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How to Fix “PLA Not Sticking to Bed” issue: The best way to get PLA to adhere to the print bed is to make sure that the bed is properly leveled and to use an appropriate temperature for both the bed and the printing process. This will allow the filament to be flexible enough to adhere nicely. In order to construct a more stable base for your model, you can also make use of a raft or brim. Check to see if the nozzle is damaged or clogged, and make sure the print bed is clean. PLA is one of the most commonly used materials for 3D printing; however, some people have reported issues with the first layer not sticking to the build plate.
This can lead to printing issues because the remainder of the part will be constructed on the foundation of the first layer. In this article, we will discuss some of the ways in which one can help to avoid encountering this problem. It is always very important to ensure that the very first layer of your 3D print is always very strongly connected to the build platform of the printer. This is necessary in order for the remainder of your 3D print to be constructed on top of this foundation. In the event that the very first layer does not adhere to the build platform in the correct manner, this will undoubtedly cause issues in later stages. We mentioned below are the ways how to Fix “PLA Not Sticking to Bed” issue.
What is the ‘PLA Not Sticking to Bed’ issue?
When using PLA filament for 3D printing, one of the most common issues that arises is known as the “PLA Not Sticking to Bed” problem. It happens when the first layer of the printed object does not adhere properly to the print bed. This can result in the print being warped, lifted, or completely detached from the bed. Because of this, the print may not come out correctly, resulting in wasted filament.
Before we get into how to fix the problem, you might be curious as to why PLA does not adhere to the bed. Is it possibly due to the fact that the hot bed is not flat? Or perhaps the temperature at which the printing is done is too low. The following are common causes of PLA not sticking to the print bed, which can also help troubleshoot PLA printing in an effective manner.
Causes of the “PLA Not Sticking to Bed” issue
- Incorrect Bed Leveling: Ensure that the printer bed is leveled properly. If it’s not, the first layer may not adhere uniformly.
- Bed Surface Material: The type of surface on the printer bed matters. PLA often adheres well to surfaces like glass with a thin layer of glue or specialized bed surfaces. Ensure your bed material is suitable for PLA.
- Print Bed Temperature: PLA generally adheres well at temperatures between 60-70°C. If the bed is too hot or too cold, it can affect adhesion.
- Extruder/Nozzle Temperature: PLA extrusion temperature is critical. If it’s too low, the filament may not stick well. If it’s too high, PLA can become too soft, affecting adhesion.
- Printing Speed: Printing too fast may not give the first layer enough time to properly adhere to the bed. Slowing down the print speed for the initial layers can help.
- First Layer Height: Ensure the first layer is squished enough onto the bed. Adjust the first layer height to improve adhesion.
- Filament Quality: Low-quality or contaminated PLA can affect bed adhesion. Ensure your PLA filament is of good quality.
How to Fix “PLA Not Sticking to Bed” issue

Clean Your Print Bed
Ensure your print bed is free from any debris, dust, or leftover filament. Use a lint-free cloth or isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface thoroughly. This provides a clean canvas for proper adhesion.
Level the Bed
Accurate bed leveling is crucial. Use your printer’s manual or auto-leveling feature to ensure the bed is at the correct height. A leveled bed ensures that the nozzle is at the right distance from the bed for optimal adhesion.
Apply Adhesive
Consider using adhesives like hairspray, glue stick, or specialized bed adhesives. Apply a thin and even layer to the bed before starting your print. This helps in creating a better surface for PLA to adhere to.
Adjust Printing Temperature
Ensure your extruder and bed temperatures are within the recommended range for PLA. Typically, PLA prints well at temperatures ranging from 190 to 220 degrees Celsius. Experiment with these settings to find the sweet spot for your particular PLA filament.
Slow Down Your First Layer Speed
Reducing the speed of the first layer allows for better adhesion. Slow down the initial layer printing speed in your slicer settings to provide more time for the PLA to adhere to the bed.
Check Nozzle Height
Ensure the nozzle height is appropriate. Too close or too far from the bed can lead to adhesion issues. Adjust the nozzle height as needed, usually around 0.1 to 0.2 mm above the bed.
Use a Raft or Brim
Consider adding a raft or brim to your print. These are extra layers at the base of your print that can enhance bed adhesion. They provide a larger surface area for the first layer, increasing the chances of successful adhesion.
Monitor Humidity
PLA can absorb moisture from the air, affecting its properties. Store your PLA filament in a dry environment or use a filament dryer to prevent moisture-related issues.
Conclusion
The most common kind of filament used for 3D printing is called PLA. It has a user-friendly interface and produces prints of a high-quality. The adhesion of your first layer is absolutely necessary in order to produce a high-quality print. The PLA, on the other hand, frequently does not stick to the bed. Adjusting the settings on your slicer, ensuring that your build plate is not warped or damaged, and leveling the print bed are the three most effective ways to improve PLA adhesion. Continue reading for detailed information on the nine simple fixes for the problem of PLA not sticking to the bed.
Questions and Answers
One of the most common reasons for poor adhesion of your PLA 3D prints to the build platform is an uneven print bed, which is also one of the most common causes. If the print surface is uneven, even by a small margin, the discrepancy will lead to some areas of your print bonding more strongly to the print bed while other areas bond less strongly. This can happen even if the surface is only slightly uneven.
Applying adhesive glues to the build plate in advance of printing is likely the simplest method for preventing warping, and it is also one of the most effective methods. Common adhesives include hairspray, a PVA glue stick, blue painter’s tape, polymer adhesives, or proprietary build plate tape. The type of adhesive used depends on the material in large part; however, some common adhesives are listed here.
Warping is a phenomenon that can occur in the FDM 3D printing process whenever the extruded filament cools too quickly or unevenly. The process of cooling causes the filament to shrink as it solidifies, and if the process is not properly controlled, the upper layers of an object that has been printed can start pulling the bottom layers, causing them to detach from the print bed.
This is due to the fact that some build plates, particularly less expensive ones, are prone to failure over time because they can warp and develop permanent bends in specific areas. Beds that have been damaged or warped are difficult to level, which creates issues with bed adhesion. Investing in a new build plate that is manufactured from high-quality materials can assist you in achieving good bed adhesion.