<p>This is probably caused by too few top layers in combination with a too low infill percentage. Increase skin layers and increase infill percentage.</p>
<p>If you have multiple layers already (at least about 4 for 0.2 mm layer height, for smaller layer heights even more), you might be printing at a too high temperature and or too few part cooling percentage and a too low infill percentage.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-12-31T08:43:04.553Z
Spot on, somehow my skin layer value got changed to 1, thanks a bunch it works now
user168694
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-12-30T22:40:26.710Z
2021-01-30T17:35:25.427Z
2021-01-30T17:35:25.427Z
0scar
<p>To combat the bad top layers, I usually use usually 5 top layers for any model of layer height 0.1 to 0.3 mm. I generally don't print with less than 9 % infill for PLA, which I have found sufficient to support even complex geometry on top.</p>
<p>Also, I generally use a mixed setup of layers: the outermost layers I demand as concentric because this is the most beautiful setup, while the lower levels are Zig-Zag patterned, as this gives the best layer-to-wall connection.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-30T17:34:03.320Z
For PLA? PETG or ABS is printed hotter and usually without much part cooling flow, so 9 % may be too less for materials that are printed hotter.
0scar
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-30T18:01:51.477Z
Eh, yes, but 9% was minimum
Trish
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-30T16:24:47.780Z
2021-01-30T18:01:23.753Z
2021-01-30T18:01:23.753Z
Trish
<p>I have a Monoprice Maker Select Plus (Wanhao Duplicator i3 clone) and I'm having issued with the top layer of my prints. The bottom surface and the sides always come out perfect but my top layer is left with gaps in it. I have tried adjusting the print temperature, flow rate, print speed and layer height all with no success. I use Cura for my slicing software. If anyone knows how to help it'd be much appreciated</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/MZFpf.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Closeup of failed print"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/MZFpf.jpg" alt="Closeup of failed print" title="Closeup of failed print" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/45rzs.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Failed print"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/45rzs.jpg" alt="Failed print" title="Failed print" /></a></p>

<ultimaker-cura><monoprice-maker-select-plus>
Gaps in top layer of prints
user168694
# Gaps in top layer of prints

(Asked by: username_0 on 2020-12-30)

I have a Monoprice Maker Select Plus (Wanhao Duplicator i3 clone) and I'm having issued with the top layer of my prints. The bottom surface and the sides always come out perfect but my top layer is left with gaps in it. I have tried adjusting the print temperature, flow rate, print speed and layer height all with no success. I use Cura for my slicing software. If anyone knows how to help it'd be much appreciated

[![Closeup of failed print](https://i.sstatic.net/MZFpf.jpg "Closeup of failed print")](https://i.sstatic.net/MZFpf.jpg "Closeup of failed print")

[![Failed print](https://i.sstatic.net/45rzs.jpg "Failed print")](https://i.sstatic.net/45rzs.jpg "Failed print")

**Tags:** ultimaker-cura, monoprice-maker-select-plus

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2020-12-30. Score: 3

This is probably caused by too few top layers in combination with a too low infill percentage. Increase skin layers and increase infill percentage.

If you have multiple layers already (at least about 4 for 0.2 mm layer height, for smaller layer heights even more), you might be printing at a too high temperature and or too few part cooling percentage and a too low infill percentage.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Spot on, somehow my skin layer value got changed to 1, thanks a bunch it works now  

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### Answer by username_2 on 2021-01-30. Score: 1

To combat the bad top layers, I usually use usually 5 top layers for any model of layer height 0.1 to 0.3 mm. I generally don't print with less than 9 % infill for PLA, which I have found sufficient to support even complex geometry on top.

Also, I generally use a mixed setup of layers: the outermost layers I demand as concentric because this is the most beautiful setup, while the lower levels are Zig-Zag patterned, as this gives the best layer-to-wall connection.

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: For PLA? PETG or ABS is printed hotter and usually without much part cooling flow, so 9 % may be too less for materials that are printed hotter.  
> **username_2**: Eh, yes, but 9% was minimum  

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