A Practical Guide

No matter how advanced your 3D printer is, occasional print failures are inevitable. At BritForge3D, we know how frustrating it can be when a print goes wrong especially after hours of waiting. Whether you’re facing warping, stringing, layer shifts, or adhesion problems, this guide will help you identify and fix the most common issues.

1. Warping: Corners Peeling Off the Bed

Symptoms: The base corners of your print curl up and detach from the bed. Cause: Uneven cooling, poor bed adhesion, or lack of bed heat. Fix: Ensure your heated bed is at the correct temperature, clean the build surface thoroughly, and consider using a brim or raft. Materials like ABS are more prone to warping switch to PLA or use an enclosure if needed.

2. Layer Shifting

Symptoms: The layers appear offset or misaligned during the print. Cause: Loose belts, obstructed axis movement, or overheating stepper motors. Fix: Check that X and Y belts are tight and secure. Make sure your printer’s movement is smooth and unobstructed. If it continues, reduce print speed or enable stepper driver cooling.

3. Stringing (Hairy Prints)

Symptoms: Thin strands of filament appear between parts of the model. Cause: Retraction settings are incorrect or nozzle temperature is too high. Fix: Increase retraction distance and speed in your slicer. Lower the nozzle temperature slightly and enable combing or coasting features.

4. Poor First Layer Adhesion

Symptoms: The first layer doesn’t stick to the bed, leading to print failure. Cause: Bed not level, nozzle too far from bed, or greasy print surface. Fix: Relevel the bed manually or using auto bed leveling. Clean your bed with isopropyl alcohol. Add a skirt or brim in the slicer for extra grip.

5. Under-Extrusion

Symptoms: Gaps in layers, weak walls, or missing print segments. Cause: Clogged nozzle, incorrect extrusion multiplier, or inconsistent filament diameter. Fix: Clean or replace the nozzle, verify filament diameter in the slicer, and calibrate the extruder steps/mm. Use higher-quality filament to prevent inconsistencies.

6. Over-Extrusion

Symptoms: Bulging prints, excess filament, stringing. Cause: Extrusion multiplier set too high or filament not measured correctly. Fix: Lower the extrusion flow rate (usually around 95–100% is ideal). Check filament diameter using calipers and update slicer settings accordingly.

7. Zits and Blobs

Symptoms: Small imperfections or bumps on the outer surface of your prints. Cause: Inconsistent retractions, poorly timed layer changes, or extruder pressure build-up. Fix: Enable “coasting” or “wipe nozzle” options in your slicer. Adjust retraction settings and experiment with “Z-seam alignment” to move start points to less visible areas.

8. Ghosting (Ringing or Echoing)

Symptoms: Echo-like lines appear after sharp corners or features. Cause: Mechanical vibrations or too high print speed. Fix: Reduce print speed and acceleration settings. Ensure your printer is on a solid surface and that belts are tensioned correctly.

9. Brittle or Snapping Filament

Symptoms: Filament breaks before reaching the extruder or while spooling. Cause: Moisture absorption or old filament. Fix: Store filament in a dry box or sealed container with silica gel. For best results, dry it before printing — especially for hygroscopic materials like Nylon or PETG.

10. Still Stuck? Let BritForge3D Help

If you’re troubleshooting a stubborn issue and just can’t find the fix, our team at BritForge3D can help. We’ve handled thousands of prints and know how to diagnose even the trickiest failures. Feel free to contact us or upload your file — we’ll offer guidance or even handle the print professionally for you.

Conclusion

3D printing isn’t just about the machine or the model it’s about understanding the entire process. These common issues are a normal part of the learning curve. With experience (and a little help from BritForge3D, you’ll be producing reliable, high-quality prints in no time. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and don’t let a failed print stop your progress!

What You Need to Know

If you’re new to 3D printing, you’re not alone it’s one of the most exciting and accessible manufacturing technologies of the 21st century. In this beginner-friendly guide from BritForge 3D, we’ll walk you through the basics of how it works, the materials used, common applications, and how to get started quickly without needing your own printer!

What Is 3D Printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the process of creating a physical object from a digital model by building it up layer by layer. Unlike traditional subtractive methods (cutting, drilling), 3D printing adds material only where it’s needed making it cost-effective and precise.

How Does It Work?

1. Design: Create or download a 3D model (usually in STL format).
2. Slice: The model is sliced into layers using slicing software.
3. Print: The printer lays down each layer until the object is complete.

Popular 3D Printing Methods

• FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling): Uses thermoplastic filament. Great for strong, functional parts.
• SLA/DLP (Resin Printing): Uses liquid resin cured by light. Best for ultra-fine details and smooth finishes.

