It’s definitely frustrating when your Prusa MINI, a printer known for its reliability, starts producing failed prints. Many users, especially those new to 3D printing, encounter issues where prints begin successfully but then seem to unravel mid-print, ending up as a tangled mess. If you’re experiencing prints that are winding up in failure, similar to the image below, you’re not alone, and there are common causes and solutions to explore before you consider your MINI an expensive paperweight.
Failed Prusa MINI print showing filament winding up
One potential culprit for these types of failures is related to bed adhesion and first layer calibration. If the initial layers aren’t properly stuck to the print bed, or if the nozzle height is not correctly set, the print can detach and become dislodged as the print progresses. This can lead to the nozzle printing in the air, resulting in the “winding up” effect you’re seeing. Another related issue can stem from problems with the MINDA probe, which is crucial for auto-leveling. If the probe isn’t functioning correctly or calibrated accurately, it can lead to inconsistent first layers and subsequent print failures.
Furthermore, filament flow issues, such as partial nozzle clogs, can also contribute to prints failing mid-way. A partial clog can cause inconsistent extrusion, leading to weak layers that are prone to shifting or detaching. This can be exacerbated if the filament isn’t purged correctly or if there’s a build-up of material in the nozzle. When failures occur, it’s not uncommon to find the nozzle clogged, requiring manual cleaning with a needle after heating it up.
To get your Prusa MINI back to producing successful Mini Prints, start by revisiting the first layer calibration and ensuring your MINDA probe is correctly positioned and functioning as described in Prusa’s official troubleshooting guides. Clean your print bed thoroughly to improve adhesion and consider using a brim or raft for prints with small bed contact areas. Finally, check for any signs of nozzle clogs and perform a cold pull or nozzle cleaning if necessary to ensure smooth filament extrusion. By systematically addressing these common issues, you can often resolve these frustrating print failures and get back to enjoying the capabilities of your Prusa MINI.
