<p>I have two theories to offer.</p>

<p><strong>It is really dripping</strong>.  If this is the case, the likely culprit is a loose part in the hot-end, namely the nozzle/heating block coupling, or the heating block/heat break one.  If this is the case, you should be able to see it by visually inspecting the part.  The solution in this case is to fully disassemble the parts, clean them thoroughly of any remaining plastic, and reassembling them <em>while hot</em>.  This is essential, as parts that are assembled cold have the tendency to come loose when heated (due to thermal expansion).</p>

<p><strong>It is overextruding</strong>, and the nozzle collect and drag around the excessive plastic, until the blob is big enogh to detach and remain on the bed.  If this is the case, then you should <a href="https://www.matterhackers.com/articles/how-to-calibrate-your-extruder" rel="nofollow noreferrer">calibrate your extruder</a>, and the <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L6GJWHwrTmY" rel="nofollow noreferrer">nozzle height</a>.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-02-18T21:30:35.983Z
You are right.

There is a leak of PLA on top of the heating block.

So I'll have to disassemble it :-(

Thank you very much for your help.
Jnavero
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-02-19T08:40:58.463Z
@Jnavero - have a google around for how to disassemble the hot end.  The heat break expecially, that you will have to unscrew, is rather fragile.  Even if the part is loose, you may have to warm it up before disassembly, as the cold plastic may act as glue.
mac
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-02-18T20:29:23.320Z
2018-02-18T20:29:23.320Z
mac
<p>I have a problem with my 3d printer. When I am printing, the printer seems to drip. 
I am very confused because I never saw this before and I do not know what to do.</p>

<p>I attach a picture of it.</p>

<p>Why does this happen?</p>

<p>Thank you very much for yours ideas.</p>

<p>DATA: </p>

<ul>
<li><p>Printer: Anet A8</p></li>
<li><p>Material: PLA</p></li>
<li><p>Temperature: 200ºC</p></li>
</ul>

<p>I Have enable retraction and I tried to disable it without changes...</p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/sWzzi.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/sWzzi.jpg" alt="Image Drip"></a></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-02-18T21:19:37.280Z
Closely watch those 2-3 first layers and you'll have some good ideas about what's happening (or what is not happening).
Valmond
<prusa-i3><pla><extruder><calibration><hotend>
3d printer drip problem
Jnavero
# 3d printer drip problem

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-02-18)

I have a problem with my 3d printer. When I am printing, the printer seems to drip.
I am very confused because I never saw this before and I do not know what to do.

I attach a picture of it.

Why does this happen?

Thank you very much for yours ideas.

DATA:

* Printer: Anet A8
* Material: PLA
* Temperature: 200ºC

I Have enable retraction and I tried to disable it without changes...

[![Image Drip](https://i.sstatic.net/sWzzi.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/sWzzi.jpg)

**Tags:** prusa-i3, pla, extruder, calibration, hotend
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Closely watch those 2-3 first layers and you'll have some good ideas about what's happening (or what is not happening).  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2018-02-18. Score: 4 | Accepted answer

I have two theories to offer.

**It is really dripping**. If this is the case, the likely culprit is a loose part in the hot-end, namely the nozzle/heating block coupling, or the heating block/heat break one. If this is the case, you should be able to see it by visually inspecting the part. The solution in this case is to fully disassemble the parts, clean them thoroughly of any remaining plastic, and reassembling them *while hot*. This is essential, as parts that are assembled cold have the tendency to come loose when heated (due to thermal expansion).

**It is overextruding**, and the nozzle collect and drag around the excessive plastic, until the blob is big enogh to detach and remain on the bed. If this is the case, then you should [calibrate your extruder](https://www.matterhackers.com/articles/how-to-calibrate-your-extruder), and the [nozzle height](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L6GJWHwrTmY).

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: You are right.  There is a leak of PLA on top of the heating block.  So I'll have to disassemble it :-(  Thank you very much for your help.  
> **username_2**: @Jnavero - have a google around for how to disassemble the hot end.  The heat break expecially, that you will have to unscrew, is rather fragile.  Even if the part is loose, you may have to warm it up before disassembly, as the cold plastic may act as glue.  

---

