Which of the following common issues can arise during FDM printing?

Filament jamming in the extruder is a prevalent issue encountered during Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printing due to various factors such as improper filament diameter, poor quality filament, or incorrect printer settings. When the filament is unable to feed smoothly through the extruder, it can lead to incomplete layers, missed steps in the extruder motor, and ultimately failed prints.

This problem typically arises when debris accumulates in the hot end, or when the temperature settings are not appropriate for the material being used. If the extruder is too cool, the filament may not melt sufficiently, causing a blockage. Conversely, if it’s too hot, the filament may deform and not feed properly. Proper maintenance, including cleaning the extruder and ensuring that the temperature settings are appropriate, can help prevent jamming issues.

While color mixing can occur, it is usually more relevant when multi-material or multi-color printers are used without the proper setup. Reduced cooling efficiency and print bed overheating are also concerns, but they do not occur as frequently or directly disrupt the extrusion process in the same manner that jamming does. Therefore, filament jamming is a critical issue that can significantly impact the success and quality of FDM prints.