Retraction and Stringing
How to get rid of unwanted threads between print parts.
Stringing (cobwebs) occurs when filament leaks from the nozzle during travel moves:
⚙️ Retraction settings: • Bowden: length 4–7 mm, speed 40–60 mm/s • Direct drive: length 0.5–2 mm, speed 25–45 mm/s
🌡 Nozzle temperature: • Lower by 5 °C until stringing disappears • Watch for too-low temperature – can cause clogs
⚡ Travel speed: • Increase to 150–200 mm/s • Shorter travels = less stringing
🧪 Other causes and solutions: • Wet filament: Dry the filament • Too high temperature: Lower by 5–10 °C • Ooze control: Enable Wipe before retract • Combing: Move only through infill, not perimeters
🔬 Diagnostics: • Print a stringing calibrator (two columns) • Test only one parameter at a time • Take photos for comparison