What Materials Are Used?

Beginner-friendly 3D prints typically use:

• PLA: Easy to print, biodegradable, great for models and prototypes.
• PETG: Strong and durable, ideal for functional parts.
• Resin: High detail, best for miniatures or jewellery.

Common Uses of 3D Printing

• Prototyping and product development
• Custom tools, brackets, and mechanical parts
• Educational models and STEM teaching
• Hobbyist projects and tabletop miniatures

Why You Don’t Need Your Own 3D Printer

While home printers are popular, you don’t need to buy or maintain one yourself. Services like BritForge 3D let you upload a file, choose materials, and have a professional-quality part delivered to your door no technical knowledge required.

Tips for 3D Printing Beginners

• Start with simple, solid models without thin walls or complex overhangs
• Use free libraries like Thingiverse or Printables
• Check model scale (usually in mm)
• Consider the part’s purpose before choosing a material

How BritForge 3D Can Help

We work with both beginners and professionals to bring ideas to life. Whether you’re printing your first design or need guidance choosing a material, our team is here to help. Just upload your file or send us a message and we’ll take care of the rest.

Conclusion

3D printing is transforming how we design and make things. As a beginner, you’re entering a world of endless creativity and customisation. With the right guidance and support, anyone can turn a digital idea into a physical object and BritForge 3D is here to help you every step of the way.

Which Is Right for Your Project?

When choosing a 3D printing method for your next project, the two most common technologies you’ll encounter are FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and Resin Printing. Both offer unique advantages, and selecting the right one can make all the difference in quality, cost, and turnaround time.

What Is FDM 3D Printing?

FDM printing uses melted thermoplastic filament (like PLA, PETG, or ABS), which is layered onto a build plate to form your object. It’s widely used due to its affordability and ability to create strong, functional parts.

• Best for: Prototypes, mechanical parts, enclosures
• Material choices: PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU
• Pros: Cost-effective, durable, large part sizes
• Cons: Less detailed finish, visible layer lines

What Is Resin 3D Printing?

Resin printing (SLA or MSLA) cures liquid resin with UV light to create highly detailed prints. It’s ideal for small, intricate models like miniatures or dental molds.

• Best for: Miniatures, models, dental parts, jewellery
• Material choices: Standard resin, flexible resin, high-temp resin
• Pros: High detail, smooth surfaces, precision
• Cons: Brittle, messy post-processing, more expensive

FDM vs Resin: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Which One Should You Choose?

If you need a durable prototype or mechanical part, FDM is likely your best bet. But if your design demands intricate detail or surface smoothness, resin printing is the way to go.

At BritForge 3D, we offer only FDM printing so to ensure you get the right solution for your needs please feelfree to Contact us and we’ll help you choose the correct method based on your design and purpose.

Get Started Today

Upload your 3D model and get an instant quote fast, professional 3D printing from a trusted UK supplier. Click here to upload your file.

Before uploading your design for 3D printing, it’s crucial to ensure your STL file is clean, watertight, and printable. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you prepare your file for the best results.

1. Export Your Model to STL Format

Most CAD software can export to STL. Ensure you choose the right resolution — too low and your model looks blocky; too high and the file may be too large.

2. Check for Common Errors

• Non-manifold edges
• Holes or flipped normals
• Unwanted internal faces

3. Repair Your File

Use tools like Netfabb, Meshmixer, or Microsoft 3D Builder to automatically fix file errors before submitting.

4. Scale and Orient

Make sure the size matches your desired output and the orientation is optimal for your print goal.

5. Upload with Confidence

Once your file is ready, head to BritForge3D.co.uk and upload your STL to get an instant quote and professional results.

How Does It Work?

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is the most widely used 3D printing method in the world and for good reason. It’s affordable, reliable, and perfect for functional parts and prototypes.

How FDM 3D Printing Works

FDM printers melt thermoplastic filament (such as PLA or PETG) and lay it down layer by layer to form a solid object. Each layer bonds with the one below it, creating strong and dimensionally accurate parts.

Why Choose FDM?

• Cost-effective for prototypes and short runs
• Wide range of materials for different applications
• Fast turnaround and simple post-processing

Use Cases

FDM is great for enclosures, brackets, tools, fixtures, and concept models. It’s also the ideal starting point for prototyping your invention before moving to production.

At BritForge 3D, we use precision-tuned FDM printers to deliver strong, affordable results. Upload your file today to get started.

Designing for 3D printing is different from designing for injection moulding or CNC. Avoiding these common pitfalls will save you time and frustration.

