How to Fix Stringing in 3D Prints: The Complete Guide

Stringing — those thin, wispy threads of plastic connecting different parts of your print — is one of the most common and frustrating 3D printing problems. The good news: it's almost always fixable with the right slicer settings. Here's everything you need to know.

What Causes Stringing?

Stringing happens when the print head moves between two points without extruding, and molten filament oozes out of the nozzle during that travel move. The main culprits are:

• Insufficient retraction
• Print temperature too high
• Travel speed too slow
• Wet or low-quality filament

Fix #1: Increase Retraction Distance and Speed

Retraction pulls the filament back into the nozzle before a travel move, reducing ooze. In your slicer:

• Direct drive extruders: Start with 1–2mm retraction distance
• Bowden extruders: Start with 4–6mm retraction distance
• Retraction speed: 25–45mm/s is a good starting range

Increase retraction distance in 0.5mm increments until stringing stops. Too much retraction causes clogs, so don't overdo it.

Fix #2: Lower the Print Temperature

Higher temperatures make filament more liquid and prone to oozing. Try reducing your nozzle temperature by 5°C increments. For PLA, aim for the lower end of the recommended range (190–200°C).

Fix #3: Increase Travel Speed

Faster travel moves give the filament less time to ooze. Set travel speed to 150–200mm/s in your slicer. Most printers handle this without quality loss since no material is being deposited during travel.

Fix #4: Enable "Combing" or "Avoid Crossing Perimeters"

This slicer setting routes travel moves through the interior of the model rather than over open air, hiding any stringing inside the print where it won't be visible.

Fix #5: Dry Your Filament

Moisture in filament causes it to bubble and ooze excessively. If you've tried the above fixes and still have stringing, dry your filament in an oven at 45–65°C for 4–6 hours (temperature varies by material).

Print a Stringing Test

Use a stringing test model (widely available on Thingiverse) to quickly evaluate your settings. These models have multiple towers with gaps between them — perfect for seeing exactly how much stringing you have and whether your changes are working.

Quick Settings Reference

With a few targeted adjustments, you can eliminate stringing entirely. Check out our quality PLA and PETG filaments — consistent diameter and proper moisture control mean less stringing right out of the box.