# 3D Print Failure Troubleshooting Checklist

Use this before changing several slicer settings at once.

## Symptom

- Exact failure written down.
- Photos taken from side, top, and first-layer angle.
- Failed model, layer height, nozzle size, and print area recorded.
- Whether the failure is repeatable recorded.

## Material

- Brand, material, color, and spool age recorded.
- Drying or storage state recorded.
- Nozzle size and material checked against filament needs.
- Bed surface and cleaning method recorded.

## Printer

- Printer model, firmware, slicer, and profile name recorded.
- Nozzle, extruder path, belts, pulleys, and bed surface inspected.
- Recent hardware or firmware changes listed.
- For Klipper, exact error and relevant logs captured.

## One Change At A Time

- Save the current profile.
- Pick one next variable: temperature, flow, speed, cooling, retraction, pressure advance, Z offset, or bed surface.
- Reprint the smallest repeatable test.
- Compare before and after photos.
- Keep the old profile until the fix survives a representative print.

## Buy Only After Evidence

- Dryer or dry box: repeated moisture-like symptoms across profiles.
- Nozzle: clog, wear, abrasive filament, or incompatible nozzle material.
- Build plate: clean surface still fails with known-good first-layer setup.
- Hotend or extruder parts: repeated mechanical symptoms after simple maintenance.