1. Ignoring Wall Thickness

Thin walls can warp, break, or fail to print. We recommend a minimum of 1.2 mm for FDM and 0.8 mm for resin printing.

2. Overusing Overhangs

Angles above 45° will require support, which affects surface quality and increases post-processing.

3. Not Considering Orientation

Layer orientation affects strength. Consider the direction of stress on functional parts.

4. Forgetting Tolerances

For parts that need to fit together, leave a clearance of at least 0.2 mm for FDM printing.

5. Overcomplicating Features

Simplify your design for faster printing and fewer issues. Avoid unnecessary fine detail unless using resin.

Need design help? Contact BritForge 3D and we’ll review your model.

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting a 3D printing project is choosing the right material. Whether you’re printing a prototype, a mechanical part, or a piece of art, the filament or resin you choose can affect the strength, appearance, and success of your final product.

Why Material Choice Matters in 3D Printing

Every material used in 3D printing has its own set of properties from strength and flexibility to heat resistance and surface finish. Choosing the wrong material can lead to failed prints, brittle parts, or unnecessary expense. Understanding the differences between materials helps ensure you get the best results based on your application.

Overview of Common 3D Printing Materials

• PLA (Polylactic Acid): Easy to print and biodegradable. Ideal for general-purpose prints and prototypes.
• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Stronger and more durable than PLA. Great for functional parts.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Impact-resistant and heat-tolerant. Used in engineering and manufacturing.
• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Flexible and rubber-like. Suitable for phone cases, seals, and wearables.

When to Choose PLA

PLA is perfect for beginners or those creating visual models. It’s affordable, available in a wide range of colours, and prints without warping. However, it’s not the best choice for parts exposed to high heat or mechanical stress.

When to Choose PETG

PETG is ideal for durable parts that need to resist stress or moisture. It offers a good balance between strength and flexibility and is commonly used in mechanical assemblies, tool handles, and enclosures. PETG also has a glossy finish and better UV resistance than PLA.

When to Choose ABS

ABS is known for its high durability and heat resistance. It’s used in automotive components, functional prototypes, and casings. However, it requires a heated print bed and enclosed chamber to prevent warping, and it emits fumes, so good ventilation is essential.

When to Choose TPU or Specialty Filaments

TPU is a flexible filament often used for protective gear, phone cases, and gaskets. Specialty filaments such as carbon fibre, wood-infused, or glow-in-the-dark PLA offer additional features but may require tuning print settings or a hardened nozzle.

Material Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Right Material

• Match material strength and durability to the intended use
• Consider the environment heat, moisture, UV exposure
• Think about flexibility or rigidity as needed
• Balance aesthetics vs. functionality
• Ask for advice if unsure experienced printers can help

How BritForge 3D Can Help

At BritForge 3D, we work with a wide range of materials to suit every project. Whether you’re printing a quick prototype or a batch of custom parts, we help you select the right filament based on your goals, budget, and design needs.

Our experts are happy to recommend the best option for your file. Simply upload your model or contact us for a free consultation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right material is critical to the success of your 3D print. With options like PLA, PETG, ABS, and TPU, there’s a perfect filament for every job and BritForge 3D is here to help you find it. Let us bring your ideas to life with the right balance of strength, detail, and value.

Ordering a 3D print online has never been easier, especially with services like BritForge 3D that let you upload your model, receive an instant quote, and choose your material all in just a few clicks. This guide walks you through the full process so you can get your custom part printed and delivered with confidence.

Step 1: Prepare Your 3D Model

The most common file formats for 3D printing are .STL and .OBJ. Make sure your file is watertight (manifold), properly scaled in millimetres, and error-free. Free tools like Microsoft 3D Builder or Meshmixer can help repair your model if needed.

Step 2: Visit the Upload Page

Go to the BritForge 3D upload page. There, you’ll see a form where you can drag and drop your file. Our system automatically checks it and displays a live quote based on volume, material, and quantity.

Step 3: Choose Material and Options

You’ll be prompted to choose your material options typically include PLA, PETG, ABS, or resin. You can also select print resolution, colour, and whether you want supports removed and parts post-processed (sanded or cleaned).

Step 4: Get Instant Pricing

Once your file is uploaded and options selected, you’ll receive a price instantly. This saves time compared to manual quote requests and gives you transparency over costs.

Step 5: Checkout and Payment

Review your order and proceed to secure checkout. Payments can be made via card, PayPal, or other supported methods. You’ll receive a confirmation email with an estimated delivery timeline.

Step 6: Sit Back While We Print

Your file is queued for printing in our UK-based workshop. We keep you updated throughout the process, and once completed, your part is shipped securely to your door.

