Avoid stringing – how to print without pulling threads

One of the most common errors in 3D printing is stringing : fine threads that appear between the printed parts when the nozzle "pulls" material along. This looks messy and reduces print quality. Fortunately, stringing can be significantly reduced or completely avoided with the right settings.

1. Set retraction

During printing, the print head often moves over empty spaces. Without special settings, molten filament would drip from the nozzle—this is called stringing.

👉 This is where retraction helps: The printer retracts the filament briefly before moving. This reduces the amount of material dripping.

  • If your printer has the extruder directly above the nozzle (direct drive) , a small retraction of approx. 0.5–2 mm is sufficient.
  • If the extruder is positioned further away and guides the filament through a tube (Bowden system), more retraction is required: approx. 4–6 mm .

💡 Tip: Adjust the retraction in small increments and print a small test model. Even a few adjustments can significantly reduce stringing.

2. Adjust the printing temperature

If the temperature is too high, the filament becomes too liquid and drips.

  • PLA: 190–210 °C
  • PETG: 220–240 °C
  • TPU: 210–230 °C
    👉 It is better to start at the lower end of the manufacturer's specifications and increase slowly if necessary.

3. Activate Z-Hop

With Z-Hop , the nozzle lifts slightly when moving over open areas. This reduces stringing because the nozzle doesn't skim along the model.

4. Fan & Print Speed

  • Activate the fan to cool the material faster.
  • Increase travel speed: 180–220 mm/s is a good value.

5. Clean the nozzle

Old residue or burnt filament in the nozzle can also cause stringing. A clean nozzle is therefore crucial for good print results.

👉 How to keep your nozzle clean:

  • Use cleaning needles to carefully clear clogged nozzles.
  • Perform cold pulls regularly:
    Filament is inserted into the hot nozzle and slowly pulled out as it cools. This causes dust, debris, and small residue to cling to the filament and be pulled out with it, clearing the nozzle.

💡 Tip: It's best to use a light-colored or special cleaning filament. This way, you can immediately see if there are any residues left in the nozzle.

Conclusion

Stringing occurs due to excessive material flow or incorrect nozzle movement. With optimized retraction, the correct temperature, Z-Hop, and a clean nozzle, you can print reliably without stringing.

👉 In our shop you will find suitable accessories and cleaning products to make your prints even cleaner.

Back to blog