Scars on Top Surface

One of the advantages of 3D printing is that the object is built layer by layer. This allows the nozzle to move freely across the print bed since each layer is still constructed below. However, this can sometimes lead to noticeable marks or scars on the top surface of your print, especially on solid top layers. These imperfections occur when the nozzle moves to a new position but drags across the already-printed plastic.

Common Causes and Solutions:

Extruding Too Much Plastic

First, check if you are extruding an excessive amount of plastic. Over-extrusion can make each layer thicker than intended, causing the nozzle to drag through the extra plastic as it moves. Review the ‘Over-extrusion’ article to verify that you are not over-extruding.

Vertical Lift (Z-hop)

If you are extruding the correct amount of plastic and are still experiencing dragging, consider adjusting the vertical lift settings. Enabling vertical lift will raise the nozzle a set distance above the previously printed layer before moving to a new location, helping to avoid scratches.