stress
Safe fix order
This order is designed to prevent random tuning. Start with physical checks and material condition, then move into slicer changes.
- Clean the bed properly before changing slicer settings.
- Use a material-appropriate surface and release strategy.
- Tune Z offset with a simple first-layer patch.
- Use brims or mouse ears for larger warp-prone parts.
- Control drafts and chamber temperature for ABS/ASA.
- Document the plate/material combo that works.
Settings and decision notes
PLAClean PEI often works well; avoid over-squishing to compensate for dirt.
PETGCan bond aggressively to some PEI/glass surfaces; use proper release guidance for your plate.
TPUOften adheres strongly. Use care with flexible removal.
ABS/ASANeeds controlled heat, draft protection, and often an enclosure.
Bench checklist
Use this short checklist beside the printer before reprinting the full model.
- Clean surface.
- Confirm correct plate side.
- Set material-appropriate bed temp.
- Tune Z offset.
- Add brim if needed.
- Save plate/material notes.
What to do after it works
Print a small confirmation part before returning to a long print. Save the working material, temperature, cooling, speed, and support notes in Profile Vault so the same problem does not become a repeat mystery.