Understanding Slabbering in 3D Printing: Causes, Issues, and Solutions

Slabbering is a term used in the context of 3D printing to describe the process of excess material being deposited or "slabbed" onto a build surface during the print process. This can occur when the printer's nozzle or extruder is not properly calibrated, or when the build surface is not level or clean.

Slabbering can cause a number of issues, including:

1. Waste: Slabbering can result in a significant amount of excess material being wasted, which can be costly and time-consuming to remove.
2. Poor print quality: The excess material can also lead to poor print quality, as it can cause the printed object to be misshapen or have uneven layers.
3. Clogged nozzles: If the slabbering is not properly cleaned from the nozzle, it can clog the nozzle and cause it to malfunction.

To avoid slabbering, it is important to properly calibrate the printer and ensure that the build surface is level and clean. Additionally, using a heated build surface can help to reduce the amount of slabbering that occurs.