MakerGear Forum

I am getting curling edges on PLA prints. Yes, I am using blue tape, but that does help adhering. I am however getting edges that curl up, even as the print completes successfully.

Everyone literally has a method of attack, so I feel the need to say that first, as you will get a bunch of different answers.

I have tried many many ways to combat various issues. I've gone back and re-tried some methods more than once.

The best solution that I currently use, and have been using for the past 6 months is hairspray. It holds and it holds well.

Garnier Fructis Extra Hold #5.

Yes, that needs hairspray. Be generous with it.

(And for large flat prints that cover a a lot of the bed, leave the print on the plate for several hours so that it can set. PLA can continue to warp and twist after you take it off the plate. Leaving it attached slows that down.)

If that's a single perimeter around the part.... it looks like your z-height might need a little adjusting too. A little more squish on that first layer will hold better.

If you do not want to use glue on tape you will need to use a raft.

bscanlan wrote:curling edges on PLA prints

The massive superstructure of that part looms over a minimal footprint on the platform: the upward forces want to pull the bottom layer off the platform. You can try to improve the adhesion, but it's better to tweak the model to work with the process.

If you flip it over, that will put the broad flanges on the platform, eliminate the overhangs, and put the relatively thin bottom sections in the air. That should also get rid of the support under the arches (which sure look like they'll be crankshaft bearings).

If you can't flip the whole thing, can you cut it in half just over the arches and print both sections in better orientations?

Absent all that, add a wide brim around the bottom to provide enough surface area on the platform to overcome the upward forces.