How To Fix 3D Printed Circles Not Coming Out Round

Circles are part of pretty much everything cool. You need them to make things like clocks or musical instruments. Your machine should be able to print round shapes, so if your circles are coming out as ovals, octagons, or blobs, it’s important to figure out what is going wrong and how to fix it.

This article covers the 3 main issues we’ve discovered during our 3D printing adventures, and exactly how we’ve fixed them, with some FAQs for other similar issues for getting the best circular results. With some simple troubleshooting, you can fix your issue and be back to perfect circle 3D printing.

The Main Reasons Your 3D Printed Circles Don’t Come Out Round – And How To Fix:

Loose Motor Belts
3D File is Too Simplified
Extruder Incorrectly Calibrated

Table Of Contents

The Main Reasons Your 3D Printed Circles Don't Come Out Round – And How To Fix:
1. Loose Motor Belts
- How To Fix
2. 3D File is Too Simplified
- How To Fix
3. Extruder Incorrectly Calibrated
- How To Fix
FAQs

1. Loose Motor Belts

If you print a circle and it comes out looking more like an oval or a misshapen diamond, you probably have loose motor belts.

Loose belts will affect both a circular printed part and circular cut-outs, such as a hole for a screw.

How To Fix

To fix this problem, you need to tighten the belts of both the x and y-axis. Loosen the bolts and move the axis arm outward to tighten the belts. Screw the bolts back on, and that should fix your problem.

You’ll know if it has worked – the edges of your circle will be even and round.

better circle after first time tightening belt — Better circle print after the first round of tightening the belts. Source: Reddit

2. 3D File is Too Simplified

If you try to print a circle but it comes out as a polygon with many straight sides, your STL file may have been reduced to a lower resolution.

In 3D printing, no lines are truly round. All circles are made up of many small triangles that come together to give the illusion of a curve.

resolution was reduced after exporting the stl file — Circle model coming out angular due to reduced resolution after exporting the file. Source: Reddit

How To Fix

If your piece has noticeable straight lines, the STL triangles are too big. Change your settings to print the file at a more detailed scale.

Be sure to select the finest resolution necessary for your project when exporting. Check your file in an STL viewer to verify that it looks round.

3. Extruder Incorrectly Calibrated

If your circle has warping or blobs, you might have incorrectly calibrated steps/mm. Your extruder controls how much filament is used in your print, and too much or too little filament will ruin a perfect circle.

How To Fix

In your slicer, check to make sure your steps/mm are correct and recalibrate them if necessary.

Then you should have the proper amount of filament to make your circle round and sturdy.

caused by extruder issue — Extruder issue caused the print to come out misshaped. Source: Reddit

FAQs

Can a 3D printer print circles?

Yes, a 3D printer can print a functional circle. Technically, each shape created by a 3D printer is made with a series of small triangles grouped together to create another shape. So a 3D printed “circle” is a many-sided polygon, but the straight sides are small enough that they create the illusion of roundness.

Do circles need supports for 3D printing?

A 3D printer that is well calibrated and printing at the proper temperature will be able to print circular holes without the use of any extra support. Using supports may be helpful for ensuring round holes, but they can be difficult to remove. Set the printer to the optimal printing setting for circular holes that will stay round.

How do I fix uneven 3D prints?

For uneven 3D prints, check to make sure that your x-axis and y-axis belts are tight. Loose motor belts will create misshapen, uneven prints. To fix warping or filament blobs making parts uneven, calibrate your extruder to the correct steps/mm.

Related posts:

Was this content helpful? Give us your feedback here.

Thanks for your feedback!

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email Copy

3DSourced

3DSourced is a leading authority in the field of 3D printing and scanning, dedicated to delivering expert insights and guidance since 2017. Our team, composed of experienced industry professionals, has been at the forefront of analyzing and reporting on the evolving landscape of 3D technology. Over the past six years, our commitment to quality and accuracy has earned us numerous accolades, including awards for our feature stories. Our hands-on experience is extensive, having rigorously tested more than 20 of the latest models in 3D printers and scanners. At 3DSourced, our mission extends beyond reporting; we strive to make 3D printing accessible and understandable for everyone.

Learn More About 3D Sourced