Why Order from BritForge 3D?

• Instant online quoting
• Expert print review and guidance
• UK-based production for faster delivery
• Resin and FDM options with high accuracy

Tips for Better Prints

• Check wall thickness minimum 1.2 mm for most parts
• Avoid unnecessary overhangs to reduce support use
• Indicate critical dimensions in your message if needed

Need Help?

If you’re not sure which material to choose or need help fixing your file, contact Us and we’ll guide you through it.

Start your project today: Upload your 3D file now and get your custom part printed with care and precision by BritForge 3D.

How Schools and Colleges Can Benefit

3D printing is transforming education across the UK. From primary classrooms to university engineering labs, this technology allows students to bring their ideas to life developing critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.
At BritForge 3D, we’re proud to support schools, colleges, and educators with high-quality, affordable printing services that bring learning to life.

Why 3D Printing Belongs in the Classroom

3D printing introduces students to the world of design, engineering, and technology in a hands-on, engaging way. Instead of just learning theory, students can prototype, test, and iterate just like professional engineers and designers do.

Educational Benefits of 3D Printing

• Hands-on STEM Learning: Print real-world models to support science, maths, engineering and technology education.
• Encourages Creativity: Students can design and build original projects that they can physically hold and evaluate.
• Bridges Digital and Physical: Teach CAD, design thinking, and prototyping skills with instant physical results.
• Boosts Engagement: Interactive learning that appeals to visual and kinesthetic learners.

Popular 3D Printing Projects for Schools

• Working mechanical gear systems
• Topographic maps and historical models
• Biology models: cells, bones, organs
• Custom tools or classroom organisers
• STEM club competitions and creative design challenges

Supporting the UK Curriculum

3D printing aligns well with the UK’s national curriculum, especially in Design and Technology, Science, and Computing. Students gain digital literacy and problem-solving skills that prepare them for careers in engineering, architecture, product design, and more.

Why Schools Choose BritForge 3D

• Cost-effective printing with bulk education discounts
• Print-ready help and model checking
• Support for both PLA and resin models
• Custom packaging and quick UK delivery

No Printer? No Problem!

You don’t need an expensive school 3D printer. With BritForge 3D, teachers can upload STL files and have models delivered to the school within days ideal for small or large classroom projects.

How to Get Started

If you’re an educator or school leader interested in adding 3D printing to your teaching toolkit, get in touch with us. We’ll help you choose materials, set expectations, and ensure your project fits your classroom goals and budget.

Conclusion

3D printing in education opens the door to interactive, future-ready learning. With expert support and reliable service from BritForge 3D, you can inspire students, reinforce key concepts, and make lessons more engaging one layer at a time.

Why It Matters

When it comes to 3D printing, infill plays a critical role in determining the strength, weight, cost, and print time of your object. Whether you’re printing a functional prototype or a decorative model, understanding infill can help you make smarter design and material choices. At BritForge 3D, we optimise every print to meet your needs and infill is a key part of that process.

What Is Infill?

Infill refers to the internal structure of a 3D printed object. Instead of printing a solid block, most parts are printed with an internal pattern that gives them strength while saving material. The outer shell (or perimeter) is printed solid, while the inside is partially hollow filled with a repeating pattern called infill.

Why Infill Matters

• Strength: More infill = stronger part
• Weight: Less infill = lighter part
• Print Time: Higher infill increases time and cost
• Purpose: Match infill to function (display vs. functional)

Common Infill Patterns

• Grid: Balanced strength and speed. Good for most parts.
• Gyroid: Excellent strength in all directions and efficient material use.
• Honeycomb: Lightweight with moderate strength. Popular for visual appeal.
• Lines: Fastest to print, used for basic prototypes.

Recommended Infill Percentages

How Infill Affects Cost

Higher infill means more material and longer print times which increases the cost. For example, changing from 15% to 50% infill might double the amount of filament used. At BritForge 3D, we help you choose the best balance of strength and budget for your application.

Infill Tips

• Use low infill for decorative or non-functional models
• Choose gyroid or grid for strength and reliability
• Keep in mind that more infill doesn’t always equal better results
• Use multiple perimeters instead of just increasing infill

How BritForge 3D Optimises Infill

We analyse every print job to recommend an ideal infill percentage and pattern based on use, strength, and cost. Whether you’re printing a bracket, toy, or prototype, we tailor each print to perform as needed saving you time and money.

Conclusion

Infill is more than just a setting it’s the backbone of your 3D printed part. Understanding how it works helps you make better decisions, whether you’re designing a prototype or ordering your first custom part. Let BritForge 3D help you find the perfect infill for your next project.