The correct first adjustment is to check and adjust the bed leveling or Z-offset to ensure a proper first layer height. This is because FDM print warping and poor adhesion are almost always rooted in the distance between the nozzle and the build plate; if the nozzle is too high, the extruded PLA filament fails to be adequately squished against the heated bed, preventing it from sticking and causing edges to curl up as the plastic cools. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of 3D printer maintenance and common troubleshooting steps within the hardware and network troubleshooting domain. A common trap is to immediately adjust the heated bed temperature or change the filament type, but the foundational fix is always mechanical alignment first. Remember the memory tip: “First layer, first fix” — always verify the nozzle-to-bed gap before changing any other settings.
220-1201 Printers Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of printers. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is deploying a 3D printer that uses fused deposition modeling (FDM) in a school lab. After several test prints, the prints are warping at the edges and not adhering to the build plate. The filament is PLA, and the build plate is heated. Which adjustment should be made first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Adjust the bed leveling or Z-offset to ensure proper first layer height
Warping and poor adhesion in FDM printing are often caused by an incorrect first layer height or bed leveling. If the nozzle is too far from the bed, the filament does not squish enough to stick. Adjusting the bed leveling or Z-offset ensures proper first layer adhesion.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Increase the nozzle temperature by 10°C
Why it's wrong here
Higher nozzle temperature may improve flow but does not address the root cause of poor adhesion; it could even worsen warping.
✗
Apply a layer of glue stick to the build plate
Why it's wrong here
Adhesives can help, but if the bed leveling is off, they won't fix the fundamental issue of nozzle distance.
✓
Adjust the bed leveling or Z-offset to ensure proper first layer height
Why this is correct
Correct first layer height is critical for adhesion; the filament must be slightly squished onto the bed. Leveling the bed is the primary adjustment.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reduce the print speed
Why it's wrong here
Lower speed can help with adhesion but is secondary to correct bed leveling; it won't fix the issue if the nozzle is too far from the bed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Printers — This question tests Printers — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Adjust the bed leveling or Z-offset to ensure proper first layer height — Warping and poor adhesion in FDM printing are often caused by an incorrect first layer height or bed leveling. If the nozzle is too far from the bed, the filament does not squish enough to stick. Adjusting the bed leveling or Z-offset ensures proper first layer adhesion.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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