3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
Hello and thanks for reading! I have a few problems so I'll try to keep this concise.
After setting up 1st level calibration, Z-level was set to -1.600. I attempted to print this file
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1913526
By slicing in Prusaslicer. The only modifications I remember making was reducing the size to about 20%. When I started the print, the nozzle immediately was too low and appears to have scratched my board:
Could someone help me with removing the stuck PLA?
I attempted the same print again, this time starting the Z-level at -0.500, and this seemed to be correct and the print came out fine. Am I to understand that a .stl file can change the Z-level calibration, or is something else wrong?
Next, I attempted this print:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4572941
I also reduced this print's size, and it initially seemed perfectly fine at Z-level -1.600. However, partway into the first layer, the nozzle suddenly came closer to the board, smashing the filament. If I recall correctly, this print didn't do a bed level test beforehand. Is that something I need to change in Prusaslicer as well?
Thank you for reading, if I didn't make sense somewhere please feel free to ask for clarification. I'm very excited to finally have a 3D Printer, but I seem to be having a lot of issues at the forefront!
Best Answer by HeartoftheChords:
Thank you everyone for the answers. I ended up figuring out what was wrong, and it was just a dumb error on my part.
When setting up my printer in PrucaSlicer, I jumped the gun and accidentally created a new printer profile instead of setting up a Mini+ profile, thus all the settings were out of wack for my printer, including not telling the printer to do a bed level before every print.
I reset my PrusaSlicer, and now we're in business! Thanks again everyone for the help. I'm sorry it was such a dumb error of mine, but I hope this thread helps someone in the future with the same problem!
RE: 3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
Could someone help me with removing the stuck PLA?
I use the edge of a failed or scrap print as a scraper. If it is reluctant to move put the plate in the freezer for ten minutes and it should be easier.
Then clean the sheet with dishwashing detergent (Dawn/Fairy) and plenty of HOT water, rinse well and dry with a fresh paper towel. Handle by the edges only.
The nozzle clipping the print is often due to poor adhesion, one end lifts off the bed into the path of danger. Cleaning will improve the adhesion.
It reads like you have still not got your first layer calibration quite right. The Z-level is different for every printer, as long as it does not go below -2 your printer can be calibrated.
For most people it pays to use 7x7 mesh bed levelling.
Many beginners have problems with the built-in first layer calibration routine. There are alternatives, see this page by a regular poster here:
http://projects.ttlexceeded.com/3dprinting_mk3_live_z_calibration.html
and look at this thread:
https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting/life-adjust-z-my-way/
At the end of the calibration you are aiming to print a single layer *sheet*. It should be possible to peel it off in one and fold it without the threads seperating. If it breaks into lines it is too high, not squished enough. If it is a single sheet but with wavy lines or drag marks on it you are too low.
If in doubt, post a picture of the first layer calibration result.
Hth, Cheerio,
RE: 3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
@diem
Thank you for the response! I've had one success thus far which was removing the stuck PLA, so thank you! However, that's the only success so far.
I looked through those links, and downloaded one of the first layer calibrators to try out. Before anything, I did a bed level test, which seemed to be fine. Here's a video of what happened with the print. Basically the far right is clearly too high, the middle might be okay, and the right was literally scraping the bed. These were all without (or barely) touching the live Z-level.
Here's a picture I took after to show the problem.
Any further help is appreciated, thank you!
RE: 3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
Make sure that there isn't anything between the plate and the bed. A small string of filament, dirt or something else that shouldn't be there will make quite a difference.
As mentioned earlier, use the 7x7 calibration, that will handle an uneven surface better.
Also check that the SPINDA sensor is fastened. Mine came loose after some time (probably my own fault...) and resulted in a scraped plate.
RE: 3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
@heartofthechords
I've had a similar problem but not quite as bad as yours. I adjusted the XZ Axis skew which helped a lot but still having some issues. If you search for this in the help section it will make a big difference. I still think my bed is slightly out which is causing my issue.
RE: 3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
@marvin-4
Thank you both for your responses! Before getting into my responses, I wanted to point out that it seems all my problems are coming from downloaded GCodes. When I run the onboard first layer calc, everything is smooth and even. Is there a setting I'm missing in PrusaSlicer that adjusts and/or turns off the bed leveler and Z-level calibration before a print? 2/3 of my downloaded prints haven't had a bed level at the beginning, and I'm guessing that's my main problem.
Marvin,
-Checked the bed, nothing underneath
-I tried looking into the 7x7 calibration, but I can't find it in my settings. Is this something that is one a printer other than the Mini +?
-Could you link me to fastening the Spinda sensor? I tried googling, but couldn't find any info
@robbie-3
-Thanks for the suggestion! I looked it up, tried turning that screw a full turn (what is recommended) and it was still pretty bad. I'm afraid to go further, but will if I have to. Although, I would think the bed leveling should solve the problem anyways, right?
Thanks again for all the help!
RE: 3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
7x7 Mesh Bed Levelling is for the Mk3 series printers!
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: 3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
@marvin-4
-I tried looking into the 7x7 calibration, but I can't find it in my settings. Is this something that is one a printer other than the Mini +?
-Could you link me to fastening the Spinda sensor? I tried googling, but couldn't find any info
I missed that this was a Mini, a machine I know nothing about, sorry.
I assume that the Spinda problem could still be an issue though. Check step 11 in "4. Print head & Heatbed assembly"
https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/4-print-head-heatbed-assembly_201450#201918
Just try to pull, push and rotate the sensor with you fingers. Not too hard, just make sure that it's not moving.
RE: 3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
@heartofthechords
Its the zx skew, not screw you need to adjust. Unfortunately the pinda probe will only work over slight differences in the heat bed.
RE: 3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
@joantabb
I wish the mini had it. It really helps with the MK3S.
--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: 3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
Thank you everyone for the answers. I ended up figuring out what was wrong, and it was just a dumb error on my part.
When setting up my printer in PrucaSlicer, I jumped the gun and accidentally created a new printer profile instead of setting up a Mini+ profile, thus all the settings were out of wack for my printer, including not telling the printer to do a bed level before every print.
I reset my PrusaSlicer, and now we're in business! Thanks again everyone for the help. I'm sorry it was such a dumb error of mine, but I hope this thread helps someone in the future with the same problem!
RE: 3 Questions: Z level changing after calib., PLA stuck to board, Leveling issue
@diem
Thank you for the response! I've had one success thus far which was removing the stuck PLA, so thank you! However, that's the only success so far.
I looked through those links, and downloaded one of the first layer calibrators to try out. Before anything, I did a bed level test, which seemed to be fine. Here's a video of what happened with the print. Basically the far right is clearly too high, the middle might be okay, and the right was literally scraping the bed. These were all without (or barely) touching the live Z-level.
Here's a picture I took after to show the problem.
Any further help is appreciated, thank you!
I had some weird issues with the bed on the mini not being flat. So what I would suggest is if you need to print on the outer layer of the bed. create two stripes of thing painters tape. Run them on the left and right outer edges. Then re-level the bed. Since the mini is running at 100 for the print speed if the nozzle is to far away from the bed the pla will move easily causing big problems really early for the print.
When I ran the wizard my nozzle was at -1.485. After the painters tape and a custom bed leveling model my new settings are at -1.565. So far so good. It should be noted that running the nozzle on the outer edges will move your nozzle down by almost 0.1mm. Thankfully the auto bed leveling offset the new settings but allow for prints to hit the bed of the bed. I had zero issues with the wizard until I had a print that used almost all the bed and my bed leveling issues popped quick.