Standard Procedures · Workflow & Operations

Diagnose a failed print

Record the symptom. Change one thing. Compare the result.

The result

A fault record that supports a controlled retry or technician handover.

Before you start

A defect can have several causes. Changing several things at once may improve the print, but will not tell you which change helped.

Operators who can safely run the machine. Repairs and advanced calibration need the relevant training.

1.
Describe what happened
Record where the fault appeared and when. "Corner lifted" is an observation; "wrong temperature" is a possible cause.
Check: Another person could recognise the symptom from your description and photo.
2.
Capture the starting conditions
Save the project, profile and material details. Record the machine, nozzle and plate. Photograph the fault and copy any error text.
Check: The failed run can be distinguished from the next attempt.
3.
Check the preview and recent changes
Compare the print with the preview. List changes since the last good run: file, material, machine or settings.
Check: You have a short list of plausible causes, not a list of unrelated settings to change.
4.
Choose a single test
Choose one safe change and predict what it should affect. Use a small test if it reproduces the same issue.
Check: You know what result would support or weaken your hypothesis.
5.
Repeat and compare
Hold other conditions fixed. Record whether the symptom improves, stays or worsens. Return to the baseline before testing a different cause.
Check: You can compare the two runs without reconstructing settings from memory.
6.
Keep the result or hand it over
Save a working change and verify it on a suitable job. If the fault persists or needs service, hand over the record and photos.
Check: The next operator gets a repeatable setup or a clear account of what has already been tried.

The sliced preview already contains the missing or unexpected feature.

Investigate the file and slicing choices before changing the physical machine.

The same job previously worked and one recorded condition changed.

Use that change to form a testable hypothesis. Keep the other conditions fixed.

The fault repeats, the machine is damaged, or the next action exceeds your training.

Stop testing and hand over the record with photos and the exact error message.

01The record distinguishes what you observed from what you think caused it.
02A retry identifies one deliberate change and the conditions held constant.
03The result says whether the original symptom improved, stayed the same or worsened.