KnowledgeBase
Defect Library
Surface Quality

Blobs & Zits

low severity🔧 Moderate Fix

Blobs and zits are small round protrusions or defects on the print surface, most commonly at the seam (where each layer starts and ends) or at random points from retraction inconsistencies.

retractionseamextrusionpressureAffects: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA

Root Causes

#1

Pressure in the nozzle not fully relieved at layer seam

#2

Retraction not dialed in correctly

#3

Coasting distance not set (extra extrusion at end of move)

#4

Start/end point of layers not optimized (seam not hidden)

#5

Filament moisture causing micro-pops

#6

Nozzle partial clog causing pressure buildup and release

Validated Solutions

1

Enable 'seam hiding' or 'random seam placement' in slicer

2

Fine-tune retraction distance to reduce pressure at seam

3

Enable coasting (stop extruding slightly before end of move)

4

Enable extra restart distance tuning (negative value)

5

Position seam at least visible point on model (inside corners)

6

Dry filament if micro-pops occur

7

Reduce print temperature slightly to lower nozzle pressure

Slicer Settings to Adjust

Seam Position

inside corners or hidden face

set to aligned/hidden

Retraction Distance

±0.5mm adjustment

fine-tune

Coasting Distance

0.2-0.5mm

enable

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