Temperature & Filament Stringing

Having problems with filament stringing? There are a few adjustments you can try, but this blog will focus on adjusting the temperature*. First, to ensure you are using the ideal temperature for your printer (and environment), you can try printing a Temperature Tower, which alters extrusion temperatures at set intervals (usually after a certain number of layers or points on the Z axis), allowing you to see the best range of temperatures for your printer and filament. If one section of the tower has more stringing, you will obviously want to avoid that temperature or range of temperatures. You can also continue experimenting with different settings until you find the best printing results. Remember to only adjust one variable at a time in order not to get confused about which precise setting produced the best result.

Typically, different filaments will work better within certain temperature ranges:

• PLA: 190-210°C

For EurekaFilaments PLA: To determine the optimal printing temperature for our PLA, systematically vary the temperature in small increments while printing standardized test objects, and record the resulting print quality and mechanical properties to identify the best temperature range. Once you find the best quality print, record that temperature as a benchmark for our filament. The typical suggested testing range is 190°C to 210°C.

Suggested temperatures for other types of filament include:

• TPU: 210-230°C (bed: 30-60°C)
• ABS: 210-250°C (bed: 90-110°C)
• PETG: 220-250°C
• TPE: 210-260°C (bed: 20-110°C)
• PVA: 160-215°C (bed: 60°C)

If you find temperature isn’t causing the filament stringing, you can try some other adjustments such as:

• Enabling retraction (some testing of the retraction speed may be necessary)
• Adjusting the printing speed
• Checking the filament nozzle for debris or dust (clean gently with a brush if needed)
• Reducing/eliminating moisture content in your filament storage. This can be done by several means, including using silica packets.
• Enabling or increasing cooling fan speed

It can be frustrating when unexpected filament stringing shows up, but making simple, careful adjustments to factors like extrusion temperature can help. Not only that, but finding the right temperature settings for your printer, environment, and filament combinations will improve your print quality overall going forward.

Did these tips help you? Have other tips to add? Let us know in the comments!

*Always consult and follow instructions provided by your printer’s manufacturer before making adjustments.