PF Print Fixes

Calibration

PETG Stringing In OrcaSlicer

In OrcaSlicer, PETG stringing is easiest to solve when temperature and spool condition are proven before retraction or pressure advance changes.

Independent third-party notes. Verify firmware, heater, electrical, and vendor-specific work against official documentation for your exact printer.

Quick Readout

In OrcaSlicer, PETG stringing is easiest to solve when temperature and spool condition are proven before retraction or pressure advance changes.

PETG Stringing In OrcaSlicer visual diagnosis

Visual diagnosis

Match the visible pattern before changing settings.

Looks like this
  • Hairs across tower gaps after travel moves.
  • Glossy blobs or nozzle buildup near seams.
  • Rough extrusion if the PETG spool is damp.
Not this
  • Fixing a dirty plate, clogged nozzle, slipping belt, or wet spool with calibration numbers.
  • Using benchmark values without a verification print.
  • Changing multiple calibration variables in the same run.
Look for Stringing between separate features after travel.
First test Run the same tower 5 C cooler.
Do not do Do not tune pressure advance as the first fix.

Before / after

Compare one small test, not a whole print.

Use the same small test before and after the change so the comparison means something.

Before: hairs across travel moves
Before: hairs across travel moves
After: same tower with only minor wisps
After: same tower with only minor wisps
Illustration by Print Fixes.
Stringing two-tower test STL preview
Preview diagram, not a printed result.

Download a quick test

Stringing two-tower test

Compare temperature or retraction changes with the same spool.

File
STL
Typical time
8-15 min
Dimensions
70 x 25 x 45 mm overall.
Footprint
70 x 25 mm
Height
45 mm
Download STL
What it testsCompare temperature or retraction changes with the same spool.
When to use itUse when the same symptom repeats and you need a small proof print.
Keep unchanged
  • Material
  • Nozzle
  • Bed surface
  • All slicer values except the one variable being tested
Expected good resultThe symptom improves on the same test without creating a new failure.
Failure result meaningIf the result does not change, stop tuning that variable and switch branch.
Slicer notes
  • Keep the same spool, nozzle, and cooling.
  • Do not change flow while testing temperature or retraction.
  • Use the same travel and wall speed for before/after prints.

Still not matching?

Jump to the next likely diagnosis

PETG Filament Settings Dial in PETG filament settings by tuning temperature, drying state, first-layer contact, cooling, and plate release without damaging the build surface. 3D Print Stringing Fix Fix 3D print stringing by checking temperature, moisture, and retraction in the right order. Start with one small test before changing the whole slicer profile. OrcaSlicer Pressure Advance Calibration OrcaSlicer Pressure Advance Calibration: run a focused calibration test, record the result, and avoid mixing multiple slicer changes in one print.

Problem Pattern

PETG strings across travel moves while the rest of the part may look acceptable. The trap is changing retraction, wipe, pressure advance, and flow all at once.

Likely Causes

  • PETG is printed too hot for the spool.
  • Spool moisture is causing extra ooze and rough wisps.
  • Retraction was copied from another extruder type.
  • Pressure advance or flow changes are masking the real temperature problem.

Print Context

Applies to
PETG, OrcaSlicer, direct drive and Bowden printers
Best first move
Run one PETG temperature step on the same tower.
Do not start with
Pressure advance or retraction before temperature and moisture.

Recommended Checks

0/4 done
Start with the first check. Keep this page open while you test. The checklist saves on this browser so you can come back after the print finishes.

Verification

  • Strings reduce on the same tower without matte weak walls.
  • Retraction changes do not create clicking or under-extrusion after travel.
  • A normal PETG part has fewer wisps and stable seams.

After the test

Use the result, do not keep changing random settings.

If one check clearly changes the print, repeat that exact test once before moving on. If nothing changes, switch diagnosis instead of stacking more slicer edits.

Try next diagnosis Open full checklist

Warnings

  • Do not tune PETG retraction from a PLA profile.
  • Too much cooling or too low temperature can weaken PETG.
  • Wet PETG can make a correct OrcaSlicer profile look broken.
Useful when
  • Changing Retraction calibration with a measurable test instead of trial and error.
  • You are saving calibration values by filament, nozzle, and printer.
Skip if
  • Fixing a dirty plate, clogged nozzle, slipping belt, or wet spool with calibration numbers.
  • Using benchmark values without a verification print.
More traps to avoid
  • Changing several slicer settings at once and losing the actual cause.
  • Ignoring filament condition or bed cleanliness while tuning advanced values.
  • Keeping one global profile for different materials, brands, colors, and nozzle sizes.

Bench Note

Calibration result note to save in the slicer profile
Page: Retraction Calibration
Printer / firmware:
Slicer profile:
Filament brand and material:
Nozzle size:
Bed surface:
Recent changes:
Result to compare next:

FAQ

When should I run Retraction calibration?

Run it after the printer is mechanically sound and the filament is in reasonable condition, otherwise calibration hides another problem.

How many settings should I change at once?

One. Save the old profile, change one value, and verify on the same test so the result means something.

Where should I record the value?

Store it with printer, filament brand/color, nozzle size, build plate, slicer version, and date.

Sources

Prusa: Stringing and oozing Accessed 2026-05-20 OrcaSlicer calibration wiki Accessed 2026-05-20

Related Pages

PETG Filament Settings Dial in PETG filament settings by tuning temperature, drying state, first-layer contact, cooling, and plate release without damaging the build surface. 3D Print Stringing Fix Fix 3D print stringing by checking temperature, moisture, and retraction in the right order. Start with one small test before changing the whole slicer profile. OrcaSlicer Pressure Advance Calibration OrcaSlicer Pressure Advance Calibration: run a focused calibration test, record the result, and avoid mixing multiple slicer changes in one print. Retraction Calibration Retraction Calibration: run a focused calibration test, record the result, and avoid mixing multiple slicer changes in one print. Bed Mesh Calibration Bed Mesh Calibration: run a focused calibration test, record the result, and avoid mixing multiple slicer changes in